Cambus O’May - Salmon Fishing

Headinch and Cambus O’May is an attractive and well-maintained beat on the river Dee, mid-way between Dinnet and Ballater, with 21 named pools providing opportunities to catch fish at varying heights of water. 2.5 miles of the beat is double banked with a further ¾ of a mile of single bank fishing at the top end. There are three modern and spacious fishing huts with wood burning stoves and outdoor seating which are ideal for picnics. Two of these have WCs.

We try our best to make fishing at Cambus a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Craig McDonald welcomes you to the beat and shows you where to fish, can advise on choice of line and fly and is happy to provide other assistance as required. Fishing is his lifelong interest. As part of his degree from Edinburgh University he wrote a dissertation on the habitat and ecosystem of the Dee and its salmon population. He enjoys teaching casting techniques and has completed the Scottish Game Angling Instructors Certificate. Craig has been ghilling on the Cambus beat since 2013.

The pools you fish will be dependent upon the height of water. As a general rule, there is more fishing from the left bank in high water and more fishing from the right bank in low water. Long Pool and Peter Ogg / Hollybush are examples of pools which fish well when the river is high, Sheerless and Tassachd when at normal levels and Glashan, Clarach and Fergies in low water.

The beat is fished by up to 4 rods from March to June and 3 rods from July to September. Only fly fishing is allowed (no spinning). In accordance with The River Dee Conservation Code there is a policy of catch and release for both salmon and sea trout. Handling of fish should always be kept to a minimum to avoid damage and distress.

The estate has two self–catering holiday houses, Birkelunn (sleeps 11) and Braehead (sleeps 8) which are nearby. Availability can be checked by contacting Rachael Walker, email cambusomaybookings@gmail.com and tel 07960 667105.

For more information see our fishery description or for availability and bookings please visit our FishPal bookings page.