After a prolonged spell of very wet weather, Friday and Saturday brought a crisp chill to the air, but it was a real pleasure to see the sunshine again—and not to have to dry out after being outside. Nature is already stirring toward spring, with the first bulbs appearing and the familiar “peep peep” of the oystercatchers echoing along the riverbank.
There were a few fish to the rods this week, including a strong spring salmon of 14lb landed at the Birse beat on Saturday. I’ve added some notes at the end of the report summarising feedback from our recent meeting with Scottish Government representatives. We respectfully ask all anglers visiting the Dee to help us present our beautiful river in the best possible light and to support our efforts to protect Atlantic salmon.
News from the beats
As I was writing the report, I heard that the first springer on the Banchory beat had been caught this morning. Now that they’re off the mark, I’ll share more details in next week’s report.
Starting with a report from Nicol Paton of the Scottish Fly Fishing Co.
The week began with the river running high, with water levels fluctuating and the temperature sitting at a cool 3°C at the Birse beat . As the week progressed, levels dropped and stabilised, making a few more of the beat pools fishable. On Saturday, conditions started cold, but the water height was favourable for the beat and the sun was shining. Local Aberdeenshire angler Neil Stephenson landed a beautiful, mirror-bright spring fish from the Red Brae Pool just before lunch, using a Next Cast hover/int/2 line with a super‑fast tip and a Dee Monkey tube fly.
Nicol also mentioned that rods are available this week, with availability on FishPal at very reasonable rates for those wishing to fish Tilbouries & Middle Drum or the Birse beats.
Brian Brogan from the Cairnton & Middle Blackhall beats reported that their second week of the season began with over 6ft on the gauge, accompanied by frequent rain and a south‑easterly breeze. Conditions and the fishing, however, improved as the week progressed. He also noted the arrival of a few oystercatchers—always a welcome sign that spring is on the way, even if we’re not quite there yet. Fishing was encouraging, with four fish landed and a few kelts still about. Regular Dee visitor Andy Ashcroft landed his first fish of the season on Tuesday—a lovely 10lber on an Alistair fly. On Thursday, experienced rod Ken Mackenzie caught his first February fish, a beautiful 8lber on a Black & Yellow. Another 10lb fish was landed the same day on a yellow Flashwing, and the beats even saw a bit of sunshine for the first time in several weeks. On Friday, Alistair Dunbar also got off the mark with his first fish of the season, a 9lber taken on a Monkey.
Water levels were 6’1” on Monday, dropping to 2’6” by Saturday, with water temperatures ranging between 35°F and 40°F.
Brian also noted that, for those fancying a cast, rods are available this coming week. Please check the Cairnton website for availability and contact Sarah directly to book.
Angus Rutherford reported a quieter week at Upper Blackhall, though effort and optimism remained high. A few of last season’s fish were about and after a long spell of grey weather, the return of sunlight lifted both river and spirits.
With full rods this week and next, anticipation is growing, and more fish are expected to move through the beat. Some limited spring availability remains at attractive rates, and Angus would be delighted to welcome visitors to Upper Blackhall, please contact them directly for dates.
News from the River Office
The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) is continuing its work to develop sonic detection of seals in the lower river. Progress has been very positive, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of March. The next phase will link this system with the proven sonic deterrent used on the North Esk, creating a fully automated and targeted response to seals entering the river.
The DDSFB Chair and River Director met last week with the Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon, the Marine Directorate, NatureScot, Fisheries Management Scotland, and SMRU to discuss seal predation. All parties agreed that SMRU’s detect‑and‑deter programme should continue, with the next phase to be delivered this year, we will update you when we know more.
NatureScot again raised concerns that photos showing fish held out of the water suggest poor catch‑and‑release practice and imply that angling contributes to salmon mortality. We reiterated that the Dee adopted catch‑and‑release long before it became government policy, and that poor handling affects only a very small proportion of fish. However, every out‑of‑water photograph can misrepresent angling as a factor in salmon decline and is taken into account during licence applications. For this reason, we will only share images that demonstrate good handling practice, and we appreciate your support.
If you have any questions about the information in the report this week then drop me a note to debbie@riverdee.org
Tight lines if you are braving the cold this coming week.
DC
Debbie Cooper
pictured – fish to the rod of Neil Stephenson at the Birse beat