For 2010 the fishing season opens on 1st February and closes on 15th October - this period includes a trial extension of two weeks. It is proposed that the Conservation Code restricts this extension to the portion of the river downstream of Aboyne Bridge and that no fishing takes place upstream of that bridge in the month of October.

Spring fishing

The River Dee's spring salmon fishing is of international renown, having high numbers caught compared with some other rivers in Scotland. Commencing on the 1st February, the best spring fishing is to be had in the lower and a few of the middle-lower beats which open that month, with the remaining beats opening on 1st March.

Given good water conditions fish can run upstream quickly to the upper beats during March and by April/May the main body of spring fish will be passing through the middle beats into the upper river. Water height and temperature can play a big part in the movement of fish at any time of the season but especially in the spring when snow and/or rain in the western catchment can quickly influence water conditions.

Salmon fishing on the River Dee

Dee springer caught in February

The River Dee at Crathie

Summer fishing

The Dee's summer salmon and grilse are the most abundant of the river's fish stocks and provide excellent sport for local and visiting anglers. In late June and into July, we expect to see grilse arriving, generally in good numbers. In fact grilse numbers caught by rod and line have increased steadily over the past three decades. Local coastal netting concerns have been bought out by the Dee Board, promoting conservation and benefiting the rod fishery.

Summer salmon will also be entering the river and provide excellent opportunities for anglers.

It is during May that we usually expect to see runs of sea trout arriving. They provide excellent opportunities for anglers, many of whom choose to fish through the night for these elusive and hard fighting fish.

Autumn Fishing

Autumn runs of salmon, which start in August and are in full swing in September, providing excellent and productive fishing for anglers on the Dee in all sections of the river.

This period of the season is blessed with the presence of sea trout, grilse, summer and autumn runs of salmon, providing anglers with marvellous opportunities in all sections of the river, particularly the lower beats.

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RIVER DEE
GRAND AUCTION
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A collection of fourteen fabulous auction lots have been donated to help raise vital funds for the River Dee. Full details can be accessed here
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For the largest fish caught on the Dee each year - see:

PARK TROPHY