Salmon (Samo salar)

Specimen weight: 9.072 kg (20 lb).
Record weight: 57lb River Suir, 1874.

A 2005 Specimen salmon from Lough Currane

The unmistakable King of Fish. Found in most coastal rivers depending on water quality. Two angling quarries - spring fish (fish that spend 2 winters at sea) or grilse (fish that spend 1 winter at sea).

Features:
Slender and streamlined with silvery appearance and relatively large scales. some dark spots on flanks and has an adipose fin.

Spawning:
Sexually mature after 3 years. Eggs laid in redds (gravel nests) in flowing water in winter.

Fecundity:
600 eggs per lb.

Longevity (age):
Short life span. A 5 year old fish would be old.

Diet:
Migrating salmon do not feed in freshwater.

Best Angling Methods:
Dependant on water conditions.

Best Baits:
Traditonal flies, spinners, spoons and Devon or Lane minnows, also worm, shrimp and prawn as conditions and rules allow.