FISHING

ON THE

RIVER DEE

Salmon Fishing on the River Dee

Scotland is one of the finest salmon fishing destinations in Europe, and the River Dee in Aberdeenshire is a lure for fly fishing enthusiasts from all over the world. This majestic, fast flowing stretch of water set amongst the beauty of the Deeside Valley, sweeps along the northern edge of Ballogie, a family owned and carefully managed Estate in the heart of Royal Deeside. Generations of anglers have made the annual trip to Ballogie both for the fishing and the warm Scottish hospitality we offer. Why not join them?

Over Three Miles of Salmon Fishing

Ballogie Estate manages three fishing beats on the south bank of the River Dee. The season opens on the 1^st February and runs until the 15^th October. Each beat offers a rewarding and varied experience for every angler - some looking for the chance to hook a spring salmon during the early months with others preferring to cast their lines later in the year when the numbers are more abundant. Whatever date you choose, you and your family or guests will be well looked after by our Head Ghillie, Sean Stanton, ably assisted by Ian Fraser, the Ghillie on Commonty. Sean and Ian will both be on hand to offer expert advice if needed, to help you get the most from your fishing holiday.

Carlogie Beat

Carlogie, the most westerly beat, is nestled serenely among forestry and farmland and stretches for a total distance of 1.7km from Long Haugh to the Boat of Kincardine. This is a classic fly water beat and offers fishing for three rods within 12 named pools, easily reached by vehicle. Carlogie has a scenic river path which runs along most of the length of the beat and also has a reputation for sea-trout fishing from the summer months onwards.

Carlogie has three well-maintained huts; the famous Calm Pool Hut, which dates from the 1930’s, is an ideal place for lunch as it has a warming wood burning stove and a separate stove to cook on.

Ballogie Beat

Ballogie is the middle of the three beats and it stretches 2.4km from the Boat of Kincardine to the Burn of Cattie with fishing for two rods above the Bridge at Potarch and two rods below the bridge. The four rods are fished in rotation through the week providing a rich and varied challenge for even the most demanding fly fisher. Like Carlogie, Ballogie is a picturesque beat set amongst forest and farmland. It caters for all tastes from the shallow pools at the Upper, Middle and Lower Gannets, Flats and Kelpie, to the deeper waters of the Sand, Slips, Boat and Potarch Bridge pools. The latter is close to the Potarch Hut, a popular lunchtime meeting place with a wood burning stove capable of boiling water for hot drinks and for heating snacks.

Depending on river heights, wading can have different degrees of challenge. The beat is classic fly water with good movement and easy access to all pools. Ballogie has two main fishing huts, Potarch and the Gannets. The huts are positioned in scenic locations and families will enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna.

Commonty Beat

The Commonty, located down river from Ballogie, is a secluded and extremely attractive beat covering approximately 1.5 km on the south side of the River Dee. It has three rotating rods from 1st February to the end of June after which it reverts to a two rod beat. The Commonty is accessed by a forest road which gently descends through coniferous woodland to the river, and with 15 salmon pools of extremely varied character enables fishing at all heights. The main pool, the Garden, is an angler’s delight offering versatility to even the most discerning fisher. Chair, Loop, Bend and Points are productive pools with their own unique and attractive characteristics.

In terms of shelter the Commonty has one main hut and two secondary huts where you can stop for a break, grab a bite to eat and swap some tales with your family or friends. It also offers the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings and perhaps spot a roe deer or some otters, which will make your fishing holiday even more memorable.

Salmon Fishing Accommodation at Ballogie Estate, Deeside

Warm Scottish hospitality and the finest salmon fishing go hand in hand at Ballogie Estate. When it comes to accommodation, you can choose the exclusive use of Ballogie House which can sleep up to 13 guests; our newly refurbished, seven bedroom Potarch Lodge – recently upgraded to the highest standard and suitable for up to 14 guests. Both properties are perfect for larger parties who like to savour a dram together after a successful day’s fishing. Or, if you are planning to holiday with a smaller group, you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of one of our beautiful holiday cottages – East Balnacraig, a recently refurbished stone cottage, which can accommodate up to six people, Greenlands, a lovely, stone-built, traditional farm steading conversion, which can accommodate between 4-6 people, and Ford Cottage, which can cater for up to 7 guests. It has a wonderful new extension which includes an open plan kitchen, wood burning stove, and floor to ceiling picture windows with stunning views over the river. All of our accommodation is finished to a very high standard and are ideal for a friends and family fishing break or group holiday. Our properties also provide the perfect base for exploring the many visitor attractions within the area including National Trust for Scotland castles, Craigievar - a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture; Crathes - an enchanting 16th century tower house, and Drum – one of Royal Deeside’s top historic attractions.

FISHING

ON THE