River Dee at Tongland

Today's the day ………………………. to go fishing

This is the view looking down from the Old Tongland Bridge at the River Dee, flowing southwestwards on its way towards Kirkcudbright and then into the Solway Firth.

The Kirkcudbrightshire Dee is one of the largest river catchments in South West Scotland and was, in the past, one of the major salmon fishing rivers in Scotland. However, catches in recent decades have been in decline - and there are a number of reasons for that.

Marine mortality is thought to be the main cause of declining salmon stocks.  But other issues such as acid soils caused by extensive coniferous plantations, the Hydro-Electric Schemes on the Dee and the general degradation of habitat are all contributing factors.  We won't even mention the introduction of the evil Signal Crayfish  in the mistaken belief that it would boost the native crayfish population, but instead they are voracious carnivores that feed on the salmon fry.

Just as well then that the Galloway Fisheries Trust  continues to carefully monitor the catchment of the Kirkcudbrightshire Dee, maintaining its role in respect of both research and management of this valuable natural resource. It is working with other organisations such as Forest Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Power and others to develop a comprehensive strategy for its management on a rolling five year programme...……………………..