Archive

14

October

14/10/2007

Ronald Sutherland

14/10/2007

End of season report

The long awaited final Helmsdale fishing report can be summed up as "not a season to remember" - it started badly, did not get much better, peaked 4 weeks late again and faded out quietly.
The few Spring fish that appeared were in excellent condition but unfortunately our grilse were in the wars again. Underweight and under attack by a nasty parasite, these poor fish need a break soon or they will not be worth catching.

Hopefully the great success of the NASF will help with numbers as more nets are hung up around the coast, however the cutting edge SALSEA project may determine the best way forward if they find a few clues as to what is happening to fish at sea.

Top rods this season were Kildonan lead by ghillies Martin Grant and Gordon Trail. The key to their success ( I hear ) was fishing a little deeper using Frances & Snaelda flies in Tungsten, copper & conehead versions - the Sunray shadow had a quiet season by all accounts probably due to the constant high water levels for most of the summer. All these flies are available to purchase at your leisure on-line from my new fly-store www.helmsdalecompany.com

All the water pushed salmon right through the system as high as loch Drum and Arachlinnie where a few were caught by surprised trout fishermen. The biggest reported fish of the season was released by Martin Grant in the Tail of the bay on beat 3 below in September and was estimated as going on for 30lbs.

The Association water provided around 130 salmon this season. High water levels put paid to many fish hanging around, a few were spotted flying past at high speed but overall very few were seen. Sea trout catches were also poor as a result of higher than average summer water levels. They arrived in May and a few nice fish were caught but a spate ensued and all the good sport moved up-river.

Season 2008 can't arrive quickly enough - see you all on opening day!!

Don't forget to order your pre-packed fly selections for Christmas presents - a great gift for all your fishing friends.

 

Ron

Published on Sunday 14 October 2007 by Ronald Sutherland
Last edited on Friday 19 October 2007 by Ronald Sutherland

6

October

06/10/2007

Ronald Sutherland

06/10/2007

End of season report to follow soon

www.helmsdalecompany.com

We have great Christmas stocking fillers available now for your fishing friends. Stylish Helmsdale Company pre-packed selection fly boxes are available to purchase on-line...check them out

 

 

Published on Saturday 6 October 2007 by Ronald Sutherland
Last edited on Sunday 7 October 2007 by Ronald Sutherland