The Aberdeenshire Dee is amongst the most famous Scottish salmon rivers and the Birse is one of the best known upper middle beats. The Birse Beat is located half a mile south of Aboyne which is 35 miles west of Aberdeen. The Season will open on 1 February 2024 and close on 15 October 2024.
The beat extends to 3.5 miles on the south (right) bank of the river downstream from the Allt Dinnie pool which is immediately above Aboyne Bridge. There are 17 named pools: - Allt Dinnie; Bridge; Lower Bridge, Franks, Stone, Jetty, Red Rock, Murray’s, Lummels, Red Brae, Belwade, Cowdray, Quithel, Trees, Island, McKidd’s & March.
All pools are easily fished from the bank or by wading. Certain deep pools and those with boulder beds must, however, be fished from the bank.
The beat will be fished by up to four rods who will rotate between the various pools and have an equal chance, irrespective of prevailing water conditions. The Estate reserves the right to let or fish one or more additional rod should this be justified by the condition of the water. The services of one Ghillie will be available to up to four fishers. The Ghillie will work between 9.00a.m. and 5.00p.m. only, Monday to Saturday. Personal ghillying requirements in addition to the above entitlement will be subject to an extra charge and must be booked with due warning.
A fishing hut is available for the use of fishers and is readily accessible by car as are most of the pools. The hut provides the following facilities: log-burner, racks, kettle, gas stove, small fridge and WC.
Why you need to fish here
Birse is a picturesque beat with 17 named pools providing the fly fisher with a variety of classic fly water pools, enticing riffles, runs, glides, and deeper holding pools which can produce fish from opening day until the end of the season. Most pools are easily fished from the bank or by wading and are enjoyed by both the novice and more experienced angler alike.
