Dee - Trout and more

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. That said every year some good catches of trout can and are made, with the River Feugh tributary being a popular source of reasonable trout fishing. Fishing can be obtained via the Heughhead fishing beat and the Aberdeen and District Angling Association, further details in the fishery descriptions page on this site for these venues.

Further up the river Dee valley, there are wild and remote 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 in the upper catchment.

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.

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. 

Loch Vrotichan: Map reference 123785. Brown trout, fly fishing only. Lies northwest of the Cairnwell and can be reached from the Glenshee chairlift. 

Fishing without a permit is strictly prohibited. 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. 

Other Fishing

Trout fishing is available throughout the Dee valley from a variety of stocked fisheries located near the main river stem. These provide fishing virtually all year round.

Trout fisheries allow families and groups to visit and everyone can have a go at catching the stocked fish. These often include brown, rainbow, blue and golden trout. Some of the fisheries even have tagged fish that entitle you to a cash prize if you are fortunate enough to catch one.

Such fisheries can also be a real godsend when the river is in spate and too high to fish safely, or alternatively, during the late summer when the water levels may very occasionally drop well below normal summer lows making it difficult to catch a wild salmon, unless of course, you are out in the hours of darkness.

Aboyne Loch

Ideally situated on the main A93 road between Banchory and Ballater sits the scenic and popular Aboyne Loch. The loch is open all year round for local and visiting coarse fishermen.

This is a productive fishery which allows bait, spinning and fly fishing and has an excellent mixture of fish inhabiting the loch. The resident species include bream, carp, ide, perch, pike, roach and tench which will provide a variety of sport for all levels of angling skills.

The on-site static caravan park provides good facilities and bait can be purchased from the shop. You may even be able to pitch a tent or acquire a caravan for the night depending on availability. The fishery also has some boats and it's a safe place to come and fish. Royal Deeside is a world-famous tourist destination and as such there are numerous local places for the non-fishing visitor to explore.

Aboyne Loch can be a good alternative if the Dee becomes unfishable. It allows people to try their hand at fly fishing for either carp or pike regardless of the prevailing river conditions - unless of course the water freezes, which it does occasionally during the winter months. 

Raemoir Trout Fishery

Mill of Strachan Fishery

Glen Tanar Estate Trout Fishery

Logie Trout Fishery

Midmar Fishery