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

Helmsdale Black Friday Blitz Deals are on for you, please click here to grab some bargains - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/black-friday-deals.html
Offers only available until Monday night midnight 27th
Enjoy your shopping swiftly, when they are gone they are gone!

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We also have some great stocking fillers for you to buy amongst loads of other fly selections. Below is one of our latest in a top quality waterproof and sturdy clearview Airflo box. The best spring killers of last season from our records and feedback and you can see in past reports the damage done by Ron on the Spey with the Solar monkey and Andy Sutherland using the Alistair TigerTail & Grizzle Monkey. The absolute top spring flies and you can buy them quickly with no fuss right here and guarantee delivery before Christmas - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/christmas-stocking-filler-rs-killers.html

We also have these superb new Pro Waddington selections which are in high demand but very difficult to find, but you have found them here! and you can buy them too, boxed!! click here to buy while still in stock - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-pro-waddington-selection.html

This is the latest news from the Board "The Helmsdale Board is happy to welcome anglers to the Open Days in 2018. This starts on Thursday January 11th at 10am with the Pipe Band ceremony in the High St. and goes through to Saturday January 20th. Fishing will be by fly only. The whole river is open to fishing and there is no limit on numbers of anglers. Permits will be issued from the Belgrave Hotel in Helmsdale", tel 01431 821242.

In one of our best deals of the season especially for Christmas we are giving you £300 worth of tackle free of charge!

Loop Cross ST 6pc 15ft salmon rod - discount £100
Loop Evotec HD Black 9/13 LHW salmon reel - discount £100
Gaelforce Spey 10/11 54ft head salmon line
Gelspun 30lbs backing 100yds
£100 worth of our best salmon flies free.

This is a one off very special deal and in my opinion one of the best proven casting combos ever created. Perfect at home and it will pop in your destination suitcase also.

RRP on these is £1594.00

Christmas one off deal - £1294 discount £300

Hit the button and its yours, its that simple, treat yourself and join the very smart casting club for 2018!
Buy here right now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/loop-christmas-superdeal.html
Post at cost.

Thanks for listening....Hit the button!

DEAL CLOSED - if you missed it you can call me on 01343870158

Its our biggest giveaway deal of the season " Buy 2 get 1 free" on all flies apart from selections. Simply put, for every 2 flies you buy we add another the same or similar for FREE.
Orders need to be over £30 to qualify for this deal. Classic flies and selections not included.

This year we are offering not only free flies but an option to buy into one of the best proven casing combo's you will ever need for catching salmon. Over the last 2 years we have been hammering springers using fishing tackle one can only describe as a dream combo recommended by and used by Ron all over Scotland. Everyone knows Helmsdale Co flies are the best on the market and now we are combining them with the best rods reels and lines in our experience for you to benefit and enjoy. Over many years Ron has progressed through almost every new rod and line on the market, the upshot if all those years on the water - Loop Cross S1 and Gaelforce Spey lines, there is no equal in our opinion. The deep progressive unique action of the Loop Cross rod simply propels Gaelfore lines like they were just meant to be....no other way to describe the casting explosion!

If you prefer to purchase your Loop rod in 2 - 3 installments please call me direct on 01343870158

We are placing an order with Loop for a pre Christmas delivery so if you want to treat yourself or someone else to the amazing Loop Cross experience you can order here right now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/loop-s1-cross-salmon-rods.html

Start shopping for your free flies here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/

This offer will close stricktly at midnight Sunday Nov 5th, get stuck in!

Btw, we have a new collection of amazing flies in the pipeline, you won't believe the quality and innovation coming your way! watch this space very closely for updates.

One of Rons many superb springers this season using the Solar Monkey, Gaelforce line and Loop Cross S1 15ft combo.

The stunning and deadly RS Solar Monkey

We have 3 belting offers for you today with massive discounts on some of the best wading jackets on the market..... GRAB when you have the chance as we only have one of each to give away!

SOLD Loop Lainio jacket Grey (medium) - RRP £439 - GRAB price £299  Click here asap and the deal could be yours - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/new-loop-lainio-jacket.html
SOLD Loop Lainio jacket Blue (large) - RRP £439 - GRAB price £299 - Click here asap to buy - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/new-loop-lainio-jacket.html

SOLD Simms G3 Guide jacket dk olive (medium) RRP £429 - GRAB price £299 Click here to buy - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/simms-g3-gore-tex-jacket.html

Christmas is coming.....why not treat yourself or someone else and get that early prezzy out of the way easily!

Post at cost

The Hatchery fishing programme is well under way now on the Helmsdale and some very big fish are being caught for stripping. No surprise in that considering the form of the past season. Borrobol estate alone has had 11 in the 20 - 24lbs range, 2 at 25lbs and had others of 27,28 & 30lbs. fish in the teens of pounds were also aplenty, check out another recent big fish pic below.

We have superb selection boxes available as we coast ever closer towards the Christmas period. Airflo Grippa Silicone water resistant boxes have been our best seller this season and we are now offering any fly selections of your choice in them, great gifts as a fishing thank you or simply a stunning selection of our flies for any part of the season. Just call us to make your selection, the price range is totally up to you. Here is one of our premium selections as an example - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/premier-dee-salmon-selection.html

We do ofcourse have plenty other fishing gift accessories so why not spoil someone this Christmas, If you think ahead and get your order in early we are more than happy to make sure you get everything you need.

We are also thinking of running a "buy 2 get 1 free" on all our flies at Baxters Village Fochabers next weekend so watch this space here, Facebook & Twitter for conformation and timing. This is one of our best deals of the year so you better be quick! once the flies are gone, they are gone and the selection is huge so grab the opportunity to snap some up for next spring and summer....

Our top of the range selection

Glen Macdonald Borrobol ghillie with another fish estimated at over 25lbs fishing for the Hatchery.

As another season on the Helmsdale closes out there is much optimism in the air for spring 2018. The final tally will be knocking on for around 1700 fish, not bad for a river so lightly fished. The trend this season has been on a par with other Northern rivers with bigger fish dominating the run and grilse numbers coming a poor second. Remarkably there have been a handful of superb fish of over 30lbs and dozens over 20 during one of the better seasons in recent years. Rods on the river have always been difficult to access, I think it just got harder!

The Brora recorded a cracking fish of 32 lbs recently also, Mr James Stewart-Richardson being the lucky angler, The Lower Fannich pool was the hot spot, North bank, and the fish was 43 x 23.5". I don't think it would be fantasy to believe we could see a 40lbs monster grassed sometime very soon on the Helmsdale or Brora.

Don't forget I am still trying to organise fly tying lessons over the close season on Speyside, the numbers are growing and when there are enough I will negotiate with a Hotel for accom or space to execute the courses. Please email me if you are interested. We are looking at 2 days courses where you will be shown how to tie some of the deadliest modern salmon flies ever created.

On Speyside the season has had a similar feel with lots of thumping msw salmon reported and a sprinkling of grilse. For keen spring anglers like myself, this is music to the ear and I'm busy tying up, tweaking and designing some new patterns which I have to say are the most stunning new designs I have ever created by far. There are big new developments ahead for Helmsdale Company and you will be gobsmaked at the quality and innovation of the salmon flies coming your way soon. WATCH THIS SPACE VERY CLOSELY.

The season is not exactly over quite yet as many rivers are fishing extensions to the season throughout most of october and others are open until the end of November, the famous Tweed to name the most prominent. We have all the flies and tackle you need to catch that big back end monster so gram some tungstens, Monkey tubes and some sinking tips and get on the water, there are still loads of salmon to be caught! Any invites to the Tweed greatly accepted!!! its a long time until Jan 11th and the Helmsdale opening again....

Our best Autumn seller on a Tungsten tube 1/2" and 1/4 the RS Cascade Pig along with a close second, the Tungsten & copper red Frances, real heavy hitters which catch salmon for fun!

RS Cascade Pig, click here to buy - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-cascade-pig-tungsten-tube-pro-choice.html

Red Frances, click & buy here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/red-frances-tungsten-tube.html

The Brora brute at 32lbs