River Dee 2010

I've just got back from my annual week at Glenbogle Lodge on the Middle Blackhall beat of the river Dee near Banchory where I invite friends of the GAC to fish with us. The Dee has seen its most successful year for over 15 years with over 7,500 Salmon caught and returned. I started fishing the Dee seriously about 5 years ago and I can honestly say it is my favourite river to fly fish for salmon. The river, surroundings, accommodation, the ghillies and the local people are outstanding. I am in the most fortunate position that I can fish anywhere I like - but I always choose the River Dee. Try the river for yourself, and find out why hundreds of fishing MAD Scandinavians come over and fish there every year! It was a tough weeks fishing and on some days the elements were set against us but as usual the guys that put in the hours caught fish as you can see from this wee selection of pics.

Danny McLaughlin lands a nice wee grilse

Choosing gear to fish the Dee is easy. My choice is usually a 14ft 9/10 rod - my favourite being the Guideline LeCie 13'7'' coupled with a decent fly reel (Hardy Angel2 or a Perfect just for the noise) and a selection of Guideline and Mastery shooting heads. When choosing flies, well they say on the Dee you should use anything as long as it’s got yellow in it - and I stick by that theory!

Stevie Reid reckons he's not jammy - aye right!

Best fish of the week was this nineteen pounder caught by Stevie Reid from Bangour Trout Fishery, one of the nicest guys you could ever meet and a great casting instructor as well!