“We offer more than just a fishing experience. Many people are also looking for peace and quiet, and that’s what you get here in Gåstjärn,” says Kenneth Eriksson, chairman of Sollerö Fiskevårdsområde. Kenneth and I sit and look out over the small pond where the rainbows are watching. A warm wind ripples across the water.
“It is not possible to buy a fishing license for Gåstjärn.
You book the entire facility and then you can fish, grill and stay overnight if you want. Gåstjärn is aimed at companies and larger private parties. Companies come here with their staff or invite their customers to an experience out of the ordinary. Just making coffee in an old coffee pot over an open fire can be experienced as a little extra. It is not only companies in Mora and Leksand that are customers. Companies in Borlänge, Västerås and even Hallstahammar have started to find their way out to the wilderness.The demand is high. From midsummer until the beginning of September, all weekends are booked. In July, there are private parties such as family gatherings, summer parties and family holidays. In August, September and October, there are companies. Last year, we actually had a booking during All Saints' Day. The school children from Sollerö school are here fishing during an outdoor day in the autumn. We hope that many of the children will get “bitten by fishing” and continue fishing throughout their lives. It also happens that pensioner associations in Mora and on Sollerön net a few rainbows.
We put in rainbow trout as needed. The important thing is that those who fish really get fish. The fish comes by “tanker truck” from Slot’s fish farm in Björka. But it’s not just us humans who fish here. When the “tanker truck” is here, the ospreys also show up and take a bite of the carcass. The mink is also a constant threat to the stock.”
Gåstjärn Fishing Camp was opened in 2007.
The area up here in Solleröskogen is rich in bogs and small ponds with very clean water. A small stream flows from Umsisjön to Södra Fjärden. And that stream flows through Gåstjärn. The facility can accommodate about 50 people and consists of an overnight cabin for 6 people with space for 15 people around the fire pit as well as barbecue areas, a woodshed and roofed dining areas. All built of timber.
What is also unique about the facility is that it is accessible. Near the pond there are several fishing spots that can be reached by wheelchair.
“The interest in fishing is generally increasing,” says Kenneth. “Gåstjärn Fiske Camp has been joined by similar facilities in Mora-Våmhus. We are collaborating and see it as broadening the market. We have no plans to expand Gåstjärn. However, we are constantly in need of repairs and maintenance. Gåstjärn is located high up and the winter up here is long and rich in snow.”
You can book the entire Gåstjärn facility by calling Kenneth Eriksson 070 582 1721 or Hasse Johnsson 070 207 0723.