Three conditions to meet
Navigation on the Salm is allowed only if the period, the hours and the flow are all within the rules. If one is missing, the river is closed.
- Outside the period, the Salm is closed whatever the flow.
- Navigation is forbidden on trout fishing opening day, the third Saturday of March.
- The day is closed if the hourly average flow exceeds 9.7 m³/s, or if the 8 am forecast predicts it will be exceeded during opening hours.
- There is no minimum flow in Annex 2 of the decree.
- The minister can restrict traffic at any time to protect nature or manage the waterway.
Reading the river flow
Only the period and the maximum have legal force. The bands below are indicative; they rely on the station’s statistics since 1987 (median 2.2 m³/s) and apply only in season.
| Flow (m³/s) | Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 0.84 | Very low water | Bare pebble bed, constant scraping, frequent portaging. |
| 0.84 to 2.2 | Low water | Thin shallows; for light, patient paddlers. |
| 2.2 to 5 | Medium water | Enough water over the weirs, lively and readable current: the best compromise. |
| 5 to 9.7 | High water | Powerful current, waves at the weirs; for seasoned kayakers, never alone. |
| Over 9.7 | Flood | Traffic forbidden for the day. |
Station, stretch and status
The measurement comes from SPW station 6832, at Trois-Ponts, just before the confluence with the Amblève. The regulated stretch runs from the Salm downstream of the Vielsalm dam (Doyards lake) to Trois-Ponts. The flow is that of a headwater river: after heavy rain on the plateau, it can climb within hours, then fall almost as fast. Check it on the morning itself.
The reading at the top of the page shows the official SPW status. If in doubt, the SPW’s decision and the signage at the put-in points take precedence. The general framework is explained on the navigable flows in Wallonia page.
Boats and put-in
Permitted craft are kayaks and canoes of up to three seats, inflatable boats of up to ten people and rafts of recognised youth organisations, without motors. You board and land only at the designated areas, respecting private banks.
Safety in the cold season
- Cold water: in winter, it often drops below 8 °C. Bring a neoprene wetsuit or technical clothing, neoprene boots, gloves and a full change of dry clothes.
- Life jacket and helmet: pebbles and weirs make a helmet essential.
- Never alone: go out with at least two boats and tell someone your route and arrival time.
- Fallen trees: after a flood, get out to scout any doubtful passage.
- Short days: the 5 pm limit leaves little margin; set off early.
Neighbouring rivers
The Salm flows into the Amblève, which follows its own thresholds. For a gentler outing, see the Semois.