The Welsh Dee is not known as a renowned Sea Trout river and angling effort is extremely low. Most fish are caught by Salmon or Trout and Grayling anglers during daylight hours. However, the Dee encounters annual runs in excess of 10,000 fish every year and the rewards of night time fishing on the river are great during the summer months.
Sea Trout begin to run the Dee in May and by late June can be caught in numbers on CADAC waters. The average size seems to be increasing and fish of 3 – 4lbs are relatively common whilst larger specimens make an appearance during the early hours.
Night time fishing for Sea Trout is restricted to the Long Reach, Berwyn Arms, St. David’s and Coed yr Allt Beats. The rules for Sea Trout fishing can be viewed here.
Sea Trout flies on the Dee are similar to those fished by anglers across the UK – the patterns below are examples of the most successful ones.
1st June to 30th September – Fly, spin or worm (strictly no maggots).
In order to fish for Sea Trout, members are required to hold a Salmon permit and a migratory fish EA rod licence. Sea Trout caught by a trout permit/non migratory fish licence holder must be returned.
Sea Trout caught on Trewyn Trust waters must be returned even if the angler holds a migratory fish licence and Salmon permit.
The minimum size limit for Sea Trout is 25cm. All sea trout greater than 60cm must be released with minimum injury and delay.
Members are permitted to take one brace (2 fish) per visit or any combination outlined in ‘General Rules’ section.
Night Fishing: Is allowed on a section of the Berwyn Arms Beat, on the whole of the St Davids Beat The Long Reach and on Coed yr Allt. Members are permitted to fish until 3am.
Sea Trout fishing at night is strictly ‘fly only’.
Junction Beat: Worming for Sea Trout is NOT allowed at the Junction Beat.
Important: All salmon and sea trout catches must be reported within 7 days of capture. Please report catches by leaving a voice message on the following mobile phone voice mail for Paul Jones on – 07708147259
Please report the following details: Your name and CADAC Club membership number, salmon or sea trout, the beat, the date caught, the weight, method of capture, cock or hen, tagged or not, and in regard to sea trout whether the fish was kept or released.
Proven failure to report will result in dismissal from the Club.