River Fishing

Salmon fishing is one of the oldest forms of fishing. In medieval times salmon were netted in many rivers and formed an essential part of the diet at the time. In the Victorian era, rod fishing became a sport and it has grown in popularity ever since to become the ultimate type of game fishing.

Atlantic salmon are the largest and best known fish that lives in Scottish rivers and contributes hugely to rural economies through salmon fishing. The River Tay is the home of record fish including the largest ever rod caught salmon in Britain which was caught by Miss Georgina Ballantine in 1922, weighing 64lbs (29kg). This is a similar weight as a fully grown Labrador retriever or an 8 year old child(!) and remains the British Record.

Rivers are split into beats and the fishing rights are owned by individuals or fishing clubs and associations who allow people to fish for a fee.

The River Deesupports one of the healthiest populations of Atlantic salmon in Western Europe and is renowned for being one of Scotland's most important salmon fisheries.It is estimated that salmon fishing on the River Dee contributes £16 million annually to the local economy and supports 500+ jobs. These jobs come from a wide range of industries such as the provision of accommodation and food in hotels, restaurants and cafes as well as outdoor clothing and gift shops, to Ghillies who welcome and guide visiting anglers on the fishing beats across the river.

The Dee District Salmon Fishery Board Salmon has implemented a Conservation Code since 1994 asking anglers to release fish back to the river after they are caught, called catch and release. Today 98% of salmon caught on the Dee are released unharmed ensuring they go on to spawn and create the next generation of fish.

The River Don is best known as a wild brown trout fishing river and is reputed as one of the finest in Scotland. The River Ythan is a long established fishing river, famed for sea trout.

Activity 1 – Importance of River Fishing

a)Find out how important fishing on your local river is to the local economy. Research how many people are employed on the river and what their jobs entail. Think of other businesses that benefit from having a fishing river nearby.

b)Visit a local business such as a hotel, restaurant or shop and interview a member of staff about how important fishing is to their business and how different it would be if the river did not attract anglers. Ask if there are certain times of the year that are busiest and the reasons why.

Online Resources:

  1. FishPal online booking system for fishing
  2. River Dee Trust
  3. River Don Trust
  4. River Ythan Trust
  5. Video of fish being caught INSERT

Activity 2 – The Role of a Ghillie

A ghillie is someone who helps, whether with deer stalking on the hill or with fishing on a river. River ghillie have more direct responsibility to their guests.

Most beats on the River Dee employ a Ghillie full or part time to help guests fishing on the river.

The role of a ghillie is to show the angler the beat when they arrive and advise on good locations to fish throughout the beat depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Ghillies may have several anglers as guests at one time and will visit each angler throughout the day to see how they are getting on.

There is a wide range of fishing tackle that is used in different weather conditions and to attract salmon or trout. Ghillies can advise on which tackle would be best on that day.

On some beats, the ghillie may stay with the angler for some or all of the day. Ghillies are also responsible for making sure anglers fish within the law and in compliance with relevant conservation code guidelines.

a)Research whether your local river employs riverghillies. If so, find out what their role is and how long they have been doing the job.

b)Arrange a class visit to a fishing beat with a ghillie to ask them about their role.

Online Resources:

  1. The role of a ghillie
  2. Fly fishing information
  3. Video on the River Dee website

Activity 3 – Promoting Fishing

a)Make a leaflet or poster to encourage people to come to your local river to fish for salmon or trout. Think about what requirements anglers have and what would need to be on the poster or leaflet.

Activity 4–Try Fishing

Would you like to try fishing?

Part of the IntroDee Education Programme run by the River Dee Trust includes a trip to Raemoir Trout Fishery to learn to fly fish. More information can be found here. INSERT LINK

If you are outwith the River Dee – more information

Ross events – junior ectINSERT LINK

Orvis in Banchory provide introduction to fishing courses – INSERTT LINK

Raemoir Trout Fishery and Tullich Trout Fisheries

Aberdeen and District Angling Association

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