Scottish salmon angling catches in 2008 – in line with the recent average

The Association of Salmon Fishery Boards has welcomed the official confirmation that the total rod catch of salmon for 2008 indicates that the number of fish entering Scotland’s rivers is relatively stable. The figures are included in the annual Statistical Bulletin “Scottish Salmon and Sea Trout Catches”, which is published today.

The total reported catch of salmon by anglers in Scotland during 2008 amounted to 85,859 of which 53,038 (or 62 %, up from 61 % in 2007) were released back into the water. The total angling catch compares to a five year average (2003-7) of 81,208 and a ten year average (1998-2007) of 72,766. The reported number of salmon killed by all methods fell to 48,481 in 2008 (compared to 55,478 in 2007), of which 15,660 were killed at netting stations.

The total reported Scottish catch of sea trout in 2008 was 22,785, compared to 27,115 in 2007 and 28,824 in 2006. The 2008 figure breaks down into 5,542 killed by netsmen, 7612 killed by anglers and 9,631 released by anglers. 56 % of the rod catch was released, compared to 52 % in 2007.

Andrew Wallace, Managing Director of the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards and the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland, commented: “The 2008 salmon catch figures are in line with projections and 2008 appears to have been a reasonable but unexciting year. Concerns remain about sea trout catches though these appear to have improved during the 2009 season. We will be maintaining a precautionary approach to the exploitation of sea trout and will continue to ask for better catch and release rates for sea trout throughout Scotland next year”.

Mr Wallace added: “Although official figures for this year will not be published until September 2010, the 2009 catches of salmon look set to be weaker than 2008 with poor spring catches in March/April which were compensated for partly in the late spring and early summer. These were followed by very patchy grilse runs throughout the summer of 2009. Poorly sized and conditioned fish were also notable in the 2009 catch”.

Issued on behalf of the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards.