Angling in warm weather

Fish stress and mortality

Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen which can cause increased fish stress and mortality.

It is important that anglers at times of higher water temperatures follow simple guidelines and carry a thermometer.

Games anglers fishing for salmon and trout should note the following guidelines.

20°C

Too hot for salmon and trout.

Salmon and trout are feeling stressed and need a break. Chances of death are high, even with proper catch and release - stop fishing.

18 to 20°C

Take extra care, salmon and trout are feeling the effect of warmer water temperatures.

Salmon and trout are slowing down and are feeling the heat.

Fish earlier in the day or late in the evening when the water cools off.

Keep fish wet at all times - don’t remove them from the water.

Be patient they may need more time to revive to swim off strongly.

Less than 18°C

Go salmon and trout fishing with confidence.

Temperatures below 16°C are when salmon and trout are most content.

You can feel confident that salmon and trout will be able to survive after you release them. As always use good catch and release practices.

Coarse anglers should not use keep nets at times of higher water temperatures.

Contacting DAERA 

If you see fish in distress or fish that have died report via DAERA’s 24-hour hotline:

• phone: 0800 80 70 60

Also, DAERA are asking that any catches of pink salmon are reported to them as follows: 

• email:  anglingcorrespondence@daera-ni.gov.uk