Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Atlantic salmon live in freshwater as juveniles but migrate to the sea to take advantage of rich feeding in the ocean. They return to Welsh rivers to breed as adults, typically from spring to late autumn.

Salmon usually return to their native river, and even the same stretch of stream from which they were born, with amazing accuracy.

The largest game fish in Wales, salmon have been caught to 15kg (30lb) or more in Welsh rivers such as the Wye, Dee, Usk and Towy. A ‘migratory’ freshwater rod licence is required to fish for them.

Although in decline in Wales (and the wider UK), salmon are still found in most larger Welsh rivers in numbers that are still fishable.

Catch & release of all salmon is compulsory in Wales and barbless single hooks must be used, along with method restrictions. Salmon fishing rules for Wales can be found here.

Find places to go salmon fishing in Wales here.