grilse
/ɡrɪls/
noun
- A young salmon that has returned to fresh water from the sea for the first time, typically after one year at sea.
- Grilse are smaller than fully mature salmon but are still prized by anglers.
- The fisherman was excited to catch a grilse, as it meant the salmon run had begun.
- The river's grilse population has been declining due to changes in ocean conditions.