The salmon run; an epic upstream journey
Salmon are some of the most iconic creatures in our rivers, and every year they provide one of nature’s greatest spectacles- the salmon run. This awe-inspiring annual migration sees Atlantic salmon return from the ocean to the rivers where they were born, overcoming immense challenges to complete their lifecycle.
The salmon run begins with a gathering in the sea, where adult salmon have spent up to four years maturing. These incredible fish, born in our rivers, grow stronger and prepare for the difficult journey ahead. As autumn approaches and their instincts kick in, they wait at the river mouths for the first autumn rains. It might seem like an unusual start, but these rains raise river levels, which provides a crucial boost to begin their arduous trek upstream.
Once the journey begins, salmon face a literal uphill battle, risking their lives to reach their spawning grounds. Some salmon travel thousands of miles, swimming tirelessly against the current. What makes this journey even more extraordinary is that once they enter freshwater, they stop eating altogether. Their sole focus becomes returning to the very spot where they were born to spawn and ensure the survival of the next generation.
The Life Cycle of the Salmon
When the salmon finally reach their destination, the females begin to dig shallow nests, called ‘redds’, in the gravel beds of the river by using their tails. They lay thousands of eggs, which the males then fertilize. After this process, the female carefully covers the eggs, and the adult salmon leave, often exhausted and emaciated from the long journey. While some manage to return to the ocean, many die after spawning.
The eggs will hatch into small fry in the coming months, and these young salmon will remain in the river for several years, growing stronger before making their way to the ocean. In time, they will repeat the salmon run themselves, continuing the cycle of life.
The Challenges of the Salmon Run
Despite its remarkable nature, the salmon run is fraught with peril. It’s estimated that only around 10% of salmon survive the journey. Along the way, they face numerous natural and human-made obstacles. While natural predators like otters, herons, and larger fish are a part of the ecosystem, man-made barriers present some of the greatest challenges.
Dams and weirs, for example, can block salmon from reaching their spawning grounds. These structures force salmon to expend valuable energy attempting to leap over them, and in some cases, they are simply too large for the fish to surmount, leading to exhaustion or death.
Other threats include pollution, which can degrade the water quality in rivers, and habitat destruction, which reduces the availability of safe spawning sites. Climate change is also affecting water temperatures and flow, disrupting the timing of the salmon’s migration.
How Ribble Rivers Trust is Helping
In addition, our efforts include habitat restoration- such as planting trees along riverbanks to provide shade and reduce water temperatures- and water quality improvements to create a healthier environment for both fish and other wildlife. Through collaborative projects with local communities and other organizations, we are gradually making our rivers safer and more accessible for salmon.
At Ribble Rivers Trust, making rivers more salmon-friendly is a key part of our conservation efforts. We work to remove or modify barriers like weirs and dams, installing fish passes that allow salmon to bypass these obstacles. By restoring natural river flow and improving habitats, we aim to give these resilient fish the best possible chance to complete their journey.
As our rivers improve, we hope to see an increase in the number of salmon that can successfully complete the salmon run and spawn in our rivers, ensuring the survival of this vital species for generations to come.
How to Witness the Salmon Run
If you’d like to witness the salmon run for yourself, the best time to see this incredible migration is from mid-October through December, particularly after a period of rain following a dry spell. Make sure to choose a safe spot near the river, and always be cautious around water.
One particular spot that is well known for the salmon spectacle is Stainforth. Why not pack up some lunch and do our Stainforth circular walk, you can incorporate salmon spotting on the way.
