Archive

25

January

2 superb Springers off the Tay

The rivers in the North are still running very high so fishing has been curtailed to say the least. Heavy localised rain and a continued thaw has seen many rivers burst their banks resulting in “washout” conditions. However, it has not been all doom and gloom. I predicted in last weeks report that we would probably see the first Scottish springer being landed this week on the Tay and I was pretty close, there were infact 2 beauties caught on the Taymount beat of the Tay on the same day by David Park & Ghillie Cohn O’Dea, Cohn caught the first fish. Both were caught on large Vision 110 lures. Great to see such stunning fish this early in Scottish waters so hopefully when conditions settle down we will see some more. There are photos of these lovely silver springers all over Instagram and FB etc but if you have not seen them I can ask to have permission to post them on here. Contact me if you woild like to see them.

There are a few more big opening days to come soon too on the Brora, Tweed & Dee to name a few on Feb 1st so if you are planning a cast please have a look round our website and you should find what you need. Once again we will remind that do not be worried about fishing too big a fly, the 2 Tay Springers were caught on large lures around 4-5” long so a 2” copper tube is not even close to being too big! see 2 of the most popular large spring salmon flies ever below. A 2.5" copper tube Brora RS UV Willie Gunn ( 5" hairwing ) and an RS Black & Yellow Solar Monkey conehead ( hairwing 5" ) links & pics below to buy now right here.

Also if you need any sinking tips, which you will need right through the spring, we have the full stock of Airflo sinking Poly leaders in stock now online in a very handy 8ft length. 8ft is ideal as it is not too long to destabalise your casting and not too short to be innefective.

RS Black & Yellow Solar Monkey - buy here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/solar-monkey-black-yellow-pro-choice.html

RS UV Brora Willie Gunn original - buy here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-original-brora-willie-gunn

I remember not that long ago catching loads of kelts and a couple of springers on a famous Dee beat on a black & Yellow Monkey tube with a 5” hairwing, ( and yes of-course we have some in stock! )

Tight lines if you are venturing out and be sure to order your flies from us in advance to make sure you get them all, we are very busy processing many orders, thank you all for your continued support, it is much appreciated in the current dire economic climate. The great thing about salmon anglers is that we are optimists and if there is the chance of hooking a salmon, especially a spring salmon we will still get out on the water in search of that electrifying tug!

17

January

Opening days and big water.

The new salmon season is finally underway on the Helmsdale plus a few others but no springers have turned up yet. Big water on opening day scuppered any chance of fishing as much of the river was well over its banks. Next day was not too much better but a few anglers ventured out but no joy. Day 3 saw a good drop in height along with a few more rods but only kelts were hooked and that’s still the way things stand. Today Saturday 17th should see a big turnout as conditions continue to improve. As usual it’s a case of watch this space!

The Tay is looking good and most of it can be covered with the heavy spinning gear on hand, I think the first Scottish springer will be seen there very soon on some type of huge Tomic or Vision 110 lure about 6” long so never worry about fishing big flies in spring, salmon will hit the biggest tubeflies you can cast!

On that tactical side you should be fishing well down in the water with full sinking lines or fast sinking tips and large heavy flies. We have loads of the best and proven tubeflies like the Brora Willie Gunn and Alistair original which are especially popular in the highlands and as a treat this spring we are offering our Alistair original tubes for only £2.50 each, that’s well worth a click and buy for a superb fly at a superb price! See both of them below and click on the link to see and buy them on our homepage. Buy here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

RS Alistair Original in the 2026 snow 2.5" copper tube

RS UV Brora Willie Gunn JC in the 2026 snow also 2.5" copper tube.