River Dee News
Via Michael Koch - Lystfisker-liv.dk
A Difficult Spring
The 2015 spring season was a disappointment for everyone on Deeside. The total catch of under 700 fish is way down on the five year average. While it has been a challenging time for everyone associated with the river, there were some bright spots along the way.
As the season got underway it was encouraging to see two of our long time regulars back on the river after a period of ill health. Tom Marshall celebrated opening day with a 15lbr from the Boat Pool at Carlogie. It was also good to hear of success for Gareth Headland, showing it's hard to keep good men down.
The fish were not present in numbers although there were a few specimens about. Paul Grewcock had a 20lbr at Lower Crathes, which was topped by Derek Wiseman who picked a 22lbr from the same beat- it was an absolute cracker of a springer.
Derek Wiseman with a 22lbr from Lower Crathes
In early March, David Graham had a very happy Monday when he landed four springers at Lower Blackhall and Kinneskie. Fish of the month, and our biggest so far this season at 24lb, fell to John Laurie at Crathes Castle.
Catches remained depressed during April, but there were some good fish about nonetheless. Nicol Paton had a a 20lbr at Kincardine.
Highlight of the spring was to hear that veteran angler Alan Lankshear, who is 92, caught two fish at Carlogie. It was impressive to land a couple of springers when numbers are low, but to do so at 92 is quite an achievement.
92 year old Alan Lankshear into a fish at Carlogie.
Dee Fisheries Management Plan
The spring season has generated a lot of concern among our anglers, owners and ghillies about why the Dee has struggled. The FMP details what will be done to improve our fortunes over the next three years. For the first time the FMP will include the inshore and offshore environments.
The Dee Fisheries Management Plan is now available for public consultation. Please send your comments by 15 July to
Mixed Stock Fisheries
There are many factors affecting the well-being of wild salmon when they leave the river and the Dee Board is active on a number of fronts to ensure positive steps are taken.
The Dee has been working with the Ythan and Don Fishery Boards to successfully stop the netting of salmon and sea trout in the Ythan estuary. See River Dee Blog.
Additionally, as of early June, the Dee and Esk Boards and the North Atlantic Salmon Fund have secured the lease of the netting station at Lauriston, which is located between the Dee and North Esk. Both these agreements mean more fish will survive their journey back to their natal rivers.
Michael Koch
Lystfisker-liv.dk