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| Fishing Glashan at Monaltrie |
Spring salmon arrive early on the River Dee and
by opening day (February 1) they will be spread through the lower
reaches at least as far as Banchory, even if the winter is cold.
With recent mild winters good fishing has been available much
further upstream as far as Aboyne during March. By the end of
April good numbers of springers will be into the upper reaches.
May and June are the prime months on the upper beats of the river.
Sea trout start to arrive in April and by May the numbers will
be increasing towards the peak of the runs in June.
The Dee is a clear water river by Scottish standards,
especially in its upper reaches where it emanates from the wells
of Dee and flows over hard worn granite bedrock before cascading
over the precipitious Lin of Dee upstream of Braemar. From there
passes Balmoral, Ballater, Dinnet, Aboyne, Kincardine O'Neil
and Banchory before entering the North
Sea at Aberdeen. There are too many fine beats to mention them
all but Cairnton is
a special place, immortalised by Jock Scott's fine book "Greased
Line Fishing for Salmon" that describes the tactics of
A H E
Wood. The development of modern floating line methods and the
low water style of salmon fly. The Dee itself is the mother
of the Dee Split wing style of fly of which there are many examples
and of course the classic low water flies Blue Charm, Silver
Blue, March Brown, Jeannie and Logie have found uses worldwide.
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The
Bend, Commonty
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Usual tackle for the Dee in springtime is a 15
ft and an intermediate or sink tip line, in high water a Wetcel
2 would be useful. Tube flies such as Willie Gunn, Black and
Yellow and Black and Orange in sizes 1 inch to 2 inches are
big enough. Later when the water drops and warms a floating
line is normal and smaller flies such as Stoats Tail, Munroe
and the Ally's Shrimps come into their own. A smaller rod is
often sufficient in low water or on the higher beats. See
Ally's selection of flies and feel free to ask
for recommendations for any beat or time of year.
As can be seen from the pictures the Dee is a
rocky river and wading can be very difficult in places. It
is adviseable to take a wading staff and wear a lifejacket.
The scenary is often magnificant and the character of the river
is as nice as you will find anywhere, hardly surprising that
this is one of worlds greatest salmon rivers. The season closes
on September 30. Booking
Any private fishing described may be booked by e-mail giving
me a note of the dates and number of rods required, subject to
availability. A deposit will be requested to confirm the booking.
Deposits will be forfeited in the event of cancellation, unless
the fishing can be successfully re-let. Guides/ghillies may be
provided. Fly casting and trout, sea trout and salmon fishing
instruction of any type can be arranged.
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