Call the River Dee
your own.
Beautiful water, a wonderfully varied beat and a full-time ghillie who knows it inside out. Whether you're a lifelong angler or holding a rod for the first time, Dess is a very special place to fish.
The river is callingTHE DESS WATERA river with character.
The Dess fishings sit on the middle River Dee and combine Lower and Upper Dess into one varied stretch of water. Across roughly two and a quarter miles, the character changes from open shingle banks and deeper pools to faster, more secluded water backed by woodland.
That variety is one of the joys of the beat: there is water to suit different conditions and different levels of experience, with many pools accessible from the bank as well as by wading when appropriate.
In good handsYOUR GHILLIEHere for every cast.
One of the things that makes fishing at Lower Dess extra special is having our professional ghillie, Ali McEwen, on the estate. He is here to read the river and conditions, suggest the right pool or approach, help with casting and tackle and make everyone feel completely at home.
For experienced rods, that local knowledge can be invaluable. For first-timers, it takes away the intimidation. Either way, you have someone beside you who knows this water day in, day out.
Find your rhythmFLY FISHING CLINICSLearn, practise, enjoy.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen up your casting or get started solo or with friends, our ghillie Ali is here to help. We can create a day, half day with lunch at the Upper Hut or whole week to get your casting the best it’s ever been.
ASK ABOUT A CLINICMore than the fishingA DAY ON THE RIVERTime well spent.
Guests have use of the Rod Room and two fishing huts on the estate. This includes the award-winning Upper Dess fishing hut, designed by acclaimed architect Michael Rasmussen, with a feature fireplace, terrace, BBQ, kitchen and cloakroom — a beautiful place to stop for lunch, warm up, have a drink on the terrace and watch the river before heading back out.
Keep your eyes peeled at Easter time — family treasure hunts on the riverbank have spotted the Easter Bunny here many times!
ASK US ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAYYour day on the DeePRACTICAL DETAILSPlan your fishing.
Lower Dess Fishing offers four rods, with a fifth available if water conditions allow, and enjoys a salmon fishing season from 1 February to 15 October. Fishing is available Monday to Saturday, with days arranged in advance and reserved privately for those who have booked.
- Middle River Dee, covering Lower and Upper Dess
- Approximately two and a quarter miles of varied water
- Four rods; a fifth subject to water conditions
- Season: 1 February – 15 October
- Fishing available Monday to Saturday
- Professional ghillie guidance and fly fishing clinics
- Rod Room and two fishing huts for guests
- All salmon fishing is catch and release
Salmon fishing on the River Dee is catch and release to help protect and rebuild declining wild Atlantic salmon populations and preserve breeding stocks. All guests must follow local conservation regulations. Read the River Dee Conservation Code ↗.
Make time for the Dee.
From your first cast to a familiar favourite pool, we'd love to help you plan your day on the river.