SalmonQuest | Catch & Release

Catch & Release

Voluntary catch & release is the single most important conservation contribution that individual salmon anglers can make to the protection of future salmon stocks.

According to a recent report¹ by the Fisheries Research Services, ‘catch and release’ of Atlantic salmon is now a generally accepted practice in Scotland, and an increasing trend, and the current release level is a valuable contribution to the conservation of all stock components.

The report states that ‘it has been clear for a number of years that numbers of spring salmon (early running MSW fish) returning to Scottish waters have been in decline. In the early 1990’s it was recognised that such declines posed problems both for fisheries and the underlying populations. Since this time, a growing number of management interests such as District Salmon Fishery Boards, Fisheries Trusts and proprietors have encouraged the practice of catch and release as a means of increasing the number of potential spawners and protecting the resource.’

‘Declines in the numbers of sea trout are also evident in some areas. This has resulted in catch and release also being prosecuted as a conservation measure in sea trout fisheries.’

‘FRS has been recording the numbers of fish released since 1994. For both species there is an increasing trend and the current level of release is 50% for salmon (46,249 fish) and 40% for sea trout (10,264 fish). These values are substantially higher than those recorded in 1994 (8% for salmon and 9% for sea trout).’

Catch & release has not been restricted to the early months of the fishing season, and there are similar trends for the spring salmon, summer salmon and grilse components of the overall salmon catch.

‘Catch and release is not uniformly practiced throughout the country. Districts vary considerably in both size and catch, but 88% of districts returned between 30% and 70% of their total rod catch.’

Catch and release figures for North Atlantic countries in 2004 were: Iceland 16%, England & Wales 48%, Scotland 50%, Canada 55% and Russia 76%.

Catch & Release Guidelines

1. Use barbless hooks – pinch the barbs down of standard hooks with pliers.

2. Use small singles or doubles and avoid using trebles which can easily lodge in both the upper and lower jaws.

3. Ensure that your rod and leader are strong enough for the conditions and the expected size of fish so that you can subdue the fish quickly once hooked.

4. Playing and landing fish quickly, reduces stress and fatigue and helps a quick recovery.

5. If possible, unhook the fish in the water. If that’s not possible use a knotless mesh landing net and return it to the water as soon as possible. Wet your hands first and support the fish underneath at all times. Never lift the fish out of the water by only holding it by the tail.

6. Never use gaffs or tailers, or beach fish.

7. Use pliers to remove the hook.

8. Keep the fish in the water, supporting it from underneath. Hold it carefully facing into the current until it is ready to swim off. It may kick and swim off on its own, or it may be a few minutes until it is ready. Try lowering the hand that is supporting it from underneath – if the fish starts to drop nose down, support it for another minute or two and try again.

For further information on the benefits of catch & release, and a length to weight conversion table, you can download an information leaflet from the Environment Agency: Download

1. Catch Form 2005, FW09/09/05, FRS Freshwater Laboratory, Montrose.