By Craig McDonald, Ghillie
Despite low water in the spring months of April and May making fishing conditions challenging, good numbers of fish were seen running the river giving cause for optimism.
In the low water deep holes and streamy runs were the places where clients were catching fish. Using slightly different tactics and thinking outside the box produced results. Then the rain arrived in June and the catches picked up accordingly. Good numbers of well-conditioned fish were caught across the Glen Tanar beats.
The sea trout run was fantastic this year both in terms of quality of the fish and the average size. Sea trout of 4 and 5 pounds are usually very rare on the River Dee but this year numerous fish were caught. The excitement these fish can bring added to many of the anglers' experience.
Come the summer months the fishing picked up again when we had rain but later as the water dropped away it was becoming tricky. Fish are evident in good numbers in most of the pools but tempting them is another problem! Now the river is settling back after a good spate which should give the river a good flush out and encourage some movement of fish. Fishers are optimistic for the coming days!
Whilst being slightly behind on numbers caught compared to last year it is generally agreed there appears to be more fish in the river this season which is of great encouragement.