Did you know about North Yorkshire’s native Salmon population?

Did you know that each year, the Yorkshire Dales see a number of fishy visitors appear for their hatching season? The Yorkshire Dales is home to large numbers of Salmon, each year, which journey up from the Irish Sea on the Lancashire coast up to the Yorkshire Dales via areas like Preston, Clitheroe and Settle.

Because of this and the fantastic display they put on, visitors flock to hot spots along the river hoping to get a glimpse of the Salmon, battling the current and the flow to swim upstream to their nesting place in Stainforth. En-route, they tackle rapid flowing waters and obstacles such as rapids and waterfalls taking on other wildlife like seals on the way. It’s a treacherous journey, but one that is vital for the continuation of the species. It’s also fantastic to see the fish swimming up river, jumping out of the water and across the rocks in a stunning visual display. Mark Hewitt of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has told the Yorkshire Post that whilst it’s fantastic to come and see the fish, visitors should be wary of the safety considerations of being close to the river, and should also be mindful of the local area and its wildlife:

“You can be stood on the edge watching fish leap six feet away. It’s a fantastic sight, but it does bring its own issues. Somewhere like Stainforth, which is easily accessible, it does bring pressures. As with anything in the countryside, we do need to be mindful.”

The main breeding season for the fish is November and December, however the Salon start to pass through the Yorkshire Dales in October. You can often see the fish from popular locations within the Dales such as Settle.

So, how exactly do the Salmon make such a long and dangerous journey each year? Well, combined with natural instinct, good spirit and an incredible swimming ability, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Ribble Rivers Trust work together to make the journey as safe as possible for the fish, working on cleaning up the river banks, and making safe passing areas for the fish to use for sections of the river that are especially tough to navigate, Mark Hewitt has added:

“What we are seeing at the moment is fish moving back up, from the Irish Sea right up the estuary and all the way up to Stainforth. Anything that goes wrong in that catchment can have an impact. There’s a huge amount of luck – avoiding fishermen and seals, getting into the estuary, there’s a long way for them to travel. It may look like they’re never going to make it, but they can work their way up these natural steps.”

Leave a Comment
What's New?
Top Things to Do This Easter in the Yorkshire Dales (2025)
If you're looking for the best Easter activities in the Yorkshire Dales for 2025, you're in the right place. This beautiful part of the UK is bursting with family-friendly Easter events, from scenic woodland trails to interactive farm experiences — and it’s all topped off with cosy countryside stays and hearty Sunday roasts.
Why Moor at Tattenhall Marina? Community, Cruising & More
Looking for a great place to moor your narrowboat or widebeam? Tattenhall Marina offers a friendly community, useful facilities, and access to fantastic cruising routes. Plus, enjoy exclusive benefits like the Roam Free scheme and our Rewards Club. Join us for the Tattenhall Taster event on April 5th, 2025 to find out more.
Meet the Maker: Tiffany Gale-Haynes on Crafting Exceptional Narrowboats at Kingsground
Behind every beautifully crafted narrowboat is a dedicated builder with a passion for the waterways. Meet Tiffany Gale-Haynes, the driving force behind Kingsground. From childhood memories along the canal towpaths to becoming a key figure in the boatbuilding industry, Tiffany shares her inspiring journey, the craftsmanship behind Kingsground boats, and her vision for the future.