History

The Association was setup in an attempt to improve and preserve the fishing facilities on the rivers Dee & Glyde in the North East of Ireland and is in existence for over 60 years. In the Late 1940's both Rivers formed part of the pilot programme and vast amounts of each river had their main channels drained. under the Arterial Drainage Scheme (1945) which was designed to improve the quality of Agricultural Land, and to to increase their discharge-carrying capacity, thereby, affecting not only the basins' response to rainfall but also their peak discharge return period relation.

Unfortunately as with many pilot programs carried out, much of the natural river gravel was removed and with the widening and deepening of the channels caused erosion along the banks during floods and the build up of silt in many areas. Thereafter when channels were widened and deepened, rocks and gravel were installed to reduce the erosion risk and recreate many of the spawning beds that were removed during the works. The Dee and Glyde however were not subject to this remedial work and the Association has been working yearly to restore many of the areas that were devastated by the drainage scheme.

Many Projects have been undertaken including access projects, bridges, stiles, cleaning of the river etc. But the work continues and with the enormous assistance of the North Eastern Fisheries Board and the Office of Public Works the Association has been able to realise alot of it's plans. But we're not finished yet by any means, caring for any natural resource takes time and although we've come along way we still have far to go.

Our aims are:

• The promotion of fishing as a sport in the North East of Ireland
• The protection of our waters
• The development of the sport and the development of the rivers
• Access for all
• Encouraging our youth to become the fishermen and women for the next generation