The status of salmon in Scotland: 2026

Each year, Scotland assesses the conservation status of 173 wild Atlantic salmon stocks. In most cases, a stock refers to salmon returning to a single river, although some stocks cover several rivers or a Special Area of Conservation.

The assessments use information from rod fisheries, fish counters and analysis of small samples of scales of captured fish to estimate the number, size and age of adult salmon returning to Scotland’s rivers. Estimated returns are compared with internationally agreed conservation limits, which aim to maintain stocks at sustainable levels.

The assessment helps decide whether captured salmon can be kept by fisheries or must be returned to the river. Where a stock is in poor conservation status, fisheries must operate on a catch-and-release basis only. Catch and release means salmon are returned alive to the water after being caught.

Conservation Limits are designed to protect salmon stocks. They are not designed to maintain current levels of fishing. More salmon may be needed to maintain existing fisheries than are necessary to meet the conservation limit.

Salmon returning to Scotland in spring receive extra protection. This is because spring salmon numbers have declined and remain at historically low levels. In addition to local voluntary measures, it is illegal to keep any salmon caught before 1 April each year.

The number of adult salmon returning to Scottish waters estimated through this process can be combined to provide an overview of trends in abundance for the whole of Scotland. These numbers are used within international stock assessment models and management.

The data on Scottish Atlantic salmon stocks presented in these pages can be downloaded.