Nyt fra River Dee - via Michael Koch
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Newsletter - Easter 2016
Welcome to the Easter FishDee newsletter. It contains everything you need to know about fishing on the River Dee.
You can find and book fishing, and findaccommodation to suit. You can also discover more about the work being done by the Dee Fishery Board and River Dee Trust to manage, improve and develop our river.
If you require any further information, please contact the River Dee office on 01339 880411 or by email at
Tight lines
Ross Macdonald
01339 880411
Early Season Summary
Kent Hakansson with a 19lb springer from Lower Crathes.
As we approach Easter, almost all of the Dee is back fishing. We are still a bit rough around the edges, but we are fishing and delighted to be doing so. Catches have been slow so far, but there have been a few highlights along the way. Local rods, Paul Pritchard, Geoff Fisher and John Fyfe have put in the hours and been rewarded with several springers between them.
Paul Pritchard with a nice springer
Regular visitors, Jim Fisher and Phil Black have also been scoring well in the early part of the season. We have had some very nice fish to date, with a few in the 20lb class and some real beauties in the 12-15lb class. We press on and catches have been creeping up slowly, so we look forward to better sport in the warmer part of the spring. Dee regular Steve Wellard had four in a day at Cairnton recently, which shows you have to be in it to win it! Find Fishing.
Geoff Fisher with a thumper from Lower Crathes
Welcome Aboard Daniel
Daniel Wright has taken over as the ghillie atTilbouries and Culter. Daniel, originally from Melrose, has fishing in his blood. His father is a boatman on the Tweed, as was his grandfather. He comes to us with a fine pedigree and has worked on the Tweed at Milne Graden and the Tay at Islamouth. Daniel has started a new syndicate at Tilbouries. The cost is £550 for a day a week until the end of the season.
Lys - Na - Greyne
Lys - Na - Greyne bathed in sunshine
Lys-Na-Greyne is a fantastic new addition to angler accommodation on Deeside. It is a classic Edwardian granite house situated on the banks of the Dee at Aboyne. The house, run by Garry and Joyce Welsh has been refurbished to a very high standard and offers 6 spacious en-suite bedrooms. The lounge, conservatory, terrace and grounds invite guests to relax, unwind and simply enjoy the privacy and tranquility of the house. There is also a drying room and rod room. This is B&B on a whole new level! Full details and pictures at their excellent website.
Phil Black with his third Dee springer of the year. This one is from the Loop at Commonty.
Smolt Tagging & Tracking Project Update
The Dee Board and Trust have embarked upon an important new project to monitor the production and survival of smolts. Two new smolt traps and counters have been installed in two middle and lower river tributaries, the Sheeoch and Beltie Burns. A sample of smolts will be tagged and monitored as they begin their migration.
The early part of the smolts' journey has been shown to result in high mortality rates in other systems and it is crucial we discover what is happening on our own doorstep.
Read more about the Dee Smolt Tracking Project on the River Dee website.
Ghillie Martin Robson with John Fyfe's 15lbr from the Roe Pot at Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo
The Lost Salmon Flies of Balmoral
Lost Salmon Flies of Balmoral is a wonderful book, which will be of great interest to Dee anglers who enjoy reading about the rich angling heritage of Deeside. Colin's book is based on diary entries of John Michie (1853-1934), who was the Factor of Balmoral and a keen angler. The book is available from Coch - y -Bonduu Books.
Visit Royal Deeside
There are lots of things to see and do on Deeside. If you are bringing the family with you on your next trip to the valley, check out the excellent Visit Royal Deeside website for the very latest news on events and activities in the area.
Catch & Release
We have a good record on the Dee of practicing high standards of catch and release. Every once in a while it is worth a reminder that fish survival is linked to how we play and handle them prior to release. Please have a quick browse at the C&R leaflet.
Dee& Don Salmon Fishing Blog
Craig Fleming
Local angler, Craig Fleming has been blogging about his fishing experiences on the Dee and neighbouring Don for a few years now. It's always an entertaining and informative read. Check out Craig's blog.