Dee Lane and Hairdressers Stretch, River Dee

River level

The lowdown

• Both areas are described as good-access sections, with parking close to useful swims. You’ll still need to climb down the riverbank from the parking areas, so watch your footing.
• This is a natural, mobile river rather than a stocked commercial fishery. Expect the water to change with rainfall, flow and colour.
• The banks can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Decent footwear is a must, and take care getting down to the water.
• Dee Lane has good parking close to useful swims, which makes it a fairly straightforward option when you don’t fancy a massive faff.
• Parking is also good at the Hairdressers stretch, with swims nearby. There’s dedicated access and map information for this area on the affiliated-water page.
• It’s classic spate-river territory. Trotting, feeder work and fishing the crease should all suit the changing flow, while quieter glides are worth a look when the river settles.
• Winter can be especially productive, as fish shoal in colder conditions. A bit of colour and extra push in the river could make for lively sport.
• The Dee is also noted for good predator fishing. Pike over 20 lb and perch over 3 lb have been recorded on the associated Farndon and Holt water.
• The named fish include chub, barbel, perch, roach, dace, eel and brown trout. Keep an eye on conditions, as fresh cold-water releases from Bala Lake can happen on Thursdays and Sundays and make fishing tougher.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Match the approach to the flow: trotting and feeder work should cover the glides and crease, while predator fishing is worth considering on the associated Farndon and Holt water. Winter is a particularly appealing time when the fish shoal up.

Access & tickets

Arrange Dee Anglers membership, or access through an affiliated club such as Port Sunlight Angling Club, before fishing. There is no separate public day-ticket price published for this stretch.

Fish the club names

chub, barbel, perch, roach, trout, eel

Named by Dee Anglers Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Fishing is for Dee Anglers members holding the relevant membership card; Port Sunlight Angling Club members can access the affiliated water through their club membership.
• Carry your club card while fishing.
• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• The Environment Agency coarse-fishing close season applies from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• No fishing for eels, flatfish or salmonoid species is allowed during the stated close season.
• Night fishing is not permitted on association waters.
• Do not introduce fish to, or remove fish from, the water.
• Handle fish carefully and return them promptly.

Where it is