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 springers, including a particularly impressive fish estimated at 15lb.
At the opening ceremony, Colin Espie shared some fantastic stories. This year marks his 57th season ghillieing on the Dee—an incredible milestone. He began as a 16‑year‑old back in 1970, a time when some reading this report were not even born, “old money” was still in use, and the Bay City Rollers were about to burst onto the music scene.
Colin reminisced about being taken to Dinnet Bridge with his trusty bicycle and his “Dee bag,” which held a pair of heavy canvas waders and an essential piece of equipment: a gaff—back in the days before nets, and long before catch‑and‑release became the norm.
Special thanks go to William Peake of Twin Peakes Fly‑Fishing for supporting Colin as he made the first ceremonial cast, and to Royal Lochnagar for sponsoring the whisky.
News from the beats
February 3rd was a memorable day. Late that morning I received the exciting news that the first Dee fish of 2026 had been caught. Huge congratulations to Andrew Sowerby, who was fishing the Corner Pool at Upper Blackhall when he quite unexpectedly received a firm take. After a lively and spirited tussle, the beautiful spring fish was expertly netted by Nick Craigs. The salmon was released and swam away strongly. Andrew also lost another powerful fish later that same day.
Andrew shared a lovely story about the fly he used—an “Aria” pattern named after Marina Gibson’s daughter. The very same pattern was instrumental in catching the first salmon off the Tyne in 2025 at Bywell, the year wee Aria was born. A lucky charm indeed, and a great tale to go with it.
Nick Craigs also enjoyed some excitement on the river, landing a strong springer of over 30 inches and weighing in at about 15lb, again from the Upper Blackhall beat. On the final day of the trip, Sarah Iveson added to the week’s success with a lovely 8lb springer with Nick netting it.
All three fish were caught on Hardy rods, reels, and lines—with Nick saying that the dual-density Rocket line once again proved perfect for the Dee. All three anglers hail from Northumberland., organised by Pete and affectionately known as the “Dee Lemmings.” their annual pilgrimage to Deeside has become its own tradition—friends returning to familiar waters and picking up conversations exactly where they had left off the year before. Their camaraderie was unmistakable when I met them to handover the Royal Lochnagar Whisky to Andrew for the first fish and he was also delighted to be in the running for the generous donation of a £75 voucher from Somers Fishing Tackle, thank you to them for their kind donation.
In other news Brian Brogan reported a great end to the first week at the Cairnton and Middle Blackhall beats, where they had the pleasure of welcoming Colin and David Craik of Somers Fishing Tackle and their party. Mr David Boddie carried out the traditional blessing of the water with a dram, accompanied by an optimistic speech for the season ahead. On Saturday, with his very first cast of the season, Charlie Robertson hooked and landed a lovely 8lb fish in the Malt Steep on a Willie Gunn. Within minutes, Kevin Fleming followed up with a 10lb fish in the Lower Ferroch on a Monkey. Brian noted that water heights were 4’ 6” on Monday and had dropped to 3’ 4” by Saturday, with temperatures hovering around 37°F/3°C.
Some of you may know Nicol Paton from the Scottish Fly Fishing Co. He announced that he is offering syndicate places on the beautiful Birse beat this year, with details available on his social media. Well done to Andrew Goodenough on landing the first spring salmon from the Birse beat this season—a cracking fish of around 6lbs from the tail of Murray’s Pool.
The February weather presented challenging conditions, with snow, sleet, rain, and wind throughout the week, though it was encouraging to see snowdrops emerging and anglers returning to the riverbanks.
Tight lines and I look forward to hearing your fishing stories from the Dee this year.
DC
Debbie Cooper
pictured – The Dee Lemmings