Notionally the lower Dee is from Aberdeen upstream to Banchory. This reach is generally best for early spring salmon and late running summer salmon and grilse as fish tend to migrate upstream very slowly in the cold early spring and again the late running fish are going to spawn in the lower areas of the main river so are in no rush to get upstream.

In June and July, grilse also provide excellent opportunities for anglers. Historically, plentiful numbers have been caught throughout the lower and middle reaches of the river, where fish from 4-7lbs are typical.

August and September onwards, (which includes the autumn salmon run given good water levels), can be very prolific with significant numbers of fish arriving. At this time good fishing for most if not all beats in the lower reaches, with the odd fish caught each year weighing between twenty and thirty-something pounds.

Middle Dee

Notionally from Banchory to Aboyne with beats from Banchory to Kincardine O'Neil or Dess providing good spring salmon fishing in the months from March to May, with higher beats, in the middle reaches starting to catch spring salmon from March onwards.

Fishing the Dee

Angler Roy Furniss playing a lively Spring salmon at a Lower Dee Beat

Summertime at Kincardine

July starts to provide excellent grilse catches and the summer salmon will be arriving with them. These can also be very exciting when they are on the move upriver providing adrenaline-inducing sport when a run comes through the pool you are fishing.

Upper Dee

The upper reaches, from Aboyne bridge to the top of the river, can produce superb spring salmon as early as March provided the water conditions are favourable for running fish - as has been the case since 2003. The best months are April to June, with grilse and sea trout arriving from June onwards, providing excellent late evening sport in the summer months. Good water flows will continue to provide excellent sport right through to the end of the season in September.

Tributaries

The principal tributaries for fishing are the Feugh Water and the Gairn and Clunie burns. The latter two provide fishing for sea trout and brown trout only, permits for which can be obtained from the Ballater Countrywear retail outlet and the Braemar Tourist Information office.

The Feugh Water has many fishing beats along its length, and is noted principally for its sea trout and brown trout. Grilse, summer and autumn salmon also provide opportunities for anglers.

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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