The Dee has a deserved reputation as one of the world's great salmon rivers. Since the 17th century, anglers have been sport fishing on the river for its famous run of salmon. Victorian salmon anglers enjoyed some of the finest fishing in the Dee's angling history and their innovative approach to fishing tackle design is still reflected in tackle today.

With the advent of Victorian fly fishing tackle, the evolution of modern rods and reels had begun. No longer were salmon played on a 'tight line' or line tied to the rod tip, but rather a 'loose line' which ran through the rod rings. This allowed greater opportunity to land big Dee salmon, which the 'tight line' method was simply no match for.

The Dee is one of the earliest producing rivers in Scotland and takes great pride in the fact that it produces more spring fish caught to the fly than many other rivers in Britain. The river catchment covers an area in excess of 2000 sq kilometres.

The river is administered by the Dee Salmon Fishery Board, the members of which are elected every three years by the Dee fishery proprietors. The Dee Board sets and directs policy for management of the river's migratory fish stocks and their habitat, assisted by advice from the River Dee Trust.