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 water for most of the season, and difficult fishing conditions with some really hot dry spells thrown in. Some beats report once a year to the office and so the annual figure won’t be complete for another month or so, counting what we know with 2 days left on the clock then my best estimate is around 1490 for the year. We can only focus on moving forward now and the 2026 season coming into view with renewed hope.
Around the beats
103 fish to the Dee rods this week, starting with Altries on the lower river right up to Aboyne Water.
The Park beats reported that they had visiting customers from Spain, Switzerland, Scotland, England and Wales who were well looked after by Keith Cromar and Shane Christie but they had a tricky week as the river dropped off and the fish proved hard to catch. Regulars Nick Drake and Stewart Horne landed 2 grilse each, well done both. Justo Fernandez landed an 8lber and 9lber and George Chang landed grilse of 4lb and 6lb, which was good going. The week was rounded off by Emmanuel Farinoli who landed a grilse on Saturday.
William Foster mentioned that with only a few days to go until the end of the season the fishers have been excited to see some large fish jumping; hopefully they will get on the end of one of these soon !
Brian Brogan at Cairnton & Middle Blackhall rounded off a lovely week on the river with a mix of cloud and warm sunny days but really mild for this time of year. The water temperatures remained at 50 Fahrenheit and above and although there were fish in all their pools he said they were pretty dour however they did have four to the rods for the week with Colin Wighton getting the week started with a 15lb er in Sandy Bay on Monday. Polish angler Tomasz Caban had a 6lb er in Grey Mare on Thursday. Local author of books about Fly-fishing Ian Ogden kept his 100% visit to catches intact with a 6lb er in Sandy Bay on Friday and a great end to the week for Pawel Czumaj with a 16lb er in Glister on Saturday. Water heights over the week were 1’ 8” on Monday and gradually falling away with Saturday’s height at 8”.
At Carlogie Lara Stroh had a 5lb grilse expertly guided by Twin Peakes Fly Fishing. At Ballogie Donny Donovan had 2, John McCartney had 2, and Jack McCartney had 1 for their 3 days. Ewan had 2, his biggest was 18lbs, so well done to him.
Other beats with fish to their rods this week were Tilbouries & Middle Drum, Lower Crathes & West Durris, Knappach, Crathes Castle, Little Blackhall & Inchmarlo, Woodend, Sluie, Kincardine, Dess and Birse.
A polite reminder that the DDSFB AGM/APM takes place on Wednesday 29th October 2025 at 7pm at the Banchory Lodge Hotel . Click on our website for details of how to book a place in person and online, submit a question in advance .- https://riverdee.org.uk/minutes-and-agendas/
We have two trophies that are presented at the river opening next year, entries are now open for both of them until 31st December 2025 ,
- Calum Mackenzie cup for young people under 18 sponsored by Ballogie Estate
- Tor na Coille Trophy for the best fly-caught salmon sponsored by Tor Na Coille Hotel.
Click on this page – https://riverdee.org.uk/fish-the-river-dee/ and scroll to the green box that says “Trophies” or drop me a note if you need more information or to submit an entry.
We’re preparing a Save the Spring newsletter with an update on the wild fish repopulation element of the programme, please make sure you have signed up for our newsletter then you will receive all of the news over the autumn and winter months.
Link for sign up is here – https://riverdee.org.uk/#newsletter
Thank you to all of those folks who have taken a few minutes to read the report, contribute to it, drop me a note or a call me and those who have come and fished with us on this very special river then “haste ye back”, and for those who have yet to come to the Dee then we hope to see you next year and if you need help planning your trip then please do drop me an e mail.
Best wishes
DC
Debbie Cooper