Tough conditions greeted Helmsdale rods last week again, unsettled conditions with an Easterly wind are never great and one day was lost with a rising river but there are fish running and over a dozen were recorded. I can also report that the first fish came off the Association water the week before last to the rod of Jim Forsyth in the Flat pool at 6lbs

The experience of Welsh regulars Andrew Thomas and Gavin Perry always shows through and this year was no different with 4 lovely springers up to 15lbs fishing Achentoul rods, Gavin taking 2 on a small black & yellow Monkey bottle tube and one on a Classic Willie Gunn 1" copper tube. Andrew took his perfect specimen on a TD in Caen Streams beat 1(pics below ) Pano Constantinedes also had a good week with 3 to his rod on Borrobol rods, the score could have been better as Alan Shannahan of the same party lost one at the net on beat 4 and a 20+ fish on beat 6 in the Manse pool. Fish also came from the Swirl pool beat 6, Ewes Neuk beat 5, and Lower Torrish beat 3.

Every beat is now producing fish so as soon as the river settles and a little warmth arrives the scores should almost double and fish will also be over the falls anytime too if they are not already over...

Andrew with a classic deep set springer from Caen Streams beat 1

Welsh international Gavin with his biggest at 15lbs from Lower Torrish beat 3

The deadly Monkey Bottle tube that did the trick twice, and you can buy it here right now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/classic-dee-monkey-bottle-tube-p1822.html

The classic Brora Willie Gunn pattern which has been catching salmon for decades, buy these legendary tubes here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-willie-gunn-copper-tube.html

We now have these great new McLean weigh nets in stock and our new Fulling Mill tube boxes are selling like hot cakes so grab one when you can!

The Helmsdale recorded 11 fish off last week even with unsettled conditions, looks like spring has finally sprung on the river.

William Jappy got the ball rolling with a fresh fish from Lower Caen beat 1 on one of our Willie Gunn TigerTail coneheads and the fish just kept coming for the rest of the week. Usual suspect Andy Sutherland had a fish from Kilphedir pool and another 2 followed in the next few days for rods fishing the same pool including one from John Mackay Wick on another willie gunn pattern. Astonishingly beat 6 has not produced yet but that will definitely change this week as fish filter through the system.

Remember we are offering a 3 + 1 deal on all salmon flies until the end of the month ( apart from new collection flies ) so grab some when you have the chance of a few freebees! Our new collection flies continue to outsell all others and there are more to come, its the best collection of salmon flies out there so keep an eye on the reports here and also the website as more new flies populate our new collection category. Ron has designed this collection based on over 40 years of experience so they are not just flung together to catch the eye, the fact is, they catch salmon and thats our speciality!

The good news is that these flies are available to the trade and a select choice of top ghillies on the best rivers, contact me if you want some....or drop into Baxters village Fochabers and grab some on your way past from the clothing shop.

I have one more big deal this week, grab a Loop Cross S1 rod and Evotec reel from Baxters and get £100 free flies to get you going...I'll even pop on our best selling Gaelforce line for you at half price to suit the rod. Spoil yourself, get some top gear which will transform your casting, its that simple! want some casting lessons? i'll throw that in too, let me know where you are fishing and I'll pop along and spend some time with you and your party especially if you are on the Spey.

Some of the new collection below - its time to get on the water, the springers are on the move everywhere now.

It's a real slow start to the season everywhere this year and only 3 fish have been caught on the Helmsdale. Kildonan rods had a fish from beat 4 and Andy Sutherland had his second of the season from Kilphedir pool beat 2 at 8lbs, other than that the fishing has been very poor. It looks like the cold weather has maybe held back the early spring run, lets hope so. Spring will ease in eventually but its not happening anytime soon.

Our new fly collection is selling fantastically well everywhere, looks like people have loads of fishing lined up this year and want to have the best flies available. SuperSquid Cascade silver conehead and Blue Ass Willie Gunn are the outstanding favourites so far, team these up with a black & yellow Monkey or two and our SuperSnaelda Cascade and you have all bases pretty much covered for catching spring salmon.

Our collection of fishing tackle is growing in Baxters Village Clothing shop with a great selection of deadly salmon flies, boxes and accessories. We have also recently added Loop S1 salmon rods, Loop Evotec reels, Gaelforce and Carron lines.

The first person to purchase one of these superb rods gets £100 of our best flies for free when they contact me....so snap one up when you have the chance, pop in, grab a coffee, the restaurant also has great food, top up with some killer salmon flies and make a visit of it. If you want to test dreve a Loop, we have demo rods available. Go on, treat yourself to some fabulous fishing gear this season and watch that line fly out like never before, we have many very satisfied Loop customers.

Baxters fishing gear gathering space

The salmon fishing pause button is still pretty much engaged around the country as winter holds its grip on proceedings. Barring a very few spots, grue and ice is still winning the battle. Archie Richie braved the elements and took a fine 15 pounder off the Ness and Spey expert Graham Ritchie had a sparkling 8 pounder from the icy Rothes & Aitkenway beat.

The North is quiet although the Brora river has reported 5, the Helmsdale is still treading water on 2. The forecast is for more normal March conditions next week so hopefully we witness a thaw and rivers flowing again ice free with springers on the move.

If you have not heard already, we have a new salmon fly collection on the go ( and they are very much on the go!) flying out the door in preperatin for lots of fishing to ahead. They are being snapped up quickly espacially our new Cascade SuperSquid and Blue Ass Willie Gunn, These are set to be huge sellers. The good news is that at the rest of the collection arrives, the flies are available to trade dealers by the dozen for the first time. Call me for details if you want to stock any and I will send samples and a price list.

You can view and purchase the first arrivals here which include some of our best and most powerful designs based on years of experience - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/new-rs-collection.html

Also check out the superb new tube fly box from Fulling Mill which we now have in stock. It can be totally and easily customised to hold any length of tube or fly as all compartments are fully adjustable. It also fits in your wading jacket pocket so grab one and get all your "go to" flies organised as well as hooks and extension tubing. Drop into the Ronald Sutherland facebook page to win this great box and all its deadly contents in our latest caption competition which will be running for 1 week from midday today (Sunday 4th ), good luck!

The Helmsdale is still dead and sitting on 2 whilst the Brora river has reported 5 off.

We are having a clearance sale at the Tackle Shop Helmsdale on Sat March 10th from 9am please bring cash only as the shop till is out of commission and there are various cash terminals in the village. Great deals to be had on rods, waders, reels, clothing, nets and a variety of accessories.

The first small wave of our long awaited new collection is rolling into stock amongst others - Check them out right here and grab some when you can, they are flying out the door! - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/new-rs-collection.html

Some of our best designed flies ever are becoming available, Our clever naked range is already a huge hit going by forward orders placed...Kinermony and Cascade are available right now so you can order. Salmon cannot tear off body materials on these so they last longer plus they are tied on the superb Patriot doubles with no compromise to fly profile.

RS Naked Kinermony

RS Naked Cascade

RS SuperSquid spring Cascade

RS Blue Ass Willie Gunn

RS Green Ass Willie Gunn

RS SuperSquid Willie Gunn

RS Jungle Cock Cascade gold double

The Helmsdale river is still very quiet with only 2 fish off, latest from Badanloch rods on Lower Caen beat 1. The Brora is on 3.

The first fish came off the river yesterday and it was the usual suspect who did it again Andy (Torrish) Sutherland! A 10lbs sea liced torpedo. Conditions were very good with the river just over 1ft and running clear. I was invited up to fish beat one with him and duly delivered his new Loop Cross S1 15ft along with Gaelforce Spey line and some flies and tips, confidence was high as the weather had softned and there had been no overnight frost. Overhead temps were good also and it was almost flat calm with the sun out for the top of the day - it had to happen!

We had fished the classic spots of Lower Caen and Salscraggie and then started to fill in with the others so Andy headed to Johns pool, he was only 2 casts into it when the line tightened in the head of the pool and the rest is history...another first fish! I was not there but he managed to grab some quick pics before the fish was released which clearly show the fish was a superb springer.

The setup ( for those who like the stats ) Loop Cross S1 15ft, Gaelforce Spey 63ft head, Gaelforce 10ft 7ips polytip, Maxima 18lbs and an RS TigerTail Alistair 1" copper tube which has caught the first fish before and has turned out to be a real spring favourite.

Fish & fly firmly in the scissors! You can buy the fly here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/tiger-tail-alistair-copper-tube.html

Perfect specimen and Loop setup. Loop rods can be purchased right here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/loop-s1-cross-salmon-rods.html

RS Alistair TigerTail, buy it here now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/tiger-tail-alistair-copper-tube.html

Our super popular spring 3 + 1 on flies is back on so its a good time to top up the flybox with our great flies. We have loads of "perfect tube fly boxes" Maxima Chameleon up to 20lbs and those critical sinking tips to get the flies right down in front of the fish.

Getting the fly out there is another thing and our Gaelforce lines & sinking tips will make that job easy. If your line is looking a little jaded then you know exactly what you need! Add a Loop Cross rod to the equation and you are set to enjoy your casting like never before...Andy & Ron both use these now, there is nothing better in our opinion.

On the fishing front, the Helmsdale is still blank but polar conditions have not helped. However, ice has melted and the river hit 5ft recently so it will be in respectable order now. Time to get on the big tubes as the fresh water will definitely encourage a springer or two into the system. We have all the flies and accessories you need to catch the most prized salmon of them all!

Check out all out deadly new fly selections below from recent reports.

The River is still blank unfortunately so time to get the rods out in full force to catch that first fish! its sure to be in the system now....

Tight lines.

Happy New year to you, many thanks for supporting Helmsdale Co and I hope you have a great season 2018
Just a note to let you know that due to the popularity of our range of Loop rods, reels Loop & Gaelforce lines I have to order in new stock again which will all be available from Baxters Country clothing shop soon.

Our flies are unbeatable and in all my years of fishing experience I have not used anything that comes close to the Loop rod & Gaelforce line combo. Team this up with a Loop Classic or Evotec reel and you have something very special indeed.

Helmsdale Co online was launched in 2007 into satisfy the huge demand for our flies. Accessories and tackle quickly followed but our unique position of having such a personal and frank relationship with our customers has been our strong point. When you call Helmsdale, you speak to me, founder and owner and get my no nonsense 40 years of experience to make sure you get what you need, not a fast buck amateur deal.

I have been fishing since I was strong enough to cast a rod, and that was not yesterday! and I have a very special deal for you so that you can also tap into the luxury of effortless casting and the immense enjoyment and satisfaction it can bring.

The season ahead has much potential, Spring fishing seems to be on the up in many rivers and thats where the Loop Cross S1 14 & 15ft rods teamed up with Gaelforce lines really excel to a whole new level.

Personally I use the 15ft 4pc Cross S1, Gaelforce 10/11 Spey line with a selection of Gaelforce tips ( density compensated 6 & 10ft ). I chose to use a Loop Evotec salmon reel because it is machined to a very high spec, has a superb and reliable drag, it looks great and has never let me down playing hundreds of salmon up to 25lbs.

My personal deal to you is this - if you value your salmon fishing/casting and want to offer yourself the best chance of covering your favourite pools and possibly hooking more salmon then join me on this journey, "get rid of the old and bring in the new," treat yourself and give your tired old gear a well earned permanent rest, you only live once so what are you waiting for? I have seen so many people struggle with very badly balanced tackle.....why should you?

I will be available to call anytime you need assistance or advice, you can call me from the riverbank on my mobile number which will be supplied also. Always feel you are part of a team who really values the joys of casting & fishing.

If you purchase any Loop Cross S1 salmon rod 13, 14 or15ft I will give you a half price Gaelforce line to suit and £50 worth of our deadliest flies
Add a Loop Evotec reel to the mix and I will set it up for you with your line and free backing.

Drop me an email or simply order online right here, links below - if you want to pay via 2 payments call me, its not a problem.

Gaelforce lines - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/gaelforce-equalizer-spey-line-pro-choice.html
Loop Cross S1 rods - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/loop-s1-cross-salmon-rods.html
Loop Evotec reels - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/new-colour-concept-evotec-g4-hd-9-13.html

Thank you for your time, have a great season and cast like never before.

PS, if you are fishing on Speyside call me for some free instruction with your new Loop setup, it would be great to meet you.

Latest update - No fish off on day 2 (Friday). Saturday also blank. we should see the first springers of the season coming off the Tay tomorrow - Monday 15th. Good luck to all fishing the week ahead, you know where to get your flies, nylon, sinking tips, lines and, rods - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/

Check out some of our awesome new selections which you can buy below and the read the Opening day report.

Park Shrimp Pro selection. Click here to buy - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/park-shrimp-pro-choice.html

Black & yellows, inc Solar Monkey & SuperSnaelda etc. Click here to buy - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/black-yellow-pro-choice.html

Willie Gun Pro Selection. Click here to buy - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/willie-gunn-pro-choice-spring.html

Aaron Grant had the privilege of opening the river Helmsdale today and the local junior angler did it with accomplished style watched over by Andy Sutherland & Sir Michael Wigan.

As per usual the Sutherland schools pipe band did themselves proud in the freezing conditions but the day brightened up and the river was in fine fettle.

No springers were landed and kelts were not too plentiful either, so tomorrow is another day as they say!

Young Aaron launches the first cast of the new season

Aaron duly bent the rod on beat 1 Salscraggie pool

One happy angler with an opening day kelt, hopefully the next one has sea-lice!

Check out out new deadly spring fly selections right here and bag a few great deals, the Tay is next followed by the Brora, Tweed & Dee - click here to buy our superb flies - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/

Tight lines.

Grab the Pro selection right here and get set up perfectly for Opening day, January, Feb & March. Save pounds when you buy the lot. Its exactly what the best Spring anglers will be using. The Perfect Tubefly box, Maxima 18lbs nylon, Loop Doubles & a set of flies second to none for catching early running salmon and opening day fish. You can buy it all here right now if you want - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/pro-spring-set.html

The Pro selection. If you want to change from 18lbs maxima to another strength let me know.

The Helmsdale river opens very soon again, Jan 11 is rolling up fast. Who is going to catch the first fish? Scroll down to see the flies and usual culprit...

But first check out one of our new range of lethal flies, This is my take on that big Spey favourite, the Kinermony Killer shown off like you have never seen before. Our new 360 view will soon be fully mouse friendly so you can stop the rotation and take a closer look if you wish. We have a big new collection of flies coming very soon and this is part of the "Naked" aspect. I have designed a range of new concept flies with no body materials which makes them more durable and rather sleek don't you think? The range is going to be very popular if feedback is anything to go by.

Watch this space very closely in the next few weeks and see some of the absolute best looking flies we have ever produced. Let me know what you think of the fly below and the presentation.

So, on to the opening days of the river. The water has been high but hopefully frosts will drop levels and make it very fishy, The lower beats may be in prime condition for some very hopefull angling. All the usual rules are in place and the Sutherland Schools pipe band will kick off proceedings  from the Belgrave Arms Hotel as per usual. As far as I am aware, tickets will be issued from the Bannockburn, Belgrave Arms & Thyme & Plaice from Sunday 10th onwards. Helmsdale Co will put up £50 worth of our best killer flies towards the Bridge Hotel Trophy for the first fish caught.

If you want to give yourself the best chance of capturing that highly prized spring salmon then get your flies choice right and on sinking lines or tips. Over the last few years the following tubes have all caught first fish in Jan & Feb:- Monkey Conehead 1", Morangie copper tube 1.5" RS Willie Gunn Special copper tube 1.5", Tigertail Alistair, Gold Bodied Willie Gunn copper tube. If you already have these flies then you are one step closer to the big prize. If not, you can of-course order them from us right here. Sinking tips are also vital, Gaelforce & Rio have the best in my opinion so grab a range of densities asap in 6 & 10ft, we have the full range available to order online with a same day dispatch. Gaelforce lines have also been a revelation recently and maybe even a revolution, So many anglers are now experiencing the superslick qualities of these superb lines, if you can't improve your casting using them then there is no hope! They are my "go to" lines and crank up the Loop Cross S1 series of rods to absolute rocket launchers.

Keep tactics slow and as deep as you dare if you want the best chance of hooking that elusive January fish, and keep an eye on Andy Sutherland too, he knows exactly where the springers hang out and usually lands the first fish.

A superb recent first fish for Andy from beat 2 at 18lbs, they don't come much better. Black & Yellow Monkey was the fly.

RS Solar monkey has been the top spring fly of the last two years all over the UK, a superb new design from Ron - click here to buy now http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/solar-monkey-black-yellow-pro-choice.html

RS TigerTail Alistair has had a few first fish also and continues to fish great everywhere throughout the spring - click here to buy now http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/tiger-tail-alistair-copper-tube.html

Tight lines and best of luck, order your flies asap to make sure you get them for opening day and don't forget we have Maxima nylon in all sizes up to 20lbs