The River Nairn is a declining Atlantic salmon system where declining Atlantic salmon populations are Category 3 under Scottish Government classification; every fish returned matters. Mandatory catch-and-release applies. It carries salmon from spring through autumn but is at its best after summer and autumn rains bring fish up from the firth. A classic wading river — not big enough for boat work, which makes it intimate and pleasurable fishing. Spring salmon from April; summer grilse July–August; autumn fish September–October. Fish with standard spate-river tactics: smaller flies (size 10–14 doubles), floating or intermediate line, covering pools systematically. The Nairn Angling Association controls much of the water and provides day tickets. Sea trout fishing from July can be excellent on summer evenings.

• Mixed

• Ecology: Moderate
• Chemical: Unknown

SEPA (Scotland) · UKSC020305