For beginners
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The Dee Board has been running angling development events since 2014 and since 2019 has developed this into a programme called Aberdeenshire Fly Fish 50. AFF50’s vision is to introduce and encourage at least 50 new people each year, from across all ages and backgrounds to take up fly fishing in Aberdeenshire.
You can see all our planned events for 2023 and lots of tips and guides to inspire you on this page
AFF50 is delivered by a group of volunteers, including professional instructors, Dee ghillies and a Dee beat owner, who have been pivotal to the success of the programme, which would not be possible without them. The programme has received support from LOOP Tackle, which has provided trout and salmon kits and has also funded the website and guidance via Scottish Angling Development Strategy.
We run events on the river and have now developed a teaching syllabus for still water trout and salmon fishing.
The ghillies are always happy to work with newcomers and enjoy nothing more than to report a 'first ever salmon' being caught.
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Introduction to Salmon Fishing
This is held each June at Invery & Tilquhillie. Participants have a full day of professional instruction and fishing. All equipment is provided.
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Ladies Day
This popular event takes place each September on Invery & Tilquhillie and the neighbouring Lower Blackhall and Banchory beat. Ladies fishing has grown on Deeside and this event is a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people such as the River Dee Damsels who run their own ladies-only angling events throughout the year. Participants have a full day of professional instruction and fishing. All equipment is provided.
Big Fish, Little Fish
Big Fish, Little Fish, is a days fishing where an adult brings a youngster (strictly 12+) to a beat for the day to share a cast together. It is an ideal introduction to the Dee for young anglers. All equipment is provided.
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Stillwater Trout & Salmon lesson Blocks
The still water trout lessons take place over three evenings at one of the many excellent trout fisheries in the region. The block costs £50.