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Monthly Archives: August 2013
River Dee Weekly Fishing Report
Last Week
I wrote last week about conditions needing to change which might encourage a good run of new fish into the river. Well reports from Aberdeen suggesting fish are moving forward have been borne out by Ardoe and Murtle reporting 16 salmon for the week. FishDee beats reported 88 salmon and 15 sea trout in very low water conditions with the water getting warmer during the week. I hear it rained hard on Saturday but this only put 1 inch onto the Park river level. As I write on Tuesday evening after spending time in the river with visiting biologists doing research it was fascinating to hear of the numbers of salmon they were finding in some of the pools. In one top river pool close to 90 salmon were clearly observed, however above the water nothing stirred suggesting there may be very few fish in the pool. In low warm water getting salmon to respond is extremely difficult and frustrating for anglers and Ghillies alike. It’s the dog days of summer and we expect to get summers like this from time to time. Before long it will be windy, wet and cold and the salmon will get on with the business at hand; starting the next generation of salmon in the autumn.
Correspondence has come this week from Prof Eaton commenting ‘Dear Ken, A fish from Ballogie. We did catch some bigger ones. It has been a difficult season on the Dee! This one comes from Ballogie. It was caught by regular visitor Richard Eaton and is envied by his son Noah; it was caught on a stoat’s tail and was returned safely. Prof Mike Eaton.’ Frank McWilliam advised ‘Thoroughly enjoyed fishing at Birse although no fish caught. We had 2 pulls in Belwade which we believe were sea trout. Our Ghillie was very helpful and tried very hard for us to get a fish.’ Better luck next time Frank.Mr Bomphrey fishing Middle Drum advised’ A most enjoyable two days. A fish or three would have been the icing on the cake.’ Mr Bruce fishing the pretty Morven beat commented ‘We had a wonderful day on the river. We did not see any fish but the location was beautiful.’
Richard and Noah Eaton admiring a juvenile salmon
Please remember I need your help to write this weekly column, write with any news of catches or anecdotes with images to ken@riverdee.org Tight Lines to you all! Copyright FishDee. Ken Reid © FishDee Ltd.
Beat catches reported (week ending 24th August) SALMON & GRILSE: Ardoe and Murtle 16, Kingcausie 3, Culter 2, Altries and Lower Drum 1, Tilbouries 1, Upper Drum and Lower Durris 3, Park 6, Lower Crathes and W Durris 5, Crathes 2, Tilquhillie 2, Invery 1, Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo 1, Cairnton 7, Commonty 5, Sluie 1, Ballogie 3, Kincardine 3, Carlogie 1, Dess 6, Aboyne Water 2, Aboyne Castle 2, Craigendinnie 3, Waterside and Ferrar 1, Dinnet 1, Headinch and Cambus O’May 1, Monaltrie and Lower Invercauld 4, Crathie 5. Total: 88 Largest: Carlogie 20lbs SEA TROUT: Ardoe and Murtle 6, Lower Crathes and W Durris 1, Cairnton 1, Ballogie 4, Carlogie 1, Dess 1, Craigendinnie 1. Total: 15 Largest: Ardoe and Murtle & Cairnton & Ballogie & Dess & Craigendinnie 2lbs TROUT: Ardoe and Murtle 2. Total: 2.
Prospects
The week ahead sees weather forecasters suggesting very little precipitation which we really need and an air temperature maxima of 19 degrees Celsius and overnight lows getting down to perhaps 6 degrees Celsius. River levels have are currently at low summer levels. The Sepa gauges are currently between 4 inches at Mar Lodge and 7 inches at Park. Tides will be falling during the week from 3.9 metres to 3.3 metres. It’s going to be another difficult week for anglers however the valley is looking beautiful with the heather in bloom and the landscape a marvellous tapestry of colour. Listen to the sound advice offered by your Ghillie and fish the spots they recommend diligently and stealthily. Cascades, Park Shrimps, Stoats Tail flies and red Frances flies will perhaps catch fish this week and really make an effort to tie a half hitch to your fly and fish it more square than a conventional 45 degree downstream cast. This alters the presentation of the fly to the fish and does seem to make some respond when they see it. Long leaders and small flies are really necessary to help winkle some out. If you need more flies or other equipment please visit Somers of Aberdeen, Orvis in Banchory, Strachan’s of Aboyne and Countrywear in Ballater. Another must visit place at lunchtime is the Kincardine O’Neil Post office for a super range of sandwiches and fishing flies.
The King of the rivers returns home to spawn the next generation of salmon in the autumn
With the good level of rod availability on FishDee if you are considering a visit for a few days then please remember to look at the good range of accommodation on offer in the where to stay section on the FishDee website. Remember to ask for Fisherman’s rates if you are coming in a group of 3 or more anglers for stays of 3 days or more, so take advantage of what’s on offer and come and fish the Dee. Congratulations to Phillip J Fleming and all the team at Tor Na Coille who were awarded their Visit Scotland 4 star rating last week. The Hotel, a popular haunt for anglers has really worked hard to earn this award and they must be justifiably proud to have won this accolade. I am sure many visiting anglers will be delighted to hear this news.
Finally an important thing for you to remember when you arrive on your chosen beat. All anglers and Ghillies are being asked to ensure anglers have their waders and any landing nets sprayed with a mild disinfectant prior to commencing fishing, even when they are fishing different River Dee beats during their week on the river. It’s a condition of the River Dee Conservation code and must be strictly adhered to; all beats have supplies to ensure this is carried out prior to entering the river. It’s a quick procedure that will help the river and prevent ingress of unwanted pathogens and non native species entering the River Dee watercourse. We also want to prevent the transfer of the highly problematic ranunculus from the lower part of the river to the upper part. Please remember to write with any news of catches or anecdotes with images to ken@riverdee.org Tight Lines to you all! Copyright FishDee. Ken Reid © FishDee Ltd.
Anglers reaping the rewards at Raemoir House Hotel
The tide of success is flowing fast and strong for Raemoir House Hotel at Banchory, and its owners give a lot of the credit to the Dee. Its fast becoming a favourite haunt for visiting anglers looking for a great hotel which delivers top quality service, value and culinary excellence.
“Being on Royal Deeside is one of our main advantages and to some extent explains why we have done so well in such a very short time,” said Neil Rae who owns the 20 bedroom hotel with his wife Julie.
The Raes’ successes have been among the most remarkable in the Scottish hospitality industry. They only bought Raemoir in 2010 yet in the next two years it captured the title of Scotland’s Best Country House Hotel – the first time that double had ever been achieved.
In the 2013 Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards Raemoir won the Chefs’ Team category and the North East Regional categories for top Country House and top Romantic Hotel. It was one of three shortlisted for the 2013 Scottish Rural Restaurant of the Year and is a finalist in the 2013-14 AA Wine Awards.
Its Executive Chef, David Littlewood, won the 2013 Scottish Chef of the Year competition at ScotHot, the country’s biggest catering and hospitality show. Judges in the competition in Glasgow included world famous chef Albert Roux. “David impressed us in every aspect,” President of the Scottish Chefs’ Federation Kevin MacGillivray summed up afterwards on behalf of the judges.
A Masterchef of Great Britain, David has won numerous other accolades including Grampian Young Chef of the Year in 2002, Grampian Chef of the Year in 2007 and a Medaille d’Or at the Scottish Hotel Awards in 2010.
Raemoir sits in 11 acres of secluded lawn and parkland surrounded by 3,500 acres of hill and forest, a 25 minute drive from Aberdeen. Its dining room, historically the Oval Ballroom, is one of the most splendidly atmospheric in the Highlands. The hotel was formerly the residence of Lord Cowdray, owner of Pearson Longman Press, publisher of the Financial Times.
Two distinct buildings house the 20 individually decorated ensuite bedrooms – the main Georgian mansion and The Ha’ Hoose which dates back to 1715 and is currently the subject of research by Historic Scotland.
Fishing is important for Raemoir which is also on Scotland’s Whisky, Castle and Golf Trails and the hotel offers fisherman’s rates for groups of 3 or more anglers.
“We have all the facilities anglers would normally expect at an hotel,” Neil Rae said. “Added to that we have a secluded, elegant, historic building and one of the most exciting kitchen teams in the UK.
David Littlewood also believes location is one of Raemoir’s main strengths – and that includes its proximity to the Dee.
“Here you feel you’re in the middle of the Highlands yet if you turn left at the end of the drive you’re in one of the most switched-on cities in Europe,” he commented. “Turn right and in the same time you’re in the middle of the Cairngorms watching herds of red deer or golden eagles, or fishing for the king of fish on the Dee.”
RAEMOIR HOUSE HOTEL
Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 4ED
Tel. 01330-824884
River Dee Weekly Fishing Report 19th August
LAST WEEK
Many years ago a well respected Dee Ghillie said to me ‘when we have water we catch lots of fish, but when we have low water then salmon become very difficult to catch’. I have never forgotten this comment and it then leads you to another matter of consideration, are there many fish? Well the feedback from my sources suggests that there are salmon and grilse coming in on high tides but they are not being captured in good numbers; salmon fishing can be a fickle sport at times. FishDee beats have reported 70 salmon and 13 sea trout for the past week. Park reported 11 with Ballogie and Crathes reporting 5 apiece. In low water angling effort is considerably reduced and with the fine summer weather there are a lot of other attractions in Deeside that visiting anglers take the time to go and visit, perhaps concentrating their fishing effort to a few hours in the morning and evening.
Correspondence has come this week from Clive Miles commenting ‘Hi Ken, I wanted to share another excellent week with you and the FishDee website. Our hosts, Leslie and Geoff Lockett both took several fish between them, the highlight being Lelly’s fish caught with a full audience on Lummels Pool. The core guests (including 6 kids and 3 dogs!) were Colonel Angus and Rachel Philp, Patricia and Clive Miles staying at Ballogie House – fantastic accommodation and just a short trip to the beat. Geoff caught a fresh 5lbs fish on a Silver Stoat, 10lbs stale fish on a Pot Belly Pig and 2 Sea Trout, Clive caught 3 fish, all fresh, 6.5lbs, 21lbs (his record to date), 6lbs and 1 Sea Trout all from Lummels, all on Park Shrimp! Embarrassingly, he also lost 2 fish in Irrigation on a Silver Stoat. Colonel Angus took a Sea Trout for the week. A fantastic week on Aboyne – thank you so much to our wonderful hosts and all those on Deeside who make it such a great community for a family Holiday.’ I asked Clive if he could provide information about the 21lb salmon and he advised’ 21lbs cock very slightly coloured, measured rather than weighed, caught at approx 0930 on Monday morning, floating line, really gentle take followed by a steady fight using the faster water to put the pressure on me when playing it. I was determined to release in the water and was by myself when I caught the fish, so no photo, just measured from butt to join 1 on rod.’
Leslie Lockett with a grilse from the Lummels
Please remember I need your help to write this weekly column, write with any news of catches or anecdotes with images to ken@riverdee.org Tight Lines to you all! Copyright FishDee. Ken Reid © FishDee Ltd.
SALMON & GRILSE: Ardoe and Murtle 1, Kingcausie 2, Culter 2, Altries and Lower Drum 3, Upper Drum and Lower Durris 4, Park 11, Lower Crathes and W Durris 3, Crathes 5, Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo 1, Upper Blackhall 1, Cairnton 3, Commonty 2, Sluie 1, Ballogie 5, Carlogie 1, Dess 4, Aboyne Water 3, Aboyne Castle 1, Craigendinnie 3, Waterside and Ferrar 3, Dinnet 1, Deecastle 2, Headinch and Cambus O’May 2, Monaltrie and Lower Invercauld 4, Crathie 3, Total 71
SEA TROUT: Ardoe and Murtle 1, Culter 1, Tilbouries 1, Upper Drum and Lower Durris 1, Park 2, Woodend 1, Carlogie 2, Craigendinnie 1, Waterside and Ferrar 1, Deecastle 1, Monaltrie and Lower Invercauld 1, Total 13
PROSPECTS
At this time of the year when sport is slow we need something to change for the salmon to become more responsive. Ideally a good lift in river levels brings new fish forward and gets other fish that have been resting a while to continue their upstream migration. Ghillies are suggesting that numbers of fish this year are not as plentiful as we have enjoyed the last few seasons during our wet summers. Will we see any significant change for the week ahead? The week ahead sees weather forecasters suggesting sunshine and some rain on Wednesday and perhaps Saturday/Sunday with an air temperature maxima of 20 degrees Celsius and overnight lows getting down to perhaps 7 degrees Celsius. River levels have dropped back to low summer levels. The Sepa gauges are currently between 4 inches at Mar Lodge and 7 inches at Park. Tides will be building during the week from 4.1 metres to 4.7 metres-big spring tides which should see new fish coming forward.
Always observe the sound advice offered by your Ghillie and fish the spots they recommend diligently and stealthily. No doubt small Cascades, Park Shrimps, Stoats Tail flies and red Frances flies will catch fish this week and really make an effort to tie a half hitch to your fly and fish it more square than a conventional 45 degree downstream cast. This alters the presentation of the fly to the fish and does seem to make some respond when they see it. Long leaders and small flies are really necessary to help winkle some out. If you need more flies or other equipment please visit Somers of Aberdeen, Orvis in Banchory, Strachan’s of Aboyne and Countrywear in Ballater. Another must visit place at lunchtime is the Kincardine O’Neil Post office for a super range of sandwiches and fishing flies.
With the good level of rod availability on FishDee if you are considering a visit for a few days then please remember to look at the good range of accommodation on offer in the where to stay section on the FishDee website. Remember to ask for Fisherman’s rates if you are coming in a group of 3 or more anglers for stays of 3 days or more. There is a quick online survey about hotel accommodation provision on the FishDee daily catches page and the feedback from this indicates that anglers are very well looked after and getting excellent value for money so take advantage of what’s on offer and come and fish the Dee.
Finally an important thing for you to remember when you arrive on your chosen beat. All anglers and Ghillies are being asked to ensure anglers have their waders and any landing nets sprayed with a mild disinfectant prior to commencing fishing, even when they are fishing different River Dee beats during their week on the river. It’s a condition of the River Dee Conservation code and must be strictly adhered to; all beats have supplies to ensure this is carried out prior to entering the river. It’s a quick procedure that will help the river and prevent ingress of unwanted pathogens and non native species entering the River Dee watercourse. We also want to prevent the transfer of the highly problematic ranunculus from the lower part of the river to the upper part. Please remember to write with any news of catches or anecdotes with images to ken@riverdee.org Tight Lines to you all! Copyright FishDee. Ken Reid © FishDee Ltd.
River Dee Weekly Fishing Report 12th August
LAST WEEK
The week started reasonably with fish being caught throughout the catchment and we were hopeful that there would be some significant heavy showers throughout the week that would keep the river levels topped up nicely. Alas rain showers did occur frequently during the afternoons anglers were fishing however the volume of precipitation was not enough to keep the river levels topped up. As the river levels fell so did the catches with Friday and Saturday seeing just over 10 salmon reported each day. FishDee beats have reported 136 salmon and 29 sea trout for the week as I write with Park reporting 25, Altries and Lower Crathes 9 apiece and Dess 8. The largest fish reported was 21lbs from Aboyne Water. The week ahead sees weather forecasters all suggesting rain showers and heavy ones at that, however some are suggesting there may be some thunder and lightning on Thursday. If that materialises hopefully we will get a very much needed lift in river levels.
Correspondence has come this week from Michael Jensen from Denmark advising ‘Just wish to report my catch of a coloured 10lbs cock fish Saturday 10th Aug, on the Deecastle water. The fish took a “Hitched” slim dressed tube of app. 1.5”. We saw a little activity in the morning and midday hours with a few fresh grilse jumping, but in the afternoon it all went dead. Another few very coloured fish showed interest to the “Hitched” tube but no further takes!’ There was also correspondence from Nick Drake who enjoyed success at Park commenting’ Hi Ken yes a great week very lucky with the water, no secret just a healthy dose of persistence and a generous amount of fortune, I did lose another eight fish so it could have been better! Best Nick’. Now mentioning Park, I visited the beat on Friday afternoon for a cast as a guest of Graeme Arthur who had a few days fishing with Richard Thomas. I was delighted to meet up with Bill Stephen and Edwin Whyte from Fraserburgh who are excellent anglers. Alas sport was really quite slow in the afternoon albeit a torrential rain shower stirred things up. Just after it had finished Graeme managed to catch a small fresh salmon from the Long Pool. Edwin was unlucky having hooked 3 fish only to see them come unattached. He was using a self tied shrimp fly which has been very successful for him; last year he had over 60 salmon on this fly. I hooked many parr on my small fly and seemed to hook them every other cast.
A first ever fish for Edward Gledson at Abergeldie
I would also like to extend congratulations to Edward Gledson who was out for an evening’s cast at Abergeldie with father Richard Gledson. Richard had been in the River Office during the week and had said he was going to catch a fish that evening. He wrote the next day advising ‘Ken, I joked yesterday about sending you details of the fish I would catch last night. Sadly I did not catch a thing, but as you can see from the attached photo my son Edward managed to catch his first ever salmon in the Coynach pool on Abergeldie. I was fishing Dalraddie further up the river and got a call from Edward saying he had hooked a fish. What great excitement! the fish was released after a couple of photographs – we reckon it was about 3-4 lbs but you are probably a better judge than me. Richard’. Well it’s always pleasing to hear of young anglers fishing the Dee and catching their first salmon and I am sure Richard was over the moon when sharing that special moment on the river bank with Edward. Another candidate for the inaugural Callum Mackenzie cup.
Please remember I need your help to write this weekly column, write with any news of catches or anecdotes with images to ken@riverdee.org Tight Lines to you all! Copyright FishDee. Ken Reid © FishDee Ltd.
Beat catches reported
SALMON & GRILSE: Ardoe and Murtle 5, Kingcausie 5, Culter 3, Altries and Lower Drum 9, Tilbouries 1, Upper Drum and Lower Durris 7, Park 25, Lower Crathes and W Durris 9, Crathes 1, Tilquhillie 2, Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo 3, Upper Blackhall 2, Cairnton 2, Woodend 2, Commonty 2, Sluie 1, Ballogie 7, Borrowston 1, Kincardine 5, Carlogie 4, Dess 8, Birse 3, Aboyne Water 6, Aboyne Castle 1, Craigendinnie 4, Waterside and Ferrar 1, Dinnet 1, Deecastle 3, Headinch and Cambus O’May 4, Monaltrie and Lower Invercauld 3, Abergeldie 2, Crathie 4, Total 136
SEA TROUT: Ardoe and Murtle 2, Kingcausie 1, Altries and Lower Drum 1, Park 3, Crathes 2, Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo 1, Cairnton 1, Kincardine 1, Dess 2, Birse 2, Aboyne Water 2, Craigendinnie 1, Waterside and Ferrar 1, Dinnet 1, Deecastle 2, Headinch and Cambus O’May 1, Monaltrie and Lower Invercauld 3, Crathie 2, Total 29
PROSPECTS
A well known river watcher was telling me on Saturday that he is seeing good numbers of salmon entering the river on the high tides however where they are running to is anyone’s guess. The River levels are lower than we have been used to over the last few years at this time and hopefully we will get much needed lift in river levels to freshen things up this week. Our chairman had been fishing on a neighbouring river and they had a 1 foot rise during the week which saw him getting some reasonable sport; he wore a big grin in the office this morning. I suspect there are more fish in the bottom beats with not a lot of angling effort going on. This may changes this week as anglers capitalise on the fishing availability on FishDee and fish the lower beats.
The week ahead sees weather forecasters suggesting sunshine and afternoon showers for the week ahead again with an air temperature maxima of 18 degrees Celsius and overnight lows getting down to perhaps 5 degrees Celsius. River levels have dropped back slightly with potential for rises in river levels if localised thundershowers occur. The Sepa gauge data has been problematic this weekend due to them upgrading to a new server. They are currently between 3 inches at Mar Lodge and 7 inches at Park. Tides will be falling during the week from 4.1 metres to 3.7 metres. Listen to the advice offered by your Ghillie and fish the spots they recommend diligently. Last week saw a good number of fish caught on small gold hooked red Frances flies, sizes 12-16, as red will become a colour that more salmon switch onto over the next few weeks heading into autumn. No doubt, Cascades, Park Shrimps, Stoats Tail flies will catch fish this week and really make an effort to tie a half hitch to your fly, which alters the presentation to the fish and does seem to make them interested when they see it. If you need more flies or other equipment please visit Somers of Aberdeen, Orvis in Banchory, Strachan’s of Aboyne and Countrywear in Ballater. Another must visit place at lunchtime is the Kincardine O’Neil Post office for a super range of sandwiches and fishing flies.
With the good level of rod availability on FishDee if you are considering a visit for a few days then please remember to look at the good range of accommodation on offer in the where to stay section on the FishDee website. Remember to ask for Fisherman’s rates if you are coming in a group of 3 or more anglers for stays of 3 days or more. There is a quick online survey about hotel accommodation provision on the FishDee daily catches page and the feedback from this indicates that anglers are being very well looked after and getting excellent value for money so take advantage of what’s on offer and come and fish the Dee.
Finally an important thing for you to remember when you arrive on your chosen beat. All anglers and Ghillies are being asked to ensure anglers have their waders and any landing nets sprayed with a mild disinfectant prior to commencing fishing, even when they are fishing different River Dee beats during their week on the river. It’s a condition of the River Dee Conservation code and must be strictly adhered to; all beats have supplies to ensure this is carried out prior to entering the river. It’s a quick procedure that will help the river and prevent ingress of unwanted pathogens and non native species entering the River Dee watercourse. We also want to prevent the transfer of the highly problematic ranunculus from the lower part of the river to the upper part. Please remember to write with any news of catches or anecdotes with images to ken@riverdee.org Tight Lines to you all! Copyright FishDee. Ken Reid © FishDee Ltd.
River Dee Beat for sale-5 YR AV 202 Salmon
Here are full details and specifications for a pretty and productive River Dee Beat which has gone on the open market for sale.
Further education opportunity for people wishing to become a Ghillie
Following on from the announcement by the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board at the River opening ceremony to award a bursary on an annual basis to a young person interested in becoming a Ghillie. The selection process was conducted through a rigorous selection process and the winning recipient was selected from the 30 applicants who submitted an application.
After this process was carried out quite a bit of research was carried out to find suitable courses for people interested in becoming a Ghillie/Gamekeeper in Scotland and the United Kingdom. There are a number of courses that have elements related to Ghillies and Gamekeepers but a generic course to find one that covers both disciplines was required.
I am please to say that there is a new course which has been created by North Highland College in Thurso by David Olds and David Shaw which I have details of:
Sport Fishing & Conservation Course
Course Information: National Certificate (NC) SCQF level 5
Full-time course over 1 academic year (September – June)
Location – Thurso with work placement
Course Lecturers – David Olds, David Shaw, Richard MacNicol & Brian Lyall (NHC staff), & Scott Mackenzie (Fly Fishing Expert)
Introduction
The primary aim of this qualification is to provide knowledge and skills in sport fishing and conservation which will prepare candidates to apply for a career in sport fishing and related industries. The content of the Units has been chosen to reflect the needs of learners and employers alike. These Units will equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills required to undertake duties and tasks on today’s sporting rivers/estates. The course will operate by ensuring that all students have a work placement on a sporting estate/river and they will attend NHC Thurso for short blocks of study between November – March.
Course Content
| Gamekeeping: Health and Safety | Seal Management: Theory |
| Pest and Predator Control | Seal Management: Practice |
| Safe Use of Shotguns and Sporting Rifles | Angling Techniques |
| Gamekeeping: An Introduction to Public Relations | Sport Fishery Conservation: An Investigation |
| ATV Operations | Aquatic Environments and Water Use |
| Game Fishing | Bailiff Training |
| Manual Handling (Induction) | Work Experience |
| Information and Communications Technology | First Aid |
Entry Requirements
There are no specific recommended entry requirements for this qualification. Entry will be at the discretion of the college. It will be beneficial if candidates have an interest in the following:
- UK game fish and angling
- Game sporting activities
- Activities relating to field sports
- Safe use of an all terrain vehicle (ATV) or familiarity with skills related to an ATV
The participants also need to be aware of the physical requirements of this course and realise that there is a requirement for a good level of physical fitness.
In stating the access requirements, and in consideration of the subsequent selection and admission to the award, NHC will need to ensure that each prospective candidate has sufficient ability and the appropriate personal qualities to succeed.
Although there are no pre-entry qualifications for this award although it is likely that candidates will have some experience of general fisheries/gamekeeping and gun-handling.
Course Outcomes
Sport Fishing & Conservation – Summary of Unit Outcomes
Work Experience
Outcomes
1 Plan and arrange a work experience placement with limited tutor/trainer support.
2 Carry out allocated tasks during work experience under limited supervision.
3 Work co-operatively with others in the analysis, planning and undertaking work experience.
4 Review the contribution of the knowledge and skills gained through work experience to own personal, social and vocational development.
ATV Operations
Outcomes
1 Carry out pre-safety checks and operations.
2 Identify and describe the function of all controls of an ATV.
3 Operate, ride and drive an ATV.
4 Operate and ride an ATV with a trailer.
Safe Use of Shotguns and Sporting Rifles
Outcomes
1 Handle shotguns and sporting rifles from carrying, loading and discharging.
2 Maintain shotguns and sporting rifles.
3 Describe current legislation relating to certificate application, storage and transportation of shotguns and sporting rifles.
Pest and Predator Control
Outcomes
1 Describe the current legal requirements relating to pest and predator control in the UK.
2 Identify mammalian and avian pest and predator species in the UK.
3 Identify control methods and trap types for pest and predator species in the UK.
4 Carry out a pest and predator control programme in accordance with current legislation and codes of practice.
Gamekeeping: Health and Safety
Outcomes
1 Complete a risk assessment for a game sporting activity.
2 Describe potential hazards and risks faced by lone workers.
3 Demonstrate emergency procedures.
Gamekeeping: An Introduction to Public Relations
Outcomes
1 Describe factors affecting public attitudes towards gamekeeping.
2 Describe when a gamekeeper might have to interact with the public and what they should do.
Game Fishing
Outcomes
1 Identify UK game fish, their ecology and habitat.
2 Identify game fishing tackle and presentation techniques.
3 Identify the current UK angling law associated with game fishing.
4 Conduct rod and line angling methods associated with game fishing.
Sport Fishery Conservation: An Investigation
Outcomes
1 Describe how the authorities govern angling and regulate fish movements.
2 Investigate the fishery management and conservation practices of
Angling Techniques
Outcomes
1 Describe the evolution of angling in the UK.
2 Assess the risks associated with angling activities in a range of aquatic environments.
3 Describe techniques used to catch common UK fish species.
4 Participate in angling experiences, complying with all safety requirements.
Event Organisation
Outcomes
1 Working as a member of a team produce an appropriate plan to be used to organise an event.
2 Negotiate and agree appropriate responsibilities, roles and relationships between team.
3 Contribute to the implementation of the event while working as a member of a team.
4 Review and the effectiveness of own and overall contribution to the planning and running of the event.
Aquatic Environments and Water Use
Outcomes
1 Describe the natural and human influences on water quality.
2 Describe the requirements of water users and the possible impacts of water use on the aquatic environment.
3 Identify the aquatic flora of specified aquatic environments.
4 Identify the aquatic fauna of specified aquatic environments.
Seal Management: Theory
Outcomes
1 Outline the key reasons for seal management in Scotland.
2 Outline the practical activities to be undertaken for effective seal management.
3 Outline the key aspects of relevant legislation relating to the sustainable taking and shooting of seals.
Seal Management: Practice
Outcomes
1 Plan for seal management action.
2 Undertake a practical shooting test for seal management in compliance with legislation.
3 Perform post-shooting procedures to meet legal requirements.
Half Day Emergency First Aid
Course Content
- Priorities of First Aid
- Personal Safety
- Assessing the Situation
- Assessing the Casualty / Casualties
- Airway / Breathing / Circulation
- Sending for Help
- Recovery Position
- Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
- Control of Bleeding
- Treatment for Shock
- Treatment for Burns
Manual Handling Course
Course Content
- Employer’s duties
- Employee’s duties
- How to manual handle to reduce the risk of injury
- Back injury/slipped disc
- Correct posture
- Variety of lifting techniques
- Correct foot position
- Demonstration and practice of the six point lift
- Manual Handling risk assessment
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Core Skills You will:
- select and start up application software (for example, word processing,
- spreadsheet, database, media packages) that is suitable for the activity
- use on-screen help to assist you
- enter and edit data using appropriate applications software
- locate and integrate information from a range of local or remote data
- sources (for example, the internet, CD-ROM, intranet, your own computer)
- apply a search strategy to find information (for example, choice of sources,
- order of searching, choice of keywords)
- evaluate the information found against a set of criteria you select (for
- example, for currency, level of difficulty, reliability, bias, relevance,
- appropriateness of format)
- evaluate the search strategy (for example, did it produce information that
- matched your chosen criteria, was it effective in terms of time and cost, did
- it successfully filter out irrelevant information?)
- present the information in an appropriate mode (for example, display on
- screen, print out, play an audio file)
- keep data secure (for example, keeping your own login and password
- secure, virus protection, backing up data)
ASFB Bailiff Training
- Relationship with fishermen
- Appearance & Equipment
- Routine
- Enforcement tactics
- Use of the Notebook
- Powers and their implementation
- Wardens appointed by Scottish Ministers
- Powers & Procedures
- Evidence
- Dealing with offences
- Reports and their preparation
- Court procedures
Venue & Contact details
North Highland College, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness, Scotland, UK, KW14 7EE
Tel (+44) 01847 889000
Fax (+44) 01847 889001
Textphone 01847 889180
E-mail: info@northhighland.ac.uk
Web: http://www.northhighland.ac.uk
Email: David.Olds@thurso.uhi.ac.uk
Bursaries may be available from NHC
River Dee Weekly Audio Fishing Report
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River Dee Weekly Fishing Report
LAST WEEK
Its Highland Games time up on Deeside and there certainly was some fun and games on the riverbank last week for anglers and Ghillies alike. Salmon fishing can be exciting at times as the fortunes of anglers improved dramatically during the last week on the River Dee. FishDee beats have as I write reported 221 salmon with more to be added and 56 sea trout, with Park reporting 43 salmon and grilse, Lower Crathes 26, Carlogie/Ballogie 23 with Birse, Dess and Altries also in double figures. What a difference a bit of rainfall can make after weeks of low warm water and high air temperatures. The River Dee saw a number of much needed rises in river levels during the week and stocks of fish that had been building up in the Aberdeen area took their leave and migrated upstream quickly giving anglers and Ghillies some great sport. On Tuesday and Saturday 41 salmon were reported each day and Thursday saw 81 salmon reported; sport would have undoubtedly been better had the river not coloured up on Thursday night through Friday. High winds on Friday put a lot of debris from trees into the river and this debris and turbidity in the water put fish off the take considerably. We cannot grumble though as the expected summer run of fish is taking every opportunity to come into the river now in good numbers. Spring tides are building during the week and more fish will come forward, hopefully in ever increasing numbers.
I spoke to the Park Ghillies Keith Cromar and Bert Webster this morning to get news from the beat. I had visited the beat during the week and caught up with anglers Ron Low, David Cronshaw and Major Simon Poett. Keith was optimistic and looking forward to Thursday where he predicted a good day’s sport; the beat reported 18 for the day and 13 on Tuesday. I was delighted to hear that Major Poett had 3 salmon on Thursday. We had dinner the night before and he was so looking forward to Thursday. Marcus Kemmer from Germany had 5 salmon and a sea trout for his 3 days. Bert Webster reported that the south bank of the beat had 30 salmon and grilse for the week with anglers making the most of their opportunities and fishing hard. He advised visiting anglers Nick Drake and Tim Hart from London had 17 salmon between them for their annual visit. He advised that some of the fish were so well conditioned that they could easily have been taken for February spring fish. Bulwarks, Coopers and the Long Pool all fished well from the south bank with floating lines with intermediate tips popular and the ever reliable size 10-12 cascades on the business end coming up trumps. He advised that visiting angler from the Findhorn David Cronshaw had two excellent 14lbers and Andy Roskill had the biggest of the week at 17lbs, a very fresh fish. Great to hear the Park beats doing very well where they have a lot of fine holding water for salmon and grilse. Surely now the beat will see more and more fish being landed as we head into the autumn and hopefully some really big fish too.
Visiting angler from Oslo Chris Paus with a fresh salmon at Park which reported 43 salmon and grilse
I just received a phone call from Robert Harper at Lower Crathes where anglers Paulo Cesana and Alberto Notarbartolo had 19 salmon and 7 grilse between them for their week. Paulo landed 18 and Alberto 8, mostly on small cascades fished just under the surface. They had a blank day on Monday and two fish on two of their other days with the bulk of their action during a hectic 3 day spell of marvellous fishing. Paulo was over earlier in the season and had a very productive spell then and he couldn’t have timed his visits any better. I spoke to the anglers on Wednesday and they were very happy and looking forward to their remaining days. I also spoke to regular River Dee visitor Ade Warburton who had the rods for the week at Carlogie and he advised he was delighted with the sport during the week. He advised Robin Sproull had his first ever Dee fish from the Mill Pool. Other successful anglers were his partner in crime Dr Patrick Taylor, Bill Cook, Dave MacDonald, Neill Sproull and Paul McIntyre. Ade had 7 to his own rod with one of the salmon being coloured carrying sea lice!
Please remember I need your help to write this weekly column, write with any news of catches or anecdotes with images to ken@riverdee.org Tight Lines to you all! Copyright FishDee. Ken Reid © FishDee Ltd.
Beat catches reported SALMON & GRILSE: Culter 2, Altries and Lower Drum 10, Middle Drum 3, Tilbouries 8, Upper Drum and Lower Durris 2, Park 43, Lower Crathes and W Durris 24, Knappach 1, Crathes 8, Lower Blackhall and Kinneskie 1, Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo 1, Middle Blackhall 3, Upper Blackhall 6, Cairnton 6, Woodend 6, Commonty 5, Ballogie 10, Borrowston 9, Kincardine 3, Carlogie 13, Dess 10, Birse 12, Aboyne Water 4, Aboyne Castle 3, Craigendinnie 2, Waterside and Ferrar 3, Dinnet 7, Deecastle 8, Headinch and Cambus O’May 1, Monaltrie and Lower Invercauld 4, Crathie 1, Heughhead 2, Total 221 SEA TROUT: Culter 1, Altries and Lower Drum 1, Middle Drum 2, Tilbouries 3, Park 4, Lower Crathes and W Durris 3, Crathes 3, Lower Blackhall and Kinneskie 1, Middle Blackhall 1, Woodend 1, Commonty 1, Ballogie 5, Borrowston 2, Kincardine 1, Carlogie 5, Dess 2, Birse 3, Aboyne Water 2, Aboyne Castle 3, Craigendinnie 2, Waterside and Ferrar 2, Dinnet 2, Deecastle 1, Headinch and Cambus O’May 2, Monaltrie and Lower Invercauld 1, Heughhead 2, Total 56 TROUT: Heughhead 2, Total 2
PROSPECTS
Following on from last week’s regular lifts in river levels and lowering of water temperatures fresh summer salmon are taking every opportunity to enter the river and make their way upstream. There have been some good catches made of late with 81 salmon and grilse reported on Thursday. It’s been a tough season for many anglers but there can be no doubt that good numbers of fish are now running the river and there are plenty rods available on the FishDee website for anglers looking to catch salmon before the season draws to a close in a couple of months time. The Lower beats are seeing runs of bright new fish running through them every day and these will take an anglers fly if he’s in the right place at the right time. We normally see big multi sea winter fish entering the catchment during august and September.
The week ahead sees weather forecasters suggesting sunshine and afternoon showers for the week ahead with an air temperature maxima of 18 degrees Celsius and overnight lows getting down to perhaps 7 degrees Celsius. River levels have dropped back following last week’s rises and the Sepa gauges are currently between 4 inches at Mar Lodge and 9 inches at Park. Tides will be building during the week from 3.8 metres to 4.3 metres. The water quality will be ideal for anglers and Ghillies will encourage their anglers to fish hard, especially when they see activity in their pools. Listen to the advice offered by your Ghillie and fish the spots they recommend diligently. Last week saw a lot of fish caught on small cascade patterns, sizes 10-12 typically as the water was coloured at times. No doubt, Cascades, Park Shrimps, Stoats Tail flies along with small black and red Frances flies will catch fish this week. If you need more flies or other equipment please visit Somers of Aberdeen, Orvis in Banchory, Strachan’s of Aboyne and Countrywear in Ballater. Another must visit place at lunchtime is the Kincardine O’Neil Post office for a super range of sandwiches and fishing flies.
With the good level of rod availability on FishDee if you are considering a visit for a few days then please remember to look at the good range of accommodation on offer in the where to stay section on the FishDee website. Remember to ask for Fishermans rates if you are coming in a group of 3 or more anglers for stays of 3 days or more. There is a quick online survey about hotel accommodation provision on the FishDee daily catches page and the feedback from this indicates that anglers are being very well looked after and getting excellent value for money so take advantage of what’s on offer and come and fish the Dee.
Finally an important thing for you to remember when you arrive on your chosen beat. All anglers and Ghillies are being asked to ensure anglers have their waders and any landing nets sprayed with a mild disinfectant prior to commencing fishing, even when they are fishing different River Dee beats during their week on the river. It’s a condition of the River Dee Conservation code and must be strictly adhered to; all beats have supplies to ensure this is carried out prior to entering the river. It’s a quick procedure that will help the river and prevent ingress of unwanted pathogens and non native species entering the River Dee watercourse. We also want to prevent the transfer of the highly problematic ranunculus from the lower part of the river to the upper part. Please write with any news of catches or anecdotes with images to ken@riverdee.org Tight Lines to you all! Copyright FishDee. Ken Reid © FishDee Ltd.
Lots of fish; lots of fishing
Well last weeks rise in river levels really encouraged fish to come into the river-reports of lots of salmon seen and caught.
The good news for anglers eager to catch their first, fifth, tenth or fiftieth salmon of the season is the fish are here and there’s lots of good fishing opportunities available for anglers looking to fish. Park had 43 salmon and was lightly booked last week. Lower Crathes had 24 salmon between 2 anglers and Ballogie/Carlogie had 23 salmon for the week. Time to down tools, work, chores and go fishing instead: Here’s what’s available.
Selected Species:
Selected Month: 2013/8 Selected River/Area: DE
to book fishings, click the bold ‘week of’ link at start of relevant line.
- Click on the Beat/Fishery link to go to the detail page for that beat/fishery
- Click on the Species link for an explanation of the species abbreviations
- Click on the Notes links (where applicable) for an explanation of the abbreviated notes
- If you wish, you may sort this list by clicking on any of the bold column headings
| Week of | Water | Beat | Species | Rent/Day | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Ardoe and Murtle | as st | £75 | – | – | – | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Kingcausie | as st | £60 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | – | |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Culter | as st | £210 | 3 | 3 | 3 | – | – | – | – | Min 3d1r HI NOLB |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Middle Drum | as st | £60 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Park South | as st | £129 + vat | – | – | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Knappach | as st | £55 + vat | – | – | – | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Woodend | as st | £75 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | GX |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Craigendinnie | as st | £83 | – | – | – | – | 2 | – | – | |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Waterside and Ferrar | as st | £62 + vat | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | GX |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Deecastle | as st | £70 + vat | – | – | – | – | – | 2 | – | GX |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Headinch and Cambus O’May | as st | £56 + vat | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Morven | as st | £50 | – | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Mar Estate | as st | £35 + vat | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | GX |
| 5 Aug 13 | Dee | Mar Lodge Estate | as st | £54 + vat | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 5 Aug 13 | Feugh | Heughhead | as st wt | £35 + vat | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | – | |
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| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Blairs | as st | £55 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Kingcausie | as st | £60 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Culter | as st | £210 | 3 | 3 | 3 | – | – | – | – | Min 3d1r HI NOLB |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Middle Drum | as st | £60 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Knappach | as st | £55 + vat | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo | as st | £80 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | – | – | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Middle Blackhall | as st | £70 | – | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Woodend | as st | £75 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | GX |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Commonty | as st | £75 + vat | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | GX |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Kincardine | as st | £90 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | Min 3d1r WS+20% |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Dess | as st | £120 | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Birse | as st | £83 | – | – | – | 3 | 2 | 3 | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Craigendinnie | as st | £83 | 2 | – | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Waterside and Ferrar | as st | £63 + vat | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | GX |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Morven | as st | £50 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | |
| 12 Aug 13 | Dee | Mar Estate | as st | £35 + vat | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | GX |
| 12 Aug 13 | Feugh | Heughhead | as st wt | £35 + vat | 4 | – | – | 4 | 4 | 4 | – | |
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| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Ardoe and Murtle | as st | £100 | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | Min 2d1r |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Kingcausie | as st | £60 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | – | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Culter | as st | £210 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | – | Min 3d1r HI NOLB |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Middle Drum | as st | £65 | 4 | 4 | – | – | – | 2 | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Park | as st | £129 + vat | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | – | – | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Park South | as st | £129 + vat | 3 | – | 1 | 2 | 5 | 3 | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Knappach | as st | £55 + vat | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo | as st | £80 | – | – | – | – | 2 | 1 | – | LE |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Upper Blackhall | as st | £80 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | – | LE |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Sluie | as st | £45 + vat | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Kincardine | as st | £90 | – | – | – | – | – | 2 | – | WS+20% |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Dess | as st | £120 | 1 | – | – | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Birse | as st | £83 | – | – | – | 4 | 2 | – | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Waterside and Ferrar | as st | £63 + vat | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | GX |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Headinch and Cambus O’May | as st | £47 + vat | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | – | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Morven | as st | £50 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | 2 | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Mar Estate | as st | £35 + vat | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | GX |
| 19 Aug 13 | Dee | Mar Lodge Estate | as st | £54 + vat | – | – | 2 | – | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 19 Aug 13 | Feugh | Heughhead | as st wt | £35 + vat | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | – | |
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| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Ardoe and Murtle | as st | £100 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | – | Min 2d3r |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Blairs | as st | £55 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Kingcausie | as st | £60 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Culter | as st | £210 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | – | Min 3d1r HI NOLB |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Middle Drum | as st | £65 | – | – | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Park | as st | £129 + vat | – | – | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Park South | as st | £129 + vat | – | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Knappach | as st | £55 + vat | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo | as st | £80 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Upper Blackhall | as st | £80 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | – | LE |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Commonty | as st | £105 + vat | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Sluie | as st | £45 + vat | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Dess | as st | £120 | – | – | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Birse | as st | £100 | – | – | – | 4 | 3 | 4 | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Morven | as st | £50 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Mar Estate | as st | £35 + vat | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | GX |
| 26 Aug 13 | Dee | Mar Lodge Estate | as st | £54 + vat | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | |
| 26 Aug 13 | Feugh | Heughhead | as st wt | £35 + vat | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | – | |
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