We Are the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board
We look after the River Dee, an iconic 81‑mile river that flows from its source high in the Cairngorms through Royal Deeside to the North Sea at Aberdeen. With more than 40 beautiful locations for fly fishing Atlantic salmon and sea trout between February and October, the Dee is celebrated as one of the world’s finest salmon rivers.
Our mission is to protect and enhance this remarkable river, so it continues to support rich biodiversity and strengthen communities across Northeast Scotland. The River Dee is at the centre of vital freshwater conservation efforts, working to safeguard the iconic Atlantic salmon – an indicator species facing growing environmental pressures.
Fish the River
Whether you’re a returning angler, new to the River Dee, or trying salmon fly fishing for the first time, the Dee offers a stunning place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with nature.
Explore what the river provides, how to plan your fishing trip, and what to expect along the way. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions or use our interactive map of fishing beats to get started.
River Restoration
Discover some of the key nature restoration projects across the River Dee catchment, including Scotland’s largest dam removal at Garlogie, the restoration of the Cattie Burn at Ballogie, the Glen Clunie river and floodplain project, and new biodiversity initiatives on the Muick near Ballater in the Cairngorms.
Protecting Fish
Atlantic salmon face threats from poaching, predators and pollution. Our team patrols the Dee, protects young fish, works with new technology to detect and deter predators, and encourages the public to report concerns, including poaching on 01339 880411 and pollution incidents to SEPA.
Latest news
River Dee Fishing Report – Week 1- Mon 2nd February 2026
I have just about dried out from a very wet and sleety opening day at the Milton of Crathes, but despite the weather it was wonderful to come together again, put 2025 behind us, and look ahead with optimism to the 2026 season. So far, the tally stands at six beautiful...
River Dee opening is an opportunity to highlight the importance of the rural economy
The Dee District Salmon Fishery Board (DDSFB) highlights the vital role the river plays in supporting Aberdeenshire’s rural economy as the Dee opens for the 2026 fishing season. Running from February to October, the season attracts anglers from across the globe to one...
Funding for innovative technology protecting endangered salmon
The University of St Andrews is working with the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board (DDSFB) in its ongoing effort to protect the critically endangered Atlantic salmon on the River Dee by developing measures to reduce predation. Funding of £160,000 has been secured by...
River Dee Fishing Report – Week 37 commencing 6th October 2025
The last full week of fishing and the last report of the year for me. September was a better month with 580 salmon reported to FishPal and so that’s up on the same month last year by 176. As you will all know the season overall has been very tough, with seriously low...
River Dee Fishing Report – Week 36 commencing 29th September 2025
It is hard to believe that this was the last week for fishing above Aboyne Bridge, it seems to have come around really quickly in the last few weeks, and the trees have really turned along with the darker evenings coming in now as well. This week was challenging with...
River Dee Fishing Report – Week 35 commencing 22nd September 2025
As we head towards the end of September, we see the highest number of fish to the rods this week that we have recorded all season, it is good to know that fish are travelling up the river now with the cooler days and nights. The River Dee Trust auction is running...