Wild Brown Trout Fishing

There are sparse populations of wild brown trout within the river Dee catchment and many are captured by default by salmon anglers who are often disappointed as their quarry is a much larger fish than the humble brown trout. Further up the river Dee valley, however, there are areas where there are some small populations of wild brown trout and these are fished for by enthusiastic trout fishermen. Here is a list of some areas where wild brown trout fly fishing is carried out locally.

River fishing

River Shee Water: 15th March to 20th September, brown trout, fly fishing only. North Bank Spittal to Finegard. South Bank Spittal to Slochnacraig, also Alt a 'Ghlinne Bhig.

River Gairn: 15th March to 20th September, brown trout, fly fishing only. No spinning allowed and no use of bait. From bridge of Gairn near Ballater, on the west bank only to Tomnavey. Both banks from Tomnavey to Gairnshiel bridge. No fishing west of bridge.

River Clunie: 15th March to 20th September, brown trout, fly fishing only. No spinning or bait fishing allowed. Both banks of river from the golf course south.

Permits for the Gairn and Clunie can be obtained at a fee from Invercauld Estates Office, Braemar Tourist Information Centre, Braemar and Countrywear Ballater. Permits for the Shee are available from the estates office or Mrs Young, Invereddrie Farm, Glenshee, tel: 01250 885241.

Fishing without a permit is strictly prohibited.

Loch Beanie, Deeside

Loch Bainnie (or 'Beanie'). © Lis Burke (source: geograph)



Loch fishing

Loch Nan Euan: Map reference 063780. Brown trout, fly fishing only. Reached by taking the path on the north side of River Shee, opposite Dalmunzie, and due northwest up Glen Thaitenich approximately six mile walk as there is no vehicle access.

Loch Bainnie (or 'Beanie'): Map reference 060686. Brown trout, fly fishing only. The loch is approached from the A93 by taking the Compass Christian turnoff and turning right for Invereddrie Farm. Leave your car to the left of the farm buildings. This loch has a boat which can be reserved by telephoning Mrs Young, Invereddrie Farm, Glenshee, tel: 01250 885241.

Permits which cover both these lochs, are available from Mrs Young, as above; Invercauld Estates Office, Braemar (tel: 013397 41224 or email: office@invercauld.org) or the Tourist Information Centre in Braemar.

Loch Vrotichan: Map reference 123785. Brown trout, fly fishing only. Lies northwest of the Cairnwell and can be reached from the Glenshee chairlift. Details and permits for this loch are available from Ballater Angling Association, tel: 07751 549 938.

Fishing without a permit is strictly prohibited. Water Bailiffs patrol regularly.

All litter must be removed, no fires to be lit, no spinning or bait fishing. A catch return must be submitted to the estate office at the close of permit whether daily or season. If applying for permit by post please include a stamped addressed envelope for return of permit. Invercauld Estates Office, 4 The Keiloch, Braemar, AB35 5TW.



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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