Sea trout (Salmo trutta), also known as brown trout when in freshwater, are anadromous fish that migrate between rivers and the sea, prized for their fighting spirit and culinary value. The top sea trout fishing countries are primarily located in Europe, with the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden leading the way due to their abundant cold, clean coastal waters and healthy river systems. In these countries, sea trout support both commercial and highly popular recreational fisheries, contributing significantly to local economies, especially in rural areas. The UK and Ireland are renowned for their storied angling traditions, while Scandinavian nations have invested in habitat restoration and sustainable management to maintain robust wild populations. Although commercial harvests have declined in favor of conservation and sport fishing, these countries remain global hotspots for sea trout fishing, attracting anglers from around the world.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Sweden | 608 |
2 | Finland | 269 |
3 | Türkiye | 210 |
4 | Switzerland | 78 |
5 | Belgium | 56 |
6 | Poland | 40 |
7 | Iceland | 38 |
8 | Norway | 29 |
9 | Estonia | 23 |
9 | Slovenia | 23 |
11 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 22 |
12 | Czechia | 14 |
13 | Latvia | 9 |
14 | Ireland | 8 |
15 | Germany | 6 |
15 | Denmark | 6 |
17 | Slovakia | 5 |
18 | Croatia | 3 |
20 | Portugal | 1 |
20 | Spain | 1 |
20 | France | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.