River Dee Fishing Report – Week 24 commencing 6th July 2026
It was a week of low water and far too much sunshine for our purposes. Nonetheless, a few fish were landed despite the conditions. Early in the week there was some cloud and the odd patch of rain, but to no obvious effect. By midweek it was old-school hot and sunny, with temperatures climbing into the 20s. On the upside, Aboyne returned to national prominence on weather bulletins as one of the country’s hotspots.
All things considered, these were not the most comfortable fishing conditions. Spare a thought, too, for the ghillies who embraced the joys of strimming last week. There is nothing quite like a boiler suit and a petrol strimmer to take your mind off the hot weather.
Catches reflected the conditions, along with the barest trickle of summer salmon and grilse.
Callum Conner picked up a nice fresh fish at Park on Monday from Lower Kirks and followed that with a grilse on Tuesday. Fish were seen moving through the beat, but proved elusive. Park regular Graham Paterson wrapped up the week with a lovely 6lb grilse in the Lower Kirk’s on Saturday evening, well done Graham and well deserved.
Banchory produced a few grilse last week. As Wimbledon concludes, we really should start to see grilse numbers building below the Feugh.
At Cairnton and Middle Blackhall, Alan Leigh and James Miller had a grilse apiece from Glister and Invercannie respectively on Monday. James marked his first visit to Cairnton in some style, also landing a 9lber from the Upper Sat Vat. A Stoat’s Tail was the fly of choice.
Gordon Ferries from Alford landed the first for Dess on Monday, with a clean fish from Jock Rae. Shaun Marriott had a clean grilse from Lindy’s at 6am during the week. Matthew Gordon ended the week on a high, landing a cracker of around 17lb on Saturday. It was only his second visit of the season, maintaining his 100% record.
Wednesday and Thursday were hard work as the conditions really began to bite. Most of the successes came from early-morning sessions, away from the heat of the day.
Tara Spiers sent a note on the River Dee Damsels’ fishing at Birse over the weekend, the first in a series of outings on the river this season:
“Thankfully, we got a break in the weather on Saturday — light drizzle and cool conditions. Although we saw a couple of fish, nothing was taking. As usual, the girls had great fun, and the second wave of ladies will be back next weekend for more.”
For anyone interested in getting involved, there is plenty of information on the Damsels section of the River Dee website, along with all the usual social media channels.
Outlook
For the week ahead, the encouraging news is that the intense heat should ease. While no meaningful rainfall is currently expected, temperatures are forecast to return to much more seasonable levels, with highs generally in the high teens to around 20°C.
More cloud and cooler nights should help reduce thermal stress on the river, even if they do not materially improve water levels. It is certainly preferable to another week of relentless sunshine.
The ghillies will have their own thoughts on fly choice, but the usual mix of small dressed doubles, Silver Stoats, Crathies, small Cascades, Flamethrowers and similar patterns should cover most eventualities. Full floating lines and a selection of polyleaders remain the basic staple.
Also, as was rightly suggested to me the other day, don’t forget the hitch.
As ever, listen to your ghillie.
Ross Macdonald