A week of action to target fish poaching begins on Monday, 19 October, 2026, with the aim of safeguarding species across the country.
Operation Salmo will see officers carrying out joint patrols with river bailiffs and working with partners, including Fisheries Management Scotland and district Salmon Fishery Boards.
Loch Lomond and its tributary rivers, including the Endrick, Frui and Leven, are included in the plans for the crackdown.
Fish poaching threatens the nation’s iconic salmon population, which is declining, as well as other species. Such activity can devastate fragile river ecosystems, damage local biodiversity and harm rural livelihoods that depend on sustainable angling and tourism.
Detective Sergeant David Lynn, National Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator at Police Scotland, said: “We are working with partners to protect fish in our rivers, lochs, reservoirs and along our coastline.
“While some people don’t view fish poaching as a serious offence, Scotland’s wild fish are protected by law. Taking them without the proper permits or permission is illegal.
“Penalties for such poaching offences are due to increase under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026. I would like to remind anyone minded to carry out this kind of crime that we will not hesitate to take enforcement action.
“The public has a vital role to play in protecting our waterways, and I would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious to contact us via 101
Top of page: Salmon in the Endrick at Potts of Gartness. Picture by Stewart Cunningham.