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28 January 28/01/2008Another week has passed on the Helmsdale with no sign of a fishAnother week has passed on the Helmsdale with no sign of a fish. It is still early days of course and high water levels have washed out the last few but temperatures have increased and prospects are looking more favourable for the week ahead. If all rods fish and water levels continue to drop I fancy this week could provide our first fresh runner. Today ( Jan 27th ) the river is at a season high 43 degrees - air temp 50, this will certainly draw fish in. However - There is an added incentive to get the rod out early this year, the lucky angler who captures the first salmon will receive an extra £100 tackle voucher from the Helmsdale Tackle Shop as well as all the other goodies on offer – but there is a catch! The salmon must be returned safely to pick up the extra Tackle Shop bonus. Please handle such fish with great care and take some photos quickly for verification if you are fishing on your own (everyone has a camera nowadays right!). Cameras, weigh-nets and catch & release tools are as commonplace now with the modern angler as priests and scissors once were. If there is another angler in the vicinity to help this may also give you the opportunity to take a quick scale sample from just below the back of the dorsal fin for valuable research. If you are lucky enough to catch a fresh run springer there is usually no doubt of the fact and sea-lice are often evident. Successful spring salmon fishing on our great rivers is vital to the Scottish economy; it directly affects the viability of all rural businesses, accommodation, shops, bars and of course the local tackle shop at a slow time in the calendar year. This in turn has an economic knock on effect for us all whether you fish or not. It is common knowledge that Spring salmon numbers returning to our rivers is approaching an all time low and we all need to do our bit to help bring back stocks – this is the tackle shop "bit" - for a very important stock fish!. Incidentally, I will personally be returning all springers that I may or may not be lucky enough to catch in the future; hopefully my camera will be well used! Of all the rivers in Scotland the river Dee is the model which has shown the most significant turnaround in spring salmon numbers. The action was direct and in 1995 the unpopular “catch & release” was pioneered – they have not looked back since and expect to (and do) catch many fresh run salmon on each season opening day on February 1st and continue with good numbers throughout the spring. The river Helmsdale also provides a commendable record of “fair play” and “conservation” for its anglers and release rates are currently high and on the increase. The Tackle shop is very happy to further support in this encouragement so get those rods out, return that springer and pick up your bonus! Tight lines. Permits for the Association water are currently available so have a day out on the water anytime. Chances are very good on this beat at this time and 3 years ago the first fish was caught in the Flat pool at the top of the beat. Tickets cost £26 per rod and you can pick them up at the tackle Shop from 10am until March when the shop opens from 9am. Published on Monday 28 January 2008 by Ronald Sutherland 23 January 23/01/2008Helmsdale River opening 2008A record gathering of 170 rods signed in for a free cast on the river Helmsdale today. Fabulous weather conditions greeted the huge expectant crowd this morning and it was local long serving angler George Sutherland who had the honour of casting the first fly. River board manager Sir Michael Wigan welcolmed everyone, wished them good luck, and stressed that kelts should be returned with care. The water level was a very encouraging 1ft 8 and dropping fast, the water temperature however was a bone-chilling 35 degrees. Unfortunately no springers were reported at the end of the day...maybe tomorrow! George Sutherland (below) casting the first fly above the Telford Bridge on the Association water.
George Sutherland (below) casting the first fly above the Telford Bridge on the Association water.
Published on Wednesday 23 January 2008 by Ronald Sutherland 23 January 23/01/2008Helmsdale River opening 2008 Day TwoDay two of the free fishing saw another large turnout on the river with many anglers fishing the Helmsdale for the first time. After an early frost, fishing conditions were favourable once again as the river had dropped to around 1ft 3, The only negative aspect being the water temp - a mere 35 degrees. With river water temperatures so low we do not expect too many spring salmon to be coaxed out of the warmer sea so it was no surprise that the day provided another blank. If the forecast is correct we should experience milder conditions this week ahead.....I might just be forced to have an odd cast in my lunch breaks, watch this space! Many thanks to all who attended yet again to make the past three days a spectacular occasion for the village. Published on Wednesday 23 January 2008 by Ronald Sutherland 23 January 23/01/2008The first full week of the season 2008
The first full week of the season has come to an end and we have nothing to show for it. There have been 5 rawners (male) and 1 baggot (female) reported caught but no sign of any fresh run salmon yet. The amount of rawners caught this season is high and is a sure sign of the seasonal change we are witnessing everywhere. The river temperature has been a consistently low 35 - 36 degrees all week which is around 2 degrees lower than the temperature of the inner Moray Firth, I fear we will not see too many springers enter the system until river temps rise. Fly of the Month - The Willie Gunn (below), in any shape or form, this fly is an early Spring legend fished on a fairly large tube.
Click here for the Helmsdale Company website Published on Wednesday 23 January 2008 by Ronald Sutherland |