Scottish salmon and sea trout fishery statistics 2023

Key Points – Salmon

Overall, the number of Atlantic salmon caught by Scottish fisheries in 2023 was fewer than the previous year.

• The total reported rod catch of wild salmon for 2023 is 32,477, the lowest since records began in 1952. This is a decrease of 24% compared to 2022, and 77% of the previous five-year average.
• Catch and release in 2023 accounted for 96% of the total rod catch and 99% of the rod-caught spring multi sea-winter fish (taken before 1 May).
• Reported spring catch in 2023 is 2,366. This is a decrease of 35% on the 2022 season and was 89% of the previous five-year average.
• Reported retained catch for the net fisheries was among the lowest recorded since 1952. Released net-caught fish were reported for the first time in 2021.
• A total of 48 fish were reported as being of farmed origin, representing 0.15% of the total catch, by all methods, in 2023.