FISHING ETIQUETTE AT TILBOURIES Good manners and courteous behaviour at all times is encouraged. Please observe the following conditions.
Anglers commencing to fish in front of someone fishing the opposite bank should start fishing at least one hundred yards downstream from the opposite angler, or preferably in a different pool.
When starting behind the opposite angler allow a separation of at least 50 yards.
If the opposite rods do not follow these guidelines inform the ghillie immediately.
Anglers must make steady progress downstream while fishing a pool thereby allowing any following angler on either side of the river equal progress through the pool.
Anglers should show awareness of others fishing the river. For example he should be prepared to lift his line out of the water by request should another angler on the same or opposite bank be playing a fish. Remember the fellow angler opposite has an equal right to enjoyment of the water.
If you are "sharing" a rod then the combined fishing effort should not exceed that which could be expected from one reasonably fit person. In particular, fishing in relay is not permitted without allowing time to pass for the person finishing the pool to walk back up to the start.
Only one rod at a time from either bank in either Tilbouries Run or in Alfred's Pot. If the opposite rods do not follow these guidelines inform the ghillie immediately.
No second rod to go through either Tilbouries Run or Alfred's Pot if there are rods on the Altries bank waiting to fish the pool, if no rods waiting on the Altries side then fine to go through.
No crossing of the middle point of the river except with the permission of the ghillie and ONLY to fish the Kelpie pool on the Middle Drum water and anglers must not fish past the beat boundary marker post on the opposite bank whilst fishing the Kelpie pool.
No fishing back to your own bank.
FISHING METHOD
In the period up to 15 April, spinning may be permitted at the sole discretion of the ghillie and only down to the march with Altries.
No spinning is permitted on pools shared with Altries.
The use of Flying Condom type lures is forbidden.
After 15 April, fly fishing only is permitted on the entire beat.
The following are forbidden at all times: baits such as shrimp, prawn or worm; "megabait" and similar products; chemical "dips"; illuminating or glowing lures. If in doubt ask the ghillie.
The upstream method of fishing with sunken tackle is forbidden.
CATCH AND RELEASE The Dee Conservation Code will be observed AT ALL TIMES. Currently, in simple terms it is as follows:
Salmon: Release all salmon.
Sea Trout: Release all sea-trout. Guidance on how to release fish is on display in the bothy. A barbless, or crimped down barbed hook is easier to release than a barbed one. Do not use large trebles.
Taking a played fish out of the water has been likened to shoving an exhausted human's head into a bucket of water immediately they have run a race. Try to keep the fish in the water at all times and release it with the least interference or damage you can. It is easiest to do this by stepping into the water (where it is safe to do so) alongside the played fish. The purpose of catch and release is to return healthy fish back into the river so that they survive to breed, so don't drag them up the bank and damage their skin.
Photos: Do, if you can, get a photo but do not wander about with your fish waiting for a photographer - the fish's survival is of far greater importance. If a photographer is on hand the best thing to do is to remove the fly from the fish while it is in the water and then, supporting the fish underneath, briefly lift it a little bit out of the water, say "cheese", and then release it carefully. Don't under any circumstances hold it up by the gills or the tail. Send us a copy of the photo if you can.
Bleeding Fish:
If, despite your efforts to avoid harming the fish, it bleeds copiously from the gills it will die if released. In such circumstances kill the fish quickly and humanely. You are not entitled to keep such fish. In the spring they must be returned to the river and after 01 June they will be given to the proprietor. The purpose of this rule is to avoid any temptation to kill fish.
MISCELLANEOUS
Any Angler who has been "warned off" the beat is not welcome and their reservation will not be accepted even if this is made through a third party. They will be asked to leave the beat upon arrival and no monies will be refunded.
Beginners and those requiring the constant attention of a ghillie should contact the factor in advance to make special arrangements for this service.
OUR ADVICE - EQUIPMENT We recommend the following:
Rods: Feb-early June & Sept: - double-handed rod 14ft-16ft Mid-June - August double-handed rod 12ft - 14ft. Generally speaking a single-handed rod is only worth using in low water conditions and is certainly unsuitable for some wind and water conditions. Do not rely on a single-handed rod as the only means of fishing on the Dee but do please by all means bring one along in the summer.
Lines: depends on water temperature and height, bring at least one of each category: -sinking tip or slow sinking or intermediate -floating line Note: fast sinking lines are not suitable
Leaders: Spring 12lbs - 15lbs
Fly Patterns: Willie Gunn, Munro Killer, Stoat's Tail, Ally"s Shrimp, Sweep and Toucan are all popular. Light, slimly dressed flies are recommended.
Waders: Chest waders are required and use of a life vest and a wading stick is advised.
Clothing: Warm and waterproof.
Safety Eye protection - please consider wearing safety glasses, preferably polarised
The agent and proprietors let the rights of fishing only, and do not accept responsibility for the natural hazard and adverse climatic conditions out with their control affecting the catching of salmon. Please note that in line with general practice, refunds can not be given for fishing spoilt by inclement weather, poor water conditions or in any other circumstances which could not reasonably have been foreseen or predicted and are out with the proprietor and agent’s control.
