Archive

27

February

27/02/2008

Ronald Sutherland

27/02/2008

The first Helmsdale salmon of the season

First Fish off.....

 

The first Helmsdale salmon of the season has been landed at long last by Kildonan head ghillie Martin Grant. "Marti" netted the prestigious Bridge Hotel trophy for the second time by catching his fish ( 7.5lbs ) on the Manse pool on beat 6, a conehead fly constructed from his own vice did the trick.The fresh run fish had a serious bleeding seal wound to the back of the head. This is a pretty late start for the Helmsdale which is renowned for producing salmon as early as January, hopefully this will jump start the season. Scores to date in the Highlands are - Morriston 6, Brora 4, Thurso 2, Borgie, Naver, Halladale & Helmsdale 1 each. Marti also wins a fine bottle of local Clynelish whiskey donated by Helmsdale River Board manager Sir Michael Wigan.

Published on Wednesday 27 February 2008 by David Mason
Last edited on Wednesday 27 February 2008 by David Mason

18

February

18/02/2008

Ronald Sutherland

11

February

11/02/2008

Ronald Sutherland

11/02/2008

The River Helmsdale is as dead as a dodo!

 

The River Helmsdale is as dead as a dodo!

water levels and temperature have been excellent since the middle of the week but there are simply no fish around. Most rods have fished the best beats hard this week only to land kelts. There are obviously spring salmon arriving on the east coast of Scotland, we only need to cross the Moray firth and nip around the corner to Aberdeen to see the evidence, 85 salmon off the Dee since opening day 8 fishing days ago ( many fish in the 20lb range + a 42 pounder ). If things don't pick up on the Helmsdale in the week ahead - alarm bells will be ringing! If you have a fishing trip planned, now is the time to brush up on your casting technique by watching the experts on DVD and stock up with some bright new flies. Please call the shop if you require any information regarding fishing tackle as we can offer great combo prices on almost any brand or single purchase. I have recently treated myself to the new Scot Mackenzie Signature Series 15ft rod from Daiwa, I can honestly say it is as good a rod as I have ever used for Spey or overhead casting sinking lines. If you want to try it out, be my guest and pop along to the shop - from around £390 it can stand shoulder to shoulder with rods at double the price!

 

Published on Monday 11 February 2008 by Ronald Sutherland