Banchory Devenick and Garthdee Beat Summary
These two beats on the lower Dee are mainly opposite each other and can be very productive from June onwards. The Garthdee beat on the north bank starts from the metal fence 200yds above the old Bridge of Dee and extends upstream for 1320yds. Car parking is mainly at Sainsbury, B&Q car park, with only a short walk to the river. This beat was purchased in 19?? and has produced some excellent salmon and sea trout fishing over the years.
The Banchory Devenick beat is mainly on the south bank with a short 250yrd stretch on the north bank. The south bank fishings start 60yds down stream of the east most pump house and extend to 100yds west of Banchory Devenick church, approx 11/2 miles. Car parking is available at the lay-by at Leggart Terrace, Waterside Farm and the road side verge west of Banchory Devenick church. This beat is rented from the Land Owner, Rupert Lumsden and over the past few years has given our members some excellent salmon and sea trout fishing.
As mentioned above salmon and sea trout are the main species fished for. With a few salmon in the low 20s taken most seasons. But you never know a 30-40lb fish maybe passing. The sea trout fishing starts around May. Late evening and early morning tend to be the best times. Fish up to 6lb are not that uncommon but most are around the 2-3lb mark. Finnock and brown trout are also taken but most anglers don’t fish for these fish and are taken mostly by accident
MANSE POOL
Located at the top end of the Banchory Devenick beat and may only be fished from the south bank. This pool is very slow moving water and not really suited to the fly fisher. This pool is best fished with a rise of water which will bring fish up from the lower pools. Most types of spinning lures will work at times. Wading is not recommended as there are some very deep holes close to the bank
LADYS POOL
This pool may be fished from the north and south banks. Both of which are part of the Banchory Devenick beat. Fishing the fly or spinning from the bottom of the island down to the old bridge parapet approx 100 yds. Most fish lie mainly towards the south bank were there is good depth of water. Wading on the north bank is fairly safe at summer level on a even shingle bottom. The south bank wading is on a narrow strip of mixed shingle at the top end to very large uneven stones at the bottom end were care should be taken. You may also fish off the bank but there are some over hanging trees to look out for.
BRIDGE POOL
This pool is really a continuation of the ladys pool from the old bridge parapet down stream for approx 60 yds. Both banks may be fished at the top of the pool but can only be fished from the south bank for it’s entire length, look out for the marker on the north bank that indicates the bottom of the beat. With the water flowing fairly slow at the top of this deep pool spinning is the norm. Wading is okay on the north bank in summer level conditions but should only be fished from the bank on the south bank. Fish tend to lie midstream to the south bank.
SHAWS POT
The top end of this pool may only be fished from the south bank, Banchory Devenick. The opposite bank is fished by RGU fishing club. Please give respect to the fishers on this bank. Most fish tend to lie close to the north bank and a good cast is required. The shingle bottom has changed over the past few years and care should be taken when wading. Fly and spinning are both permitted, no one method out fishes the other. Half way down the pool you may then fish both banks down to the old fish counter. I have been told by Diver Dave, there is a deep trench which lies 20-30ft off the north bank that the fish lie in.
THE BELTIE
This pool may be fished from both banks, north – Garthdee fishings, south – Banchory Devenick fishings. Fly and spinning are permitted on both banks . This pool has changed a great deal over the years with the introduction of the fish counter. This will change again with the counter being removed some time soon if everything goes according to plan. Most fish lie well below the counter, more towards the south bank. The wading is quite good around this area, most of which is flat shingle bottom.
PUMP HOUSE POOL
The pump house pool is the most productive pool of these two beats. The pool is divided into two parts, the top from the shingle bar down to 60yds below the east most pump house and maybe fished from both banks. It is fly only unless the water is in spate conditions and spinning will then be allowed. There are a number of rules solely for this pool, please read your dairy carefully before fishing here. The bottom part of this pool may only be fished from the north bank, Garthdee fishings. Most fish tend to lie from the centre of the river across to the south bank, a long cast is not always necessary to cover fish. In summer with low water and the shingle bar at the head of the pool this restricts the movement of fish upstream resulting in large numbers of salmon, grilse and sea trout building up in the pool all the way down to the old Bridge of Dee. This is a big attraction for our members and the general public. You will see that there are 5 marker boys down the centre of the river, this is a visual guide for anglers and you must not cross beyond these. The top part of the pool is restricted to four rods on either bank, south bank rods must be booked from 1st June onwards, this may be carried out by phoning Somers Fishing Tackle. This pool may rise at times of big tides, some of our members believe fishing is best 2-3 hours before and after high water, but fish are caught at all states of tide.
RULES TO REMEMBER
No spring fish to be kept before the 1st June.
Only five salmon may be retained for the season.
No worming on the Banchory Devenick beat.
BEST FLIES
Salmon – Stoats Tail, Silver Stoats Tail, Cascade, Pot Belly Pigs, Blue Charm and probably many more, in sizes 8 down to 14, single and doubles.
Sea Trout – Stoats Tail, Silver Stoats Tail, Blue Charm and Bob Dey’s Raffia Fly?
Spinning – Any of the most common spinning lures will work.
WILDLIFE
These beats also offer you the chance to see many other kinds of wildlife. Roe Deer can often be seen on both banks as well as crossing the river in low water. Otters and mink are common up and down the beats, seals are often seen through out the season but are most common in early spring and autumn. Many different birds can also be seen, Heron, Duck, Buzzard to name a few but if you are really lucky and quick you may also see the kingfishers fly past.
Access to Waterside Farm Notice
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