Atlantic Salmon
Fish
A large, powerful, silver fish with a streamlined body and a slightly forked tail, sometimes showing a few black spots above the lateral line when fresh from the sea.
Facts
- Famous for its life cycle — born in freshwater rivers, migrating to the open Atlantic to feed, then returning to the same river to spawn.
- UK wild salmon populations have declined significantly, making every fish caught an increasingly notable event.
- Shore-caught salmon near estuary mouths are relatively rare compared to river-caught fish.
UK fishing rules
Salmon fishing in UK tidal and estuary waters is tightly regulated and requires a valid rod licence from the Environment Agency (England/Wales), NRW or the relevant Scottish/NI authority; many rivers and coastal stretches now require mandatory catch-and-release. Always check current rules before targeting or retaining salmon.
Where to catch Atlantic Salmon (1 mark)
| Mark | Region | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tongue Bay | Scotland | Jun–Sep | Fly fished in the same channel areas as sea trout |