Whilst not recognised as a premier Welsh sea trout water in the mould of the Dovey, Towy, Teifi or Rheidol, this is not due to the numbers of fish entering the system. Figures reported by the Environment Agency from the fish trap at Chester Weir indicate that number of sea trout entering the river are many times the number of salmon. Catch returns however do not reflect this. It appears that the fishers of the Dee largely ignore this species, maybe preferring the comfort of their beds than banks of the river at night, typically the most productive time. Indications are that where time is spent fishing for sea trout, returns can be rewarding. Indeed several club members have taken sea trout of up to 3 pounds during the past few seasons.
Sea trout run the river from late Winter through the summer. Coarse fishermen have taken fresh run sea-trout as early as January. However, late April is recognised as the start of the sea-trout fishing proper, with the best of the run over by the end of August. May, June and July sees the main run of fish from 2lb to double figures. July and August sees large numbers of 3/4 - 1 lb fish. Most sea trout will have entered the catchment by the beginning of September, after which they quickly become stale and difficult to tempt.
The 2000 and 2001 seasons saw fish of over 16 pounds caught, tagged and released at Chester Weir.
With a little application, the sea trout fishing on the Dee should prove very rewarding.
As stated elsewhere, few Dee anglers fish for sea-trout. Those anglers that do venture out at night take fish on large lures (the modern approach to sea-trout fishing) as well as oversize trout flies (the traditional approach). Teal Blue and Silver is the favorite fly. Many of the smaller fish have been taken by trout anglers fishing the late evening with typical trout flies on 12s and 14s.
Fish have been reported from all beats over the years. As for other species, good fly water abounds on beats 1 & 2. Duke's, Joby's, Graig straight and Georges Run all have a gravel bottom with easy access and egress. Being tree lined, Duke's and Joby's provide an opportunity for taking fish early in the evening. Many of the faster runs on the lower beats prove popular, though maybe more difficult to negotiate in the dark. In particular the run above the Ferry Crossing on beat 3 has been known to hold large shoals of sea trout.
Given the nature of the banks and river bottom, pools such as Pylon's, Mud Flats, Plumley's and the Garden Pool should be avoided during darkness. For the visiting angler, all water to be fished at night should be explored during daylight to help prevent the possibility of accidents.
The few fish that are taken during the day tend to fall to anglers fishing for salmon. These tend to be large fish, often into double figures.
The club encourages members to fish for sea-trout as this is seen as an under-utilised resource which provides an early season bonus whilst awaiting the main run of salmon.
Bait fishing for sea-trout is not a tactic currently used by club members. However, as on other rivers, worm fishing during a summer spate should prove successful, as should a well placed Mepps.
For sea trout, equipment should be stouter than for trout. A rod of 9'6 to 11' capable of casting a #6 to #8 line fits the bill. Lines should include a full floating line, sink tips and a sinking line. Flies such as Teal, Blue and Silver, Butcher, Silver Invicta, Zulu, Black Pennell, etc. tied on sizes 10 - 6 and fished in teams or single hook and tandem lures or tubes (up to 4 inches) fished alone account for fish reported.
For spinning and worm fishing, a spinning reel holding 8 - 12 pound nylon is adequate. This should be coupled with a rod of 9' to 11'. Spinners should be in sizes 2 and 3.
A few of the best sea trout waters described above, such as Joby's and the head of George's, can be fished in Wellingtons. However, to ensure dry feet, thigh waders are a better option, especially in higher water, with chest waders allowing the best access.
NOTE : Extreme caution should be taken when wading stretches with which you are unfamiliar, especially at night, as many stretches have a clay bottom and deep drop offs. If in doubt, keep out.