The huchen (Hucho hucho), also known as the Danube salmon, is a large, predatory freshwater fish native to the Danube River basin in Central and Eastern Europe. Renowned for its size and elusive nature, the huchen is highly prized among sport anglers but faces significant conservation concerns due to habitat loss and overfishing. The top countries for huchen fishing include Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, where the species is both a symbol of pristine river ecosystems and a draw for eco-tourism. Commercial harvest is limited and heavily regulated, with most fishing now focused on catch-and-release sport angling and carefully managed stocking programs to support dwindling wild populations. These countries have developed niche tourism industries around huchen fishing, attracting anglers from around the world while also emphasizing conservation to protect this iconic species for future generations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.