News: conservation, legislation and fly fishing across the UK
Wild Atlantic salmon is now endangered in UK waters, catch limits are tightening across Scotland and Ireland, and the pressure on rivers from pollution, abstraction and habitat loss has never been greater. For anyone who fishes for wild trout, sea trout or salmon, staying informed has never mattered more.
Trout & Salmon’s news section covers the stories that shape the sport – conservation developments, regulatory changes, river conditions, hatchery programmes, fishing access disputes and the environmental battles being fought on behalf of the fish we love. We report across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with a close eye on the science and the policy driving change.
This is news written by anglers who understand what’s at stake – on the riverbank and in the legislation that governs it.
Holyrood has passed legislation introducing stronger penalties for serious fish poaching offences in Scotland.
Proposals to reintroduce Britain's largest-ever bird have sparked warnings that anglers could be locked out of prime fishing waters.
An exhibition celebrating England’s rare chalk streams opens at Meadow in Stockbridge on 26 March.
Anglers and conservationists protested against off-road vehicles driving through chalk stream spawning grounds on the River Meon.
Ross on Wye Angling Club says Environment Agency plan for the River Wye is “totally inadequate” to tackle worsening pollution.
The Wild Trout Trust annual charity auction runs 13-22 March, offering over 300 lots including private fishing beats, artwork and experiences
Carsington Sport and Leisure has ceased trading after 33 years, leaving the future of one of Derbyshire’s best-known trout fisheries uncertain for anglers
The Upper Costa Beck in North Yorkshire remains in decline after nearly two decades, with the Government ordered back to the High Court for failing to produce a lawful river recovery plan
Scotland football manager Steve Clarke officially opened the 2026 salmon-fishing season on the River Tay at Meikleour on 15 January
British Fly Fair International returns to Staffordshire in February 2026, featuring international fly-tyers, casting demonstrations and expert talks