Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Atlantic salmon live in freshwater as juveniles but migrate to the sea to take advantage of rich feeding in the ocean. They return to Welsh rivers to breed as adults, typically from spring to late autumn.

Salmon usually return to their native river, and even the same stretch of stream from which they were born, with amazing accuracy.

The largest game fish in Wales, salmon have been caught to 15kg or more in Welsh rivers such as the Wye, Dee and Towy. Although not as numerous as they once were in Wales (and the wider UK), salmon are still found in most Welsh rivers in numbers that are fishable. 

Note catch & release of salmon is compulsory.