2007 salmon and Sea Trout Catches

The official salmon and sea trout catch returns for 2007 have recently been published by FRS. Nationally catches of spring salmon were down in 2007 but this was offset by an increase in the grilse catch. The proportion of salmon released nationally was the highest recorded at 61%. Sea trout catches remain at historic low levels although there was a slight increase in catches on the west coast in 2007.

Of the Ayrshire rivers the Doon had the highest official catch in 2007 with a total of 908 salmon and grilse recorded, followed by the Stinchar (813) and the Ayr (793). The Ayr catch was the third highest recorded in the official time series which dates back to 1952. The release rate for salmon was below the national average for all the Ayrshire rivers although the Doon and the Stinchar achieved release rates of over 50%. The official catch and release rates on the Ayr and Irvine were amongst the lowest recorded in Scotland, although it is recognised that reporting anomolies may be partly responsible.

Locally sea trout stocks and catches are at very low levels, although the 2007 return from the Stinchar was the best for nine years and on the Girvan the best for five years. Ayrshire Rivers Trust is pleased to see that the conservation measures for sea trout appears to be successful with four out of the five districts achieving release rates of 80% and above.

The full report can be downloaded at the following web link:
Scottish salmon and sea trout catches 2007