Anglers believe they caught 13 'farmed origin' salmon in Scotland last year

A total of 13 salmon caught by anglers in Scotland last year were reported as being of farmed origin, according to the Marine Directorate’s Scottish salmon and sea trout fishery statistics 2024, published today.

Three of the fish suspected to have come from farms were caught in the North West region, three in the Solway region, and seven in the West Coast region.

The fish represent 0.03% of the total catch by all methods.

The total reported rod catch of wild salmon for 2024 is 46,978, which is 114% of the previous five-year average and an increase of 42% when compared to 2023 (33,084). 2023 is the lowest value since records began in 1952.

Catch and release accounted for 98% of the total rod catch in 2024, and 99% of the rod-caught spring multi sea-winter salmon (taken before 1 May).

Reported spring catch in 2024 (2,593) is 104% of the previous five-year average and an increase of 9% when compared to 2023 (2,389).

Sea trout

The total reported rod catch of sea trout for 2024 (13,876) is 93% of the previous five-year average and a decrease of 12% when compared to 2023 (15,802).

The total reported rod catch of finnock – young sea trout returning to freshwater for the first time since migrating to sea - for 2024 (7,329) is 102% of the previous five-year average and an increase of 11% when compared to 2023 (6,593).

Catch and release accounted for 94% of the total rod catch for sea trout in 2024. This is the highest percentage of released rod-caught sea trout since records began in 1994.

The statistics are based on returns of forms from proprietors, occupiers and agents of fisheries throughout Scotland. The 2024 fishing season data is derived from 1,987 forms returned from 2,152 forms issued (92% return rate).

The Marine Directorate statistics can be found here.