1. A young salmon that has returned to fresh water from the sea for the first time after one year in the ocean.
Usage: Chiefly British and Scottish; Fishing and ichthyology term

Examples

• The river was full of grilse returning from the Atlantic.
• Anglers prize grilse for their fighting ability and silver coloring.
• A grilse typically weighs between 4 and 8 pounds.
• The grilse run occurs in late spring and early summer.
• Unlike parr, a grilse has spent significant time in the ocean.