When the water was once again allowed to flow freely in the Stockån river, it was not long before life returned. Salmon have found their way home to Okome – and are now spawning in stretches that have been closed for generations.
After several hundred years, parts of the Stockån river in Halland have been given a new life – as a free-flowing river. In the spring and summer of 2025, the old dam at Okome was demolished. It has long been a definitive barrier to migration for fish such as salmon, trout and eel.
Fine spawning beds above the demolished Okome mill. Photo: Ebbe Berglund
Natural course brings life
The demolition was carried out as part of the Improve Aquatic LIFE project, which works to restore natural aquatic environments in the River Ätran catchment area. When the dam was removed, the Stockån river regained its natural course, and previously hidden spawning grounds have now become accessible.
When staff from the County Administrative Board of Halland County visited the site on October 29, a very pleasant discovery was made.
It is clear that the measure has quickly had an effect and that salmon have found their way back
The salmon are back
It turned out that the dam removal and the reestablishment of free migration paths produced rapid results. For the first time in many decades, spawning salmon could now be observed on the stretch above the demolished dam. It is clear that the measure has had a rapid impact and that salmon have found their way back to their natural spawning grounds.
In the future, the Stockån can hope for even more adorable small salmon. Photo: Improve Aquatic LIFE.
Many species benefit
In addition to salmon, species such as trout, eel and Freshwater pearl mussel are also expected to benefit from the free flowing waterways. Parts of the mill’s historic structure have been preserved to show the site’s cultural heritage, while the water now flows freely through the restored river channel. The demolition of Okome Mill is an important milestone in restoring waterways and enhancing biodiversity in the Halland river.