Salmon Tagging System (Scotland)
Mandatory tagging system for salmon and grilse caught in Scottish rivers to support conservation.
Summary for anglers only — not legal advice. Rules change; always check the official source linked on this page and GOV.UK before fishing.
Scotland operates a salmon and sea trout conservation system with mandatory catch returns and tagging on many rivers.
Anglers may be required to: - Register with a local District Salmon Fishery Board - Use mandatory catch and release during spring months on many rivers - Report all catches, including nil returns - Comply with bait and method restrictions during conservation periods
Rules vary significantly between river systems. The Scottish Government publishes annual conservation assessments for each river, which determine whether fishing is permitted and under what conditions.