Each year salmon and trout spawn in the upper reaches of river systems and tributaries. Salmon and sea trout will also spawn in the lower reaches of rivers where the gravel and flow conditions are suitable.
Spawning for all salmon and trout takes place between October and the end of March although the peak activity takes place between November and January. The exact timing depends on the river’s location, the flow and temperature. Spawning often takes place in and around the same location each year. The eggs develop in the gravel until the young fish, known as fry, hatch out and emerge from the gravel in April.
Like all wild animals fish can be scared by the activities of people. The impact of this disturbance will depend on its location, severity and timing.
Eggs in the gravel can be damaged or destroyed if the gravel area (known as the redd) is stepped on, disturbed or covered with silt. For the Conwy the risks are highest between October and the end of January and lower from February to the end of March.
It is an offence under the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 to willfully disturb any spawn or spawning fish, or any bed, bank or shallow on which any spawn or spawning fish may be.
You can find out if you are on a river where spawning takes place and if your activities may cause disturbance by referring to the Conwy salmon and trout spawning map. For more detail on specific spawning areas talk to the local Environment Agency fisheries officer for the Conwy by phoning 08708 506 506.
Salmon, sea trout and brown trout spawning areas have been recorded onto a map to help inform recreational water users about the areas of river that may be sensitive to disturbance during the spawning season.
To view the map click the button below:
To view the Environment Agency advice & guidelines clich the button below: