Fly Fishing on the River Dee

The River Dee is without doubt one of the most significant fly fishing rivers in Wales. Running through Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid) and down through Llandderfel, Corwen, Carrog, Llangollen and Trevor the River Dee provides excellent fly fishing for Brown Trout, Sea Trout, Salmon and Grayling. The River Dee is a particularly good Grayling river, their average size is high and there is always a chance of a 2lb plus fish. Rich in fly life the river is a varied mix of gravel runs, pools and glides, perfect fish habitat which also makes the perfect habitat for the fly fisher - whatever his quarry or preferred fishing methods.

Fish species / seasons

The River Dee has healthy stocks of very beautiful wild Brown trout which are supplemented by a sensible stocking policy. The river has prolific stocks of good Grayling and is now internationally famous for the quality of its grayling fishing and must be considered one of the best Grayling Rivers in Britain.

There is a good run of Salmon and the Sea Trout fishing is much under-rated with good runs of fish which are often large and are caught to over 10lbs.

Brown Trout fishing on the Dee starts on the 3rd March and finishes on the 30th September and the Grayling fishing starts on the 16th June and continues throughout the winter until the 14th March.

Although Salmon are present in the river from early May the best chance of catching one is in September or October, given water. The Grilse runs usually begin in July and Sea Trout are present in numbers from June onwards.

Tackle

A rod of between 9 and 10 feet for a 4 or 5 weight floating line would be the ideal tool for Trout and Grayling fishing. For Salmon a double handed rod of between 13 and 15 feet would be required with a 9.5 or 10 foot 7 weight single handed rod being perfect for summer Grilse or Sea Trout fishing.

Tactics

Having such varied water and variety of game fish the River Dee lends itself to all fly fishing methods and techniques both modern and traditional and in addition the use of shrimp, worm and spinner are allowed on certain beats for Salmon and Sea Trout fishing. Long trotting for Grayling during the winter months is also permitted. The River Dee is the ideal location to improve your Spey casting techniques before your special Salmon fishing trip to Scotland or abroad.

Guides

Our guide / instructor on the River Dee is one of the most experienced in the whole of the UK and is very highly qualified in teaching Trout and Salmon casting / fishing and even fly dressing. Quite simply you will not find a better and more experienced fly fishing instructor anywhere.

If you would like to make your fishing on the River Dee part of a short break or holiday in beautiful north Wales we would be happy to advise on the best accommodation options to suit both your budget and individual preferences.

Costs

Fly fishing in north Wales is great value, with very few exceptions the prices are those listed on our costs page, fishing for Salmon and Sea Trout is a little more expensive but still very reasonable. Click here to go directly to our costs page. When fishing from a boat the hire of the boat may be charged extra, if this is the case you will be advised at the time of booking.

For more detailed information about the non-fishing highlights in the River Dee area please click here.

Contact Steve at our northern office to discuss your preferred fly fishing location or to place a booking, telephone 01756 748378 / 07717 533177 or email steve@goflyfishinguk.com.

Happy Clients

"Hi just a line to say what a cracking day we both had, made up, top guy and a pleasure to have met you, gained a little more knowledge."
Neil Clowes - Guided Grayling Day, River Dee