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The river Wye is home to more than 30 species of fish, including several protected and threatened species of international importance, notably the Atlantic salmon, sea, river and brook lamprey and the allis and twaite shad. Most fish maintain healthy populations in the Wye and its tributaries.
The Wye remains popular among anglers and is considered one of the prime fishing rivers in the United Kingdom. Coarse fishing and game fishing on the Wye represent two distinct and popular freshwater angling traditions in England, each characterised by unique techniques, target species, and environments.
Coarse and Gamefishing
Coarse fishing primarily involves angling for freshwater species such as chub, roach, perch, and tench in lakes, rivers, and canals.
The river Wye under its current condition remains productive for coarse fish, with some of the largest pleasure and match catch weightsexceeding more than 50lbs. The river has been voted the top coarse fishing river in the country for several years.
Chub and Barbel in the WyeGame fishing focuses on pursuing salmon, trout, and grayling, often in rivers and streams.
For many years, the Wye held its status as a prominent salmon fishery, known at one time for its substantial runs and catches of sizable multi-sea winter Atlantic salmon, referred to as Springers.
However, because of climate change impacts, conditions are changing. More extreme weather events and high-water temperatures are negatively impacting species such as salmon, barbel, trout and grayling; and during these high temperatures extra care and consideration arerequired when fishing for all fish species, especially when handling and releasing fish.
Two large male salmon heading upstream to spawn
Salmon in the Wye
Atlantic salmon are a keystone species and an indicator of a healthy, clean environment. They are highly valued by the public and by those who fish for them.
The salmon status for the Wye is concerning. Salmon stocks have declined significantly in recent decades, and the river is now classified as "At Risk" of failing to meet management objectives, which define the minimum number of fish we want to see spawning in the river. Evidence now indicates the number of returning adult fish to spawn remains significantly below those required to meet the minimum biologically safe level for a sustainable fishery.
Many factors are impacting salmon, both within freshwater and the marine environment. Climate change is resulting in significant changes to the marine environment, as well as driving warmer winter river temperatures. Other pressures come from marine and coastal fisheries exploitation, barriers to the free movement of salmon through our river systems, habitat and water quality, and the flow in our rivers and estuaries.
There are several factors that have contributed to the decline in salmon stocks in the Wye, including:
Climate change:Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, such as floods and prolonged dry weather, which can have a direct negative impact on salmon stocks. More demand for water resource can reduce flows, less dilution of diffuse and point pollution, and contribute to increased river temperatures.
Habitat loss: This has been caused bypressures such as the loss of spawning and nursery habitat by unconsented in channel works,which have removed gravels or instream woody material.
Water Quality:Many factors contribute to poor water quality in the Wye, including wastewater discharges, point and diffuse pollution and poor land use and agricultural practices.
Juvenile Atlantic Salmon
Here are some specific actions that are being taken to restore salmon stocks in the River Wye:
- Habitat restoration, which includes, restoration spawning gravels, and planting riparian vegetation. Increasing riparian buffer areas and extensive tree planting along our rivers reduces impacts from run off and provides shade.
- Obstacles to migration are one of the biggest threats to salmon populations in the UK. These obstacles can include dams, weirs, and culverts, which can prevent salmon from reaching their spawning grounds or returning to the sea.
- The main River Wye does not have any barriers to migration such as large weirs. However, many of the tributaries which are important spawning and nursery areas for salmon do, such as redundant impassable weirs associated with historic mills.
- In recent years, various initiatives have been undertaken to mitigate the impact of obstacles on tributaries. These include working with partners to install fish passes, remove or modify the number of obstacles.
- Pollution reduction, this includes working with farmers and industry to reduce pollution from agriculture and urban areas.
- Sustainable fishing management, this includes introduction of new salmon fishing byelaws and promoting good angling practice, such as providing advice and guidance of fishing when temperatures are high.
- In the case of the Wye, the EA has introduced a number of byelaws in recent years to protect salmon stocks. These byelaws include a requirement that all salmon caught on rod and line must be released alive. There are restrictions on fishing methods, such as barbless hooks and a ban on all bait fishing for salmon, these help release fish more quickly. These byelaws are designed to help to protect salmon stocks and ensure that the Wye remains a healthy and productive fishery.
Despite the challenges, we are working with partners to improve habitat, reduce pollution, and manage fishing sustainably. However, it is important to note that it will take time and effort to restore salmon stocks to their former levels.
Ballsgate Weir Fish Pass, River Lugg. Constructed in Partnership with The Wye and Usk Foundation
Plentiful cool and clean water is essential for the wellbeing of Atlantic salmon. Maintaining a low temperature in the aquatic environment ensures that these cold-water fish can thrive; improving their metabolism, increasing their oxygen-carrying capacity, and reducing stress levels, which ultimately leads to healthier and more resilient salmon populations. Ensuring cool and clean water habitats is not only beneficial for the Atlantic salmon but also contributes to the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and a sustainable environment for all species.
It is important to continue to support these efforts to restore salmon stocks in the River Wye. Salmon are an important part of the river's ecosystem, and they also play a vital role in the local economy and culture.
Advice to anglers:
Fish can be impacted by angling during hot weather. Before fishing check the water temperature where you plan to fish, either via our live sonde data site at the following link, or with a thermometer: MDC - Meteor Data Cloud (telemetry-data.com)
Take care of fish welfare, particularly for larger species, including chub, pike and barbel
Salmon Fishing – do not fish if water temperatures exceed 20°C
Coarse Fishing – do not fish if water temperatures exceed 21°C. Please consider fishing earlier in the morning when water temperatures are likely to be lower.
Unhook fish in the water if possible and only take them out of the water for unhooking if absolutely necessary.
Take photos in the water – keeping a fish in the air, even for a few seconds can greatly reduce its chances of surviving after capture and going on to spawn successfully.
To report dead fish or fish in distress in England, please call the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Please also use the incident hotline number if you suspect pollution or witness impacts due to an algal bloom.
Please take photos of any fish deaths and any other signs of pollution and email them to ics@environment-agency.gov.uk
To report dead fish or fish in distress in Wales contact Natural Resources Wales on 0800 065 3000. More information can be found at Natural Recourses Wales guidance.
The river Wye is home to more than 30 species of fish, including several protected and threatened species of international importance, notably the Atlantic salmon, sea, river and brook lamprey and the allis and twaite shad. Most fish maintain healthy populations in the Wye and its tributaries.
The Wye remains popular among anglers and is considered one of the prime fishing rivers in the United Kingdom. Coarse fishing and game fishing on the Wye represent two distinct and popular freshwater angling traditions in England, each characterised by unique techniques, target species, and environments.
Coarse and Gamefishing
Coarse fishing primarily involves angling for freshwater species such as chub, roach, perch, and tench in lakes, rivers, and canals.
The river Wye under its current condition remains productive for coarse fish, with some of the largest pleasure and match catch weightsexceeding more than 50lbs. The river has been voted the top coarse fishing river in the country for several years.
Chub and Barbel in the WyeGame fishing focuses on pursuing salmon, trout, and grayling, often in rivers and streams.
For many years, the Wye held its status as a prominent salmon fishery, known at one time for its substantial runs and catches of sizable multi-sea winter Atlantic salmon, referred to as Springers.
However, because of climate change impacts, conditions are changing. More extreme weather events and high-water temperatures are negatively impacting species such as salmon, barbel, trout and grayling; and during these high temperatures extra care and consideration arerequired when fishing for all fish species, especially when handling and releasing fish.
Two large male salmon heading upstream to spawn
Salmon in the Wye
Atlantic salmon are a keystone species and an indicator of a healthy, clean environment. They are highly valued by the public and by those who fish for them.
The salmon status for the Wye is concerning. Salmon stocks have declined significantly in recent decades, and the river is now classified as "At Risk" of failing to meet management objectives, which define the minimum number of fish we want to see spawning in the river. Evidence now indicates the number of returning adult fish to spawn remains significantly below those required to meet the minimum biologically safe level for a sustainable fishery.
Many factors are impacting salmon, both within freshwater and the marine environment. Climate change is resulting in significant changes to the marine environment, as well as driving warmer winter river temperatures. Other pressures come from marine and coastal fisheries exploitation, barriers to the free movement of salmon through our river systems, habitat and water quality, and the flow in our rivers and estuaries.
There are several factors that have contributed to the decline in salmon stocks in the Wye, including:
Climate change:Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, such as floods and prolonged dry weather, which can have a direct negative impact on salmon stocks. More demand for water resource can reduce flows, less dilution of diffuse and point pollution, and contribute to increased river temperatures.
Habitat loss: This has been caused bypressures such as the loss of spawning and nursery habitat by unconsented in channel works,which have removed gravels or instream woody material.
Water Quality:Many factors contribute to poor water quality in the Wye, including wastewater discharges, point and diffuse pollution and poor land use and agricultural practices.
Juvenile Atlantic Salmon
Here are some specific actions that are being taken to restore salmon stocks in the River Wye:
- Habitat restoration, which includes, restoration spawning gravels, and planting riparian vegetation. Increasing riparian buffer areas and extensive tree planting along our rivers reduces impacts from run off and provides shade.
- Obstacles to migration are one of the biggest threats to salmon populations in the UK. These obstacles can include dams, weirs, and culverts, which can prevent salmon from reaching their spawning grounds or returning to the sea.
- The main River Wye does not have any barriers to migration such as large weirs. However, many of the tributaries which are important spawning and nursery areas for salmon do, such as redundant impassable weirs associated with historic mills.
- In recent years, various initiatives have been undertaken to mitigate the impact of obstacles on tributaries. These include working with partners to install fish passes, remove or modify the number of obstacles.
- Pollution reduction, this includes working with farmers and industry to reduce pollution from agriculture and urban areas.
- Sustainable fishing management, this includes introduction of new salmon fishing byelaws and promoting good angling practice, such as providing advice and guidance of fishing when temperatures are high.
- In the case of the Wye, the EA has introduced a number of byelaws in recent years to protect salmon stocks. These byelaws include a requirement that all salmon caught on rod and line must be released alive. There are restrictions on fishing methods, such as barbless hooks and a ban on all bait fishing for salmon, these help release fish more quickly. These byelaws are designed to help to protect salmon stocks and ensure that the Wye remains a healthy and productive fishery.
Despite the challenges, we are working with partners to improve habitat, reduce pollution, and manage fishing sustainably. However, it is important to note that it will take time and effort to restore salmon stocks to their former levels.
Ballsgate Weir Fish Pass, River Lugg. Constructed in Partnership with The Wye and Usk Foundation
Plentiful cool and clean water is essential for the wellbeing of Atlantic salmon. Maintaining a low temperature in the aquatic environment ensures that these cold-water fish can thrive; improving their metabolism, increasing their oxygen-carrying capacity, and reducing stress levels, which ultimately leads to healthier and more resilient salmon populations. Ensuring cool and clean water habitats is not only beneficial for the Atlantic salmon but also contributes to the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and a sustainable environment for all species.
It is important to continue to support these efforts to restore salmon stocks in the River Wye. Salmon are an important part of the river's ecosystem, and they also play a vital role in the local economy and culture.
Advice to anglers:
Fish can be impacted by angling during hot weather. Before fishing check the water temperature where you plan to fish, either via our live sonde data site at the following link, or with a thermometer: MDC - Meteor Data Cloud (telemetry-data.com)
Take care of fish welfare, particularly for larger species, including chub, pike and barbel
Salmon Fishing – do not fish if water temperatures exceed 20°C
Coarse Fishing – do not fish if water temperatures exceed 21°C. Please consider fishing earlier in the morning when water temperatures are likely to be lower.
Unhook fish in the water if possible and only take them out of the water for unhooking if absolutely necessary.
Take photos in the water – keeping a fish in the air, even for a few seconds can greatly reduce its chances of surviving after capture and going on to spawn successfully.
To report dead fish or fish in distress in England, please call the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Please also use the incident hotline number if you suspect pollution or witness impacts due to an algal bloom.
Please take photos of any fish deaths and any other signs of pollution and email them to ics@environment-agency.gov.uk
To report dead fish or fish in distress in Wales contact Natural Resources Wales on 0800 065 3000. More information can be found at Natural Recourses Wales guidance.
Coarse and Game fishing 
Chub and Barbel in the WyeGame fishing focuses on pursuing salmon, trout, and grayling, often in rivers and streams. 
Two large male salmon heading upstream to spawn
Juvenile Atlantic Salmon
Ballsgate Weir Fish Pass, River Lugg. Constructed in Partnership with The Wye and Usk Foundation
Salmon being returned carefully by Angler