Although the salmon populations of the North Esk do not have any international designations, the Scottish Government have identified the North Esk as the most productive salmon river in Scotland, yard for yard. The river has a fish counter across the whole of the main stem, operated by Marine Scotland, which provides accurate numbers of fish running the river. A graph of the annual count can be found on the Catches page.

In 2018, the Esk District Salmon Fishery Board purchased the salmon fishing rights at the mouth of the river, to put an end to the salmon netting taking place at Kinnaber. The 2019 season will be the first season in living memory when there has been no netting for salmon in the Esk fishery district.

Fishing the North Esk.

The majority of springers are caught on the lower and middle beats. Once the weather warms in the spring, fish can be taken at the Loups of the Burn. However, the upper beats really come into their own in late spring or early summer.

Grilse begin to run in May and move through the system quickly. The peak run is in July which, given reasonable angling conditions, can result in catches throughout the river. Although not famed for its sea trout, this species can provide interesting night fishing during the early summer.

The autumn fish spread throughout the system given favourable weather conditions. One of the most beautiful tributaries is the West Water and this provides a variety of fishing from the late spring onwards. It is famed for sea trout and grilse.