Scottish wild salmon and sea trout catches hit 73-year low

The number of wild Atlantic salmon and sea-trout caught by rod in Scotland in 2025 were both the lowest since records began in 1952, according to official fishery statistics published on 29 April by the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate.

The total salmon rod catch stood at 28,020, down 41% on the 2024 figure of 47,618. At its peak in 2010, the total rod catch was 111,405. Catch and release accounted for 98% of all rod-caught salmon. Of all salmon caught, 1.6% were identified as being of farmed origin.

The Marine Directorate noted that river flows across much of Scotland were low to extremely low during the first quarter of 2025, continuing through the year on east coast rivers and likely contributing to the reduction in catches.

Sea-trout fared no better, with a total rod catch of 13,025, also the lowest on record, down 8% on 2024, with 92% returned to the water.

A Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association Fishing Group spokesman said: “These statistics demonstrate exactly why there must be no delay in implementing the Wild Salmon Strategy. Adaptive management is also necessary if we are to avoid localised collapse of spring runs. It is vitally important we do not just study our way into a position we can’t recover from. Action, and difficult decisions, will be necessary.”

Photo credit: George Clerk via Getty Images