Scottish Ministers have approved an update to Scotland’s salmon conservation rules that redraws the list of inland waters where anglers must release any salmon caught. The Conservation of Salmon (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/390) were made on 4 December 2025, laid before the Scottish Parliament on 8 December 2025, and come into force on 1 April 2026. The instrument replaces Schedule 2 of the 2016 Regulations.
Under the 2016 Regulations, retention of salmon is already prohibited in all coastal waters of a salmon fishery district. For inland waters, the ban applies where the waterbody is listed in Schedule 2. “Retain” is defined as failing to return the fish at once to the river or other water with the least possible injury. Breach of the prohibition is an offence under section 38 of the 2003 Act, punishable on summary conviction by a fine up to level 4 on the standard scale.
Regulation 2 of SSI 2025/390 substitutes a fresh Schedule 2 for the 2016 Regulations. The Explanatory Note to the instrument records that the updates focus on seven entries in the Schedule (paragraphs 7, 21, 22, 34, 37, 61 and 76), refining outflow limits and clarifying exclusions so that the operative map is consolidated from 1 April 2026.
In practical terms, the revised Schedule continues to map catch‑and‑release‑only zones across parts of the west Highlands and islands-for example around the Sound of Jura and the Sound of Mull, sections of Loch Linnhe and Loch Moidart, and stretches near Skye, Raasay and the Sound of Sleat-together with parts of the north and north‑west (including areas near Loch Torridon, Loch Broom and Cape Wrath) and segments of the east and south‑east coasts from the Moray Firth and Aberdeenshire through Fife and Angus. Each entry uses Ordnance Survey grid references to define “outflow limits” and, where relevant, extends coverage to islands and to named mid‑lines offshore.
The Schedule also preserves explicit exclusions for named rivers within wider coastal stretches. Examples listed include the Beauly and Conon in the Moray Firth, the Findhorn and Nairn, the Deveron, the Doon, the Cree, the Ewe, the Brora and Helmsdale, the Wick and Thurso, and the River Ba on Mull. Where an exclusion applies, the statutory duty to release under regulation 3(2) does not arise for that named river.
For anglers and proprietors the rule‑set remains clear. In the mapped inland waters, any salmon caught from 1 April 2026 must be returned immediately. Coastal waters remain no‑keep under the standing national prohibition, so the 2025 instrument is about updating inland coverage rather than introducing a new sea‑coast restriction. Permits, river rules and booking terms should align with the statutory position.
Enforcement continues under existing powers. Contravention of regulations made under section 38 of the 2003 Act is an offence; water bailiffs and Police Scotland can enforce, and on conviction the offence carries a fine up to level 4 on the standard scale. The 2016 Regulations also provide limited exceptions, including authorised scientific sampling and activities within fish farms.
This update follows the Miscellaneous Amendment Regulations made on 4 December 2024, which also substituted Schedule 2 with effect from 1 April 2025. The 2025 instrument ensures the operative text reflects further mapping adjustments while keeping the overall catch‑and‑release framework unchanged.
Timelines are fixed. The instrument was made on 4 December 2025, laid on 8 December 2025 and takes effect on 1 April 2026, giving District Salmon Fishery Boards and proprietors a full closed‑season cycle to update signage, permits and public information before the 2026 open season.
Those needing to check coverage should use Schedule 2 on legislation.gov.uk as the definitive source. Each entry sets two grid‑referenced coastal points and applies to all inland waters draining directly or indirectly into the sea between them, stating any island coverage and exclusions on the face of the Schedule. Where boundaries are complex, confirmation from the relevant District Salmon Fishery Board is advisable.