Archive

21

January

First Fish, Michael Dudgeon 3 fish off now!

Ronald Sutherland

Fish number 3 was taken on the Association water 26/1/12. Ex Torrish Ghillie Andy Sutherland had a fish of 9lbs in the tail of the Flat pool (South bank) on one of our Willie Gunn Feeler tubes. This water is currently the best beat on the river and you can fish it for only £25 per rod per day.

The first fish was taken today ( Sat 21st ) by Local Michael Dudgeon. The weather was rough, the river was high but this did not stop Michael from heading to one of his favourite pools on the river, the Tail of the bay on beat 3. Armed with a fast sinking tip and a 2" Millie Gunn copper tube Michael was soon into his 10lbs fresh run springer! we are now off and running!

No 2 has come from the Association water on Monday 23rd - 7lbs caught by Peter Macmillan, the first of the season for this beat! great to see spring salmon are taking advantage of the unseasonably open weather. At £25 per rod per day, the Association water is well worth a cast - tickets available at the Tackle Shop from 9am.

We are still on a spring tube fly "PRICE CRASH" stock up online now while stocks last.

Michael's fish The first springer of the season.

first fish

The killer new fly designed by Ron Sutherland - the Millie Gunn. The thinking behind this fly was to upgrade the legendary Willie Gunn with new materials and colours more in tune with the growing female angling fraternity - hence the name "Millie Gunn" as you can see, it works for the lads too!

Millie Gunn

 

Michael ( below ) receiving the Bridge Hotel trophy and bottle of Clynelish + £100 tackle voucher for returning the fish. Scott Mackenzie (presenting) 3 times World Spey casting champion, was visiting the tackle shop showing off his generation 2 line of hi-spec salmon rods. Scott's rods have been a great success since launch 2 years ago - we now have the new G2 range available which are even more advanced and user friendly. We will have them on-line for sale soon - call Ron for more information.

Michael receives the trophy from Scott Mackenzie

11

January

Opening days 2012 and film from Mike Shepley.

Ronald Sutherland

No fish off yet apart from a couple of farmed and last years models. Some opening day action courtesy of Mike Shepley here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM4oqD0enlw

Day 4 - Saturday, Another very cold but fine day racked the overall number of angler participation to 175 for the 4 free days. Unfortunately no springers were caught! It has generally been an excellent few days for the village with so many anglers flocking to the fishing and staying in local accom. Next week Helmsdale will be back to normal and very quiet as fishing availability returns to almost zero and 2 rods per beat. Day tickets will be available on the Association water however for £25 per rod. The "first fish" prize is still up for grabs and the local mile provides a very good chance early in the season.

Don't forget we are still on spring fly "PRICE CRASH" so stock up NOW!! No other on-line store can offer a better deal on top quality salmon flies...

Day 3 - The river settled to around 2ft today after a hard frost which had rod rings freezing for anglers until mid morning. Reports of a fresh fish lost at the net by Mike Shepley raised spirits but as yet, the first springer remains elusive! however, there is one day left to win all the spoils. The river will drop again tonight and tomorrow it will sit just the way we want it at around 1ft 6! Many more pools will start to fish better including the site of many a first fish capture, Little Rock pool beat 6. I have a good feeling about tomorrow, get over for a cast if you can and remember, it's all free once you register at the Tackle shop. Dont forget our fly PRICE CRASH!!! your chance to stock up! we are open from 8.45am.

Day 2 - A very high river greeted anglers on the second day of the season which spoiled things a little. It was another good turnout for the free fishing but once again only kelts were caught. The weather is set to calm down tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday looks even better. With the river dropping fast, chances should be very good as fishing conditions improve.

Opening day report - Water levels and weather were awesome. William Jappy kicked things off with the first cast but nobody told the fish to turn up! A baggot was caught on beat 1 and another fish awaits the results of scale readings. No springers were caught on opening day.

Don't forget out "PRICE CRASH" on all spring tube flies...check out the website for superb fly deals all spring.

William Jappy launches the traditional first cast of the season.

William Jappy first cast

A large crowd gather for the pipes

Gathering for the pipes

The Alistair Tiger tail tube caused havok amongst the kelts!

Alistair Tiger tail tube

The Boys enjoyed the sponsors dram from Clynelish!

Sponsors dram - Clynelish

A baggot from Upper Caen caught by Brian Maskel...the closest we got to a fish on opening day returned.

Tight lines to all who participate in the 4 free opening days.