Where To Catch Salmon In The UK – Fisherman’s Guide

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) are found in hundreds of rivers throughout the United Kingdom. Most notably in clean, fast-flowing, and well-oxygenated rivers. Such rivers are typically found in Scotland, Wales, North, and South West England. If you happen to be located in the Midlands or the South, there probably won’t be many, if any rivers that produce Salmon in your local area.

While its true that the population of Salmon in UK rivers has been decreasing, you can still have a very good chance of landing one of these fish if you’re at the right river at the right time. The most productive months are July, August, September, & October. Fishing any of these rivers during the right or wrong season will largely impact your success.

Listed below is a table showing the most prolific rivers for catching Atlantic Salmon in the United Kingdom:

Where To Catch Salmon	Fish size
The River Wye (Wales & England)	5-20lbs
The River Spey (Scotland)	5lbs+
The River Dee (Wales & England)	10lb-30lbs
The River Tay (Scotland)	5lb-45lbs
The River Tweed (Scotland)	13lb-42lbs
The River Avon (South West England)	5lb-30lbs
The River Esk (North Yorkshire, England)	5lb-20lbs

Prerequisites For Salmon Fishing

River Wye

Length	Basin Area	Location	Source	Mouth	Map
250km	4,136 km²	Wales, England	Plynlimon	Severn Estuary	The River Wye

The river Wye is known for producing some seriously big Salmon, especially throughout the spring months. It’s arguably one of the most popular rivers when fishing for salmon. The season starts on the 3rd of march and continues until the 17th of October. Competitions and tournaments from multiple organizations often include fishing the river Wye. The river runs through England and Wales and is a whopping 250km long. It then feeds off into the Irish Sea.

When it comes to fishing this river for Salmon it may seem a daunting task to some. The size of the water may cause uncertainty, especially when locating the fish. Salmon are very good swimmers and travel huge distances throughout their life spans. The main reason behind this is dependent on their spawning cycles.

The River Wye is home to many salmon along with other species of fish. Its rapid increase in popularity is a result of the monster salmon that are caught every year. Being such a popular river, it may be your best bet when fishing for Salmon. If you’re just starting out, fishing water that has been trialed and tested by many is always the safest option.

River Spey

Length	Basin Area	Location	Source	Mouth	Map
158 km	3,008 km²	Scotland	Loch Spey	Moray Firth	The River Spey

The Spey is one of the most famous Salmon fishing rivers in the world, it is among the four large Salmon fishing rivers in Scotland and it’s specifically known for producing Atlantic Salmon. This river runs through Scottland before eventually leading off into the northern ocean. The river Spey is around 158 km in length and is a stretch of fast and powerful water, ideal for salmon fishing. Prices to fish at the river start from £30 and vary depending on how long you fish and the time of year. However, this number does go up significantly as the season improves.

Salmon are an extremely sort after fish, the high demand may be the reason behind some of the higher prices. Salmon have to be caught and killed to maintain the population. It’s one of the few fish that if not caught will eventually go extinct. When searching for a well-stocked, healthy river packed with tons of fish, the Spey is certainly a top contender.

The River Dee

Length	Basin Area	Location	Source	Mouth	Map
113 km	1,817 km²	Wales, England	Dduallt	Dee Estuary	The River Dee

The River Dee is another river that runs through England and Wales. It’s known for being packed with fish and is especially popular for salmon fishing. Being 113km long with lots of amazing views and bridges, the River Dee is also a Tourist attraction. Nevertheless, there’s always plenty of space for anglers to enjoy fishing on this beautiful water.

Salmon, pike, trout, and even river carp are all fish you should expect when fishing the River Dee. This variety is one of the river’s most impressive accolades. There are many reported trips from anglers who have traveled from all over the country to come and fish the river Dee. If you are someone looking to fish for some seriously big Salmon or just to see what the river throws at you. The river Dee is definitely worth considering.

There have been reports of some absolute monster Salmon caught from the river Dee. Here’s a link to see those fish: River Dee’s Biggest Catches.

River Tay

Length	Basin Area	Location	Source	Mouth	Map
193 km	4,970 km²	Scotland	Ben Lui	Firth of Tay	The River Tay

The river Tay is the longest river in Scotland, it’s 193km long and is full of salmon. The Salmon fishing season starts on the 15th of January each year, as fish migrate through the river leading up to the spring months anglers notice a significant increase in numbers. When fishing for salmon, the spring months are always your best bet for catching the most fish.

As the River Tay is full of Atlantic Salmon and is known all over the world due to numerous huge catches. Its no surprise the river Tay made it onto this list. Another fantastic river to fish when looking for Salmon. The river Tay is primarily full of Salmon, Sea Trout, and Brown Trout.

River Tweed

Length	Basin Area	Location	Source	Mouth	Map
156km	4,970 km²	Scotland	Tweeds Well	North Sea	The River Tweed

The River Tweed is another lengthy river that runs 156km through East Scottland and Northan England. The river is recognized as one of the most profound salmon waters. In 2010 a staggering 23,219 salmon were caught by rod and reel, this statistic gives anglers a good indication as to the vast amounts of salmon that swim the Tweed.

This stunning river runs through many towns making it a practical and easily accessible river to fish. Its most commonly known for salmon, however, the river is also home to many brown Trout. The huge numbers of fish attract anglers from all over the world, this has proved to have a positive impact on the local economy and boost competition.

If your looking at where are you most likely to have a good day of salmon fishing, then the river Tweed is definitely a place worth considering.

River Avon

Length	Basin Area	Location	Source	Mouth	Map
134km	1,750km²	South West England	Acton Turville	Severn Estuary	The River Avon

The River Avon is located in the southwest of England. It’s 134km in length and is another hot salmon fishing spot. There are multiple rivers called the river Avon, however, in this instance, we are referring to the one located in the South West. Its a very well-known stretch of water and Salmon fishing may not be the first thing you think of when you hear the river, Avon. Nevertheless, this river is full of fishing potential.

The Salmon fishing season starts on the 1st of February and runs up until the 31st of July. Throughout this time anglers are allowed to fish by a rod. However, in recent years the number of salmon caught has decreased slightly.

River Esk

Length	Basin Area	Location	Source	Mouth	Map
45km	362 km2	North Yorkshire	Westerdale	Whitby	The River Esk

The river Esk located in north Yorkshire, its one of the smallest rivers on this list at 45km but is widely known for salmon fishing. The National Park Authorities, fishing clubs, and anglers all play a major role in ensuring that Salmon fishing is maintained properly throughout the river Esk.

Fishing permits are available for £30. The river Esk supports both leisure fishing as well as commercial. It contains a huge number of salmon and is another great pick for any angler looking to catch some stunning fish. Salmon as big as 31lb have been caught.