As I write, unless Saturday provides anything special there have only been 4 fish reported caught on the river this week. The April downward trend is very similar to last year but the good news is that next week usually picks up, recent years have seen upwards of 30 fish off for the last week in April. Stats like this are far from great when you compare with the good old days but in a sea now dominated by an out of control seal population, devastating pelagic smolt (by catch), lethal costal mixed stock netting and sea-lice infestation, are we surprised wild salmon stocks are in decline? The latest Scot Gov figures reported today 45,174 salmon were caught in Scotland which is the second lowest on record and possibly "inflated" by C & R. 8,036 were killed by rod and 17,778 killed bt net http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/04/8717

In steps Rob Gibson MSP with a very timely call for Smolt ranching backed by the Government. In a press release this week he states the following - Salmon smolt release benefits angling...

Caithness Sutherland and Ross SNP MSP Rob Gibson has asked the Scottish Government to consider smolt release on a wider scale as a means to improve salmon numbers in Scottish rivers which has had apparent success in Iceland and in several Scottish rivers.
Mr Gibson says that the Government should consider carefully the idea of allowing smolts from hatcheries to be released into some rivers to help increase numbers. He said that in light of the wild fishing review recommendations that the idea merited consideration especially given the apparent success in Iceland.
Mr Gibson said:
“As climate change takes effect there are fewer salmon in Scotland’s rivers and a new approach has to be looked at. It is incumbent on the Scottish Government to assess the viability of smolt release potential. Although it would have to be done rigorously nonetheless if this is a way to increase the number of salmon and sustainability of salmon in rivers then it should be considered. .
“The Iceland experience on the river Ranga is interesting. From no salmon it is now the country’s best salmon rivers after the release of smolts. It it can work there I see no reason why it could not here as introductions on the River Lochy in Lochaber and River Carron in SW Ross already show.
“The Government has draft recommendations from the wild fish review under consideration. I think that the majority anglers would like to see this approach more widely applied.”

He will ask the following questions in parliament. 

The river is shrinking down to almost summer level now as high pressure dominates the weather. The river as a whole produced around 14 but the trend is still showing a general lack of fish. A dozen were caught in the first half of the week then sunshine and low water pretty much killed off sport.

Mick Buttery struck lucky on the Association water on Tuesday when he landed his first of the season at 10lbs and immediately lost a bigger one in Roaries pool. A home tied MBTD was the killer fly fished on a floating line. 

Prospects are not great for the week ahead with no rain in sight until at least Friday however, this suits the Association water. You can now also languish in the new Angling Club hut which was officially opened on Saturday. Situated opposite the popular "Roaries Rock" hot spot in the middle of the Association water it is sure to be well used by locals and visitors alike.

The new hut open and ready for business.

Earlier in the week I had the pleasure of some guiding and instruction with a party of 4 keen trout anglers, they were salmon fishing for the first time and thouroghly enjoyed the experience. 4 rods and equipment were hired out and we supply this service all through the season. Call us for more details as we have a full programme of instruction on offer per hour on a daily basis.

Getting to grips with salmon rods on the Flat pool.

As another Sunday (day off) flies past, I have been dealing with clients  passing through the tackle shop, the golf course greens are now cut and it's time to knock together the fishing report once I get my breath back! Just another routine Sunday then (in season)

The Helmsdale course coming out of winter hibernation and looking good.

There is not a lot to report, but alarm bells are starting to sound all over the UK as catches continue to plummet. Last year was far from memorable but early signs this year are not exactly showing a bounce back.
From what I can gather the river barely gave up around 11 springers last week including 2 from the Association water and 3 from Achentoul rods. William Jappy had a nice fish from Roaries on Monday on a Willie Gunn as water levels started to drop although still flowing well at around 11 ins. Adam Macdonald took a week on the Association water for a change of scene and finally scored at the end of his week with a cracking deep 8 pounder from Horseback, just reward for his early shifts. The fish took an Alistair fished on the dropper.
Hopefully things will pick up soon as April used to be such a prolific month.

Here are some cracking new Alistair doubles we have introduced to the collection starting with the stunning RS Alistair Flamethrower. They are perfect for "droppers" on all small/medium sized rivers like the Helmsdale.

Classic Alistair

Prospects for next week are good, just as they should be for mid April as historical counter stats all point to a good run of fish entering the system this month. The weather forecast is not showing much rain after Monday/Tuesday so one of the best beats on the river may turn out to be the Association water.

One more thing, leading on from the debate on how to halt declining salmon stocks, I had an interesting email this week, (see below) Is salmon ranching the way forward? personally I have never been convinced that introducing hatchery reared fry is doing much to prop up wild salmon. General thinking is that they are much weaker than wild fry and therefore cannot compete well. Natural selection is always going to be best. BUT when nature needs a prop up due to increasing volatility in the climate which seems to be producing more severe damaging spates etc, maybe an injection in the form of more grown up smolts is the answer. The East Ranga in Iceland is the best known example and another is the Carron river in Easter Ross, Delphi in Ireland and Tyne in England are also similar success stories.

Below is the email and I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the topic - I will start a thread on the Helmsdale Forum to discuss so please tune in.

----------------------

"I agree with the Callander McDowell article in reporting that the success in Scotland of a rejuvenating salmon river is the West Coast River Carron.

Bob Kindness, a former fishery biologist from the Inverness College, has transformed our neighbouring river, the West Coast Carron, from a catch of 4 salmon per annum, to over 400.   His technique is to hatch salmon ova from native brood stock, under hatchery conditions, to the stage of parr and smolts and place them in the Carron, soon to migrate to sea.  Accepting that approximately only 5 per cent will return to the river, it is better 5% of 8000 smolts migrating than 5% of 80 smolts which have survived 3 years from ova to smolt in a “winter storm savaged” river, plagued with predators!

Bob’s technique is not original.  The Icelandic Rivers, the West and East Ranga, only 14 miles in length and with a short summer season of 3 months, from no salmon, are now the leading Iceland salmon rivers  with a catch of over 12,000 salmon p.a.    Because of Volcanic ash on the beds of the rivers, the Rangas cannot breed native smolts. The river bank owners appointed a trading entity to stock up to 400,000 smolts p.a.  The cost of a smolt can be as much as 40 pence.   There is a value to the Icelandic economy of £1000 for each salmon caught.   The chances for the angler are more than 1 salmon per angler effort day, instead of one in 5 days on Scottish rivers.   It is not surprising that U.K. and other anglers are deserting Scottish waters for those overseas, where they not only catch more than one per day, but may keep and eat a prime product.  In my experience the hatchery bred salmon fights, looks and tastes the same as the salmon which survived in the river three years from ova to smolt.  Only a count of scales can detect a hatchery bred from a river survived salmon.

Hopefully in the interests of the rural economy, the Scottish Government will look further than the Wild Fisheries Review, for how the River Carron and other rivers in Iceland, Norway and elsewhere have succeeded inrescuing the wild salmon.  The alternative is that many a Scottish salmon river, will suffer the same fate as the Rangas, and not as a result of volcanic ash!

Mark Pattinson

Proprietor, Lochcarron estate

-----------------------

I have now returned from 10 days abroad to a climate 23 degrees cooler! The river is running at around 1ft and in perfect shape, prospects are very good for early April so let’s hope the fish keep coming.

A brief update on the last 3 weeks…

The 3^rd week March rallied with around 16. Visitor Kevin Steel stole the show with a fabulous day on the Salscragie pool beat 1 below when he landed 3 super springers on RS Willie Gunn  and Alistair Feeler tubes. The best was a 15 pounder and his fishing partner William Jappy also got in on the act with a fish from the tail of the Marrel. Andy Sutherland also added another to his tally from a rather unusual lie well down Shepherds pool beat 5 to get Torrish rods off and running Monday on a black & orange RS Monkey conehead.

Kev with the biggest of his 3 beauties from Salscraggie pool beat 1.

A low river resulted in a rather dour week on the Helmsdale last week in March. 2 fish for Achentoul rods including the first fish off the top river was the highlight along with another fish for that man Andy Sutherland from the Association water Golden Shot pool, the week ended on 4 and the Month on around 50.

Last week was nothing to write home about either and only around 6 fish were caught up until Friday. However, 2 fish were caught in the Foam pool beat 5 Saturday afternoon by Brian Lovering Kildonan rods, Brian had 4 to his rod for the week including a super 15 pounder from beat 6. Not to miss out on the action, I was keen to swing the rod again and had an evening flick on the Association water. The water temp was good at 44 which is just around where you start expecting fish to rise to the fly.  Not much sign of life to begin with but then a fish jumped at the head of the pool a good half hour after I had fished it. The gear was reeled up extra fast and a large conehead Monkey tube was launched squarely in the direction of the fish. Tactics were set, The rod tip was raised and drawn towards the bank, the fly was stripped at speed and the response was immediate. One of the keenest fish I have ever had the pleasure to catch, it attacked the fly with furious passion 6 times before finally managing to get a hold. Luckily my good friend Adam Macdonald was on hand to witness the madness, land the fish and get a pic. The fly was the exact tube that caught the first fish of the season, do NOT visit a river without one of these incredible tubes in your box! you can buy them here right now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/classic-dee-monkey-silver-conehead.html

The lethal RS Monkey

The fish that just couldn't resist it...

The popular Scottish Salmon Fishing Surgery recently published a neat article on Helmsdale Co if you want an insight on how it all began and where we are now, check it out here - http://www.scottishsalmonfishingsurgery.com/reel-stories/info_10.html

On another note – it is encouraging to see the Helmsdale River Board finally complying with the Aquaculture & Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 by publishing it's obligations online. You can now view the Annual Report, Audited accounts and Minutes of recent meetings right here -  http://helmsdale.dsfb.org.uk/publications/

This week I will just let the pictures do the talking as all rods seemed to catch. 16 fish were landed from what I heard taking the total for the season to an encouraging 30. Pete Daniels got the week of to a good start with an early fish from the Manse pool beat 6 on one of out 1" Tungsten willie Gunn Specials. Andrew Thomas and Gavin Perry from Wales worked hard on Achentoul rods to land 4 gleaming rewards (2 each) on Monkeys and Willie Gunn tds. Borrobol Ghillie Glen Macdonald also had a good week with the highlight being a thumping 20/21 pounder from Kilphedir pool once again on a Monkey, Glen had another 2 later in the week on beats 6 & 5. Pano Constantinedes saved the blank for Badanloch rods on Saturday late on with an 8 pounder from Lower Torrish.

Robert Mackay also dusted down his gear and had a couple of fish for his week from Clay bank and Kilphedir pool. The Association water missed out but very few rods were on. The tides are good for the week ahead through the morning and with the water levels heading for the low side there is a super chance of a fish on this stretch.

There will be no report next week unfortunately as I will be abroad....but I may be able to keep you informed via the Helmsdale anglers facebook page as news filters in, ask to join on facebook if you want to catch that feed.

I attended at the Atlantic Salmon Trust roadshow in Lairg Community centre last week. Director Tony Andrews talked us through a very informative and eye opening evening which was well attended by around 60 people from all over the North. This organisation really has its finger on the pulse of every move the salmon makes. if you can support it in any way, please do as they are organising some incredible projects for further study on salmon at sea. Approx 95% of salmon smolts entering the sea are not returning to their home rivers - we really need to try and find out why! http://www.atlanticsalmontrust.org/

Andrew Thomas with a little cracker late on Saturday from Kilphedir at 8lbs

A 14 pound stunner from Clay Bank, Andrews first of the week.

Gavin Perry with his second fin perfect springer at 10lbs from Woody Pool beat 3

Glen Macdonald with a nice one from Church streams beat 6

And his 20 pound clonker from Kilphedir

The deadly RS Willie Gunn TD.

8 fish were reported last week but surprisingly nothing has yet been caught above beat 3. A mild week in general got off to a great start for John Sweetman fishing Badanloch rods when he landed 2 springers in his first hour on the river. Starting his week half way down Kilphedir pool, he quickly had ghillie Alex Fraser scrambling for the net on tide fresh fish of 7 and 10lbs, one of our Conehead Monkeys doing the damage. Upper Torrish pool on beat 3 then produced a brace for Martin Grant and Glen MacDonald on consecutive days with Martin scoring again the following day on beat 2 tail of the Park. All the classic big spring pools were fishing beautifully at around 1ft 9 and full intermediates and sinking tips were swinging round in perfect fashion with anticipation on every cast.

John Sweetman fishing Lower Caen pool beat 1 in grand order

People will be getting fed up with me harping on about the rodding situation on the river, but I make no apologies for once again stating that whilst personally fishing one rod on beats 3, 2, & 1 last week, 2 rods hardly scratched the surface trying to cover these majestic stretches of water. At an average spring height of between 1 - 2ft these beats are quality 3 rod beats all day long. The point I keep trying to get across is that no fish will be harmed due to any extra rodding or fishing pressure under a catch & release system (which will probably soon be enforced on us all via the Scottish Government Fishery review recommendations).

One of many extensive spring pools on the lower Helmsdale. The Viaduct pool on beat 1 fully 500yds long

Upper Torrish beat 3 where 2 fish were caught last week.

The Helmsdale river Forum has exploded into action over the last 3 weeks with a surge in users and constructive debate on this exact subject and others so drop in and check out the inside track. Simply sign in automatically using an email and username of your choice, it's all done in the best possible taste...

Moving on. The next fish off was caught by yours truly on a flying run rough the Association water Flat pool whilst en route to fish beat 2. A quick scan of the area showed that the pool was vacant and in tip top condition, a new fly was trialled and 30 minutes later a sparkling sea liced 12 pounder was in the bag. A Blue Ass Willie Gunn copper tube was christened in record time and this was the first fish off the Association water! I was then off to beat 2 where Corrie Cormack had also been into his first fish of the season in the Private pool. Number 8 for the week and 14 for the season was caught by Donald Sutherland in the Kilphedir pool. Unfortunately Saturday dawned with a river rising fast and the day soon became a washout.

The deadly new fly

12 pounder securely in the net for release and Blue Ass WG tubefly showing up nicely!

Prospects for the week ahead are good and I would fully expect a fish or two from beat 6 due to the very mild weekend temperatures. Tickets are available for the Association water on a daily basis for only £25 per rod per day and as you can see, chances are very good as there are obviously some cracking springers entering ther system. You can also still take advantage of our buy 3 get 1 free on all flies so stock up and tell your friends too.

In a round up of other Northern rivers - The Brora river finally got off tha mark last week when Duncan Shelly Tain landed the first fish of the season from Rallan pool and I heard that the Thurso also produced its first fish at the end of last week. The Naver river is catching much the same as the Helmsdale.

Duncan Shelly proudly shows off his Brora first fish of the season at 11lbs

The River eased up to 6 fish in the book last week. In an unsettled week with copious amounts of water Borrobol ghillie Glen Macdonald got the ball rolling with a super 15 pounder yet again from Salscraggie. A large Monkey tube fished deep and square on a full Carron Jetstream did the trick just below the burn. It was Friday before another fish appeared and it was a carbon copy 15 pounder, this time from George Maclean in Kilphedir pool. Achentoul rods then ended the week on a high with fine sea liced 12 pounder from the Park pool beat 2.
Heavy rain has set up the week ahead and with all rods let and a full complement of ghillies back in action we should see a few more fish off....
Don't forget we are still on a buy 3 get 1 free on all flies so stock up when you have the chance!
Tighters.

A gleaming 15 pounder from George Maclean

The big Auction event, race night and dance took place on Saturday night and the winning bids for the fishing lots were as follows.

Lot 1 £780,
lot 2 £200,
Lot 3 £130 1 ticket, £150 2 tickets,
Lot 4 £35
Lot 5 £60,
Lot 6 £125,
Lot 7 £150,
Lot 8 ££100

Approx £7500 was raised on the night (and still growing ) and on behalf of the Archie Foundation Dawn Cowie would like to thank everyone who bid for lots, donated prizes, and helped organise for this very worthwhile cause, Thank you very much indeed for all your kindness, a fantastic effort.

As a Fishing Tackle shop owner in Helmsdale I continually get asked by anglers from all over the world via the shop and email etc "can I fish on the Helmsdale river"
My answer is always "yes, on the Association water only".
The Fishery Review is soon to consult apparently on the setting up of new Fishery Management Organisations to replace and update the current Fishery Board management system which has been in place since the 1800s. Now is time to revisit the rodding arrangements on the Helmsdale river and bring the rotation up to date and fit for purpose in today's society.

People ask "how many rods are available on the Helmsdale river"
I say - 12 visitor + approx 70 local on 1 mile of tidal water
They say - what about above the Association water?
I say - 12 rods on 23 miles of water
They say - can I fish there?
I say - no
They say - why not?
I say - because we are not permitted to fish there.
They say - who is stopping me fishing there
I say - the landowners
They say - why?
I say - because there are no rods available
They say - what do you mean no rods available
I say - there are no rods for sale.
They say - why not
I say - because each beat is limited to 2 rods
They say - why only 2 rods
I say - because the landowners say so
They say - so no local consultation on the matter
I say - no
They say - is there room for more rods
I say - landowners don't think so
They say - do you think so
I say - yes
They say - but there is room on the Association water for 72 rods
I say - obviously
They say - that does not add up
I say - I agree
They say - can the owners count
I say - I would assume so
They say - so how do 12 rods divide into 23 miles and 72 into 1 mile
I say - because the landowners say so
They say - but that's not fair
I say - they think it is obviously
They say - what do other locals think
I say - they are not supposed to think
They say - what do you mean
I say - we get what we are given
They say - but that's Kinda mob rule is it not
I say - it's not, the Scottish Govt are labeled the control freaks
They say - what do you think
I say - it's a bit of both, there are no winners.
They say - are the estates making a profit
I say - no
They say - how do you know this
I say - because they say so in various docs/media
They say - do they charge for fishing 12 rods
I say - yes, handsomely
They say - do they charge enough for fishing 12 rods
I say - I would assume so.
They say - why are they not making a profit then
I say - I don't know, maybe they have big bills
They say - do they make an income from other activities, stalking, farming etc
I say - yes
They say - why do they not increase income by letting more rods fish on the river.
I say - I don't know
They say - is there demand
I say - there is a very long waiting list
They say - well they should add more rods then
I say - they don't want to
They say - why not
I say - they don't want to
They say - why not
I say - because they don't want to make money obviously
They say - that's just stupid
I say - I agree
They say- how much would another 2 rods per estate generate
I say - approx £100,000 per estate
They say - you gotta be kidding
I say - no
They say - it's a no brainer
I say - obviously not
They say - are these people sane
I say - I don't know
They say - so estates don't currently make a profit
I say - apparently not
They say - well whats stopping them adding more rods
I say - I don't know
They say - have you asked them
I say - yes
They say - what was their answer
I say - they said it would upset their current clients
They say - are they running their estates as a business
I say - I don't know but it would appear not
They say - so they are happy not making money
I say - obviously
They say - why
I say - because they see themselves as custodians of the land not businessmen maybe
They say - what!!
I say - they say they are not here to make money.
They say - well that's ridiculous
I say - they say they do not run their estates for commercial gain
They say - how do you know that
I say - because a report commissioned by the proprietors says so
They say - where does it say that
I say - in a "Report on the economic affect of salmon fishing on the river Helmsdale" 2012 page 5 para 6 view here - http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0043/00432922.pdf
They say - so the landowners have said on the record that they do not run their estates for economic gain
I say - yes
They say - well that's unbelievable
I say - yes it is
They say - how much would 12 extra rods generate for the local economy
I say - approx £1,000,000 (1 million) including £600,000 from extra fishing lets and the obvious significant knock on effect from local spend including accom, shopping, dining, ghillies etc etc
They say - what do you base that figures on
I say - the figures are based on an Economic survey of the Kyle of Sutherland rivers by Glasgow Caledonian Uni in 2007
They say - so you think the Helmsdale river has the ability to possibly generate an extra 1 million for the economy and not harm fragile salmon stocks
I say - yes, the survey stated 7 years ago that the 5 Kyle of Sutherland rivers generate almost 4 million for the local economy (page 3 table 1)
They say - WOW can I see the survey
I say - yes you can view it right here - http://www.kylefisheries.org/uploads/Economic%20Survey.pdf
They say - so what are they waiting for
I say - I don't know
They say - they should add 12 more rods to the rotation asap
I say - yes that would be welcomed
They say - does the river operate on full catch & release
I say - almost with possible full c & r legislation as soon as 2016
They say - so no detrimental effects to salmon stocks from extra killing
I say - no, not if fish are handled properly.
They say - really, so what are they waiting for
I say - I don't know
They say - why don't they trial more rods for a year or two
I say - I don't know
They say - do you think this would work
I say - yes absolutely, there are more than 50 rods permitted to fish on the middle Dee on 15 miles of river double bank as just one example, we currently have 12 rods fishing 24 miles.
They say - so the Helmsdale is very exclusive
I say - it's beyond exclusive, it is stuck in a time warp and therefore makes no money as landowners have already stated.
They say - would adding more rods create more jobs locally
I say - yes, 6 more ghillies and more seasonal staff in hotels local businesses and on estates etc
They say - how would you integrate 12 new rods
I say - we have 12 beats, 6 below falls and 6 above so 2 rods start above and 2 down and swap beats at lunchtime.
They say - sounds simple
I say - yes it is
They say - would there be enough room for the extra rods
I say - yes absolutely
They say - what if there is no water
I say - there is always water
They say - why
I say - we have a dam with in excess of 3 billion gallons of compensation water
They say - so you have the luxury of extra water on tap if required
I say - yes
They say - awesome! Landowners should therefore add extra rods.
I say - yes that would make sense and re-invigorate the area
They say - yes it would so they better tell their clients that they will have a new rotation system on the river soon
I say - yes they should, they are the owners and run the fishing.
They say - do you think the current clients will be angry and leave
I say - no they will get used to it and end up covering more water, they will not give up their fishing on the Helmsdale, no chance,
They say - maybe overall rod prices could decrease slightly if more rods were introduced
I say - that could happen
They say - more beginners and kids could be introduced into the sport
I say - yes
They say - well thats good then isn't it
I say - yes very good
They say - well that will probably lead to more fish getting caught
I say - yes probably
They say - so that means more anglers will be happy
I say - yes a win win situation, more employment, more benefit for the local economy and estates, more salmon getting caught, all good
They say - can I put my name down for 2 rods please
I say - watch this space.......


Lets open this debate properly - I have added this to the "river rodding discussion" in the Helmsdale River Forum. I think the area deserves it...simply sign in with an email address and username and you have instant access - this is sure to be a very hot topic so get stuck in but do not forget, this is all for the good of the river and the area.

The week is getting better - Kildonan Ghillie Martin Grant has landed No 3 from Salscraggie pool once again. The sea-liced fish weighed in at around 11lbs.

Colin Armer, Brora, has caught the second fish of the season from Salscraggie pool beat 1. Colin was fishing Achentoul rods and the bar of silver weighed in at a healthy 12lbs. The fly was a red & yellow conehead home tie from Colin on a 2" tube.

We are still on a buy 3 get 1 free on all flies. This great offer will run all through the spring and it is going great gunns so stock up before we run out of your favourite flies!

2014 was one of our most successful years since Helmsdale Co was formed 15 years ago. With out a doubt the internet is where you need to be as business and the international market is where it's at as we are seeing more and more anglers heading abroad to satisfy their fishing needs. The UK is still a strong market but a tad in limbo and we predict it will remain so unless salmon numbers bounce back this year and re-energise the sector.

New fly designs, additional brands & popular accessories have helped us grow year on year and our customer data base is now into 5 figures. We pride ourselves in a quality personal service over the much bigger tackle companies as we feel we need to get to know our customers and that they feel there is an experienced person answering their call - not a call centre or robot. We see this as one of the big keys to our success and cannot thank our loyal customers enough.

We have given up the Post Office wing of our business feeling that after 3 years, it was not right for us, due to a National Government Network Transformation programme, it simply had to go, but, it certainly helped expand our local client base by showcasing our full range of products to people that otherwise would not have visited the local "fishing" shop.

Fulling Mill salmon flies are going from strength to strength worldwide due to our continued engagement with the company and more flies and ideas are in the pipeline. Our Helmsdale Co fly brand remains our premium range and we also have a good selection of Caledonian flies. We have flies for everyone and prices and offers to suit all pockets. This year we will be expanding our saltwater and freshwater predator range of lures as well as adding more hooks from market leader Mustad. Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit fishing is gaining popularity globally as is bass, pollock & seatrout fishing on the Uk coastline.

On another note we are witnessing major developments on the fishery management front which are sure to affect our business in the long term. The distinct possibility of Sunday salmon fishing is in the air for the first time. Sunday is the busiest recreational day of the week for families generally so the area is sure to welcome more anglers fishing for salmon & seatrout, however, a national Rod License (if introduced) may hamper day trippers by adding a significant cost. Hopefully any rod license is graded in some way. There are many other recommendations as a result of the recent Freshwater Fishery Review, some of which are set to re-write the whole fishery management framework. This has mixed appeal as there is sure to be much more bureaucracy involved stretching Boards & Tackle shops to the limit with carcass tagging systems and licensing docs etc etc. We have some great chat about all this on the Helmsdale River Forum right now, just sign in with an email address and username to check it all out and take part.

On the local fishing front, all is quiet. Absolutely nothing is happening anywhere. Junction pool on the Tweed is the only place producing the goods with over 40 springers accounted for in the opening 2 weeks.

Thank you for your continued support and here are a few recent pics from our shop.

The latest waterproof jackets from Loop , Simms, Vision, Snowbee etc

Top reels from Loop, hardy, Vision, Shakespeare...

All the rocket launching line technology from Loop, Mackenzie, Carron, GaelForce, Scientific Anglers & Rio

The top nets from Fastnet and weigh nets from Mclean

Waders from Simms, Vision, Scierra, Ocean & Snowbee

All the sinking tips and leaders required

A large range of fly-tying materials with the superb Foxy Tails now onboard.

All the bits & bobs, flasks, flyboxes, rod holders, waterproofing spray, shooting pellets etc etc

Salmon rods of all prices from Loop, Mackenzie, Guideline, Greys, Shakespeare...

Pop in for a chat next time you are in the area...be great to see you!

And so it begins!

The latest government consultation on the possible introduction of carcass tagging and a license to kill salmon in Scotland. View it and reply here - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0046/00469573.pdf

Because of the nature of the topic (anglers will want to interact on the subject) Please sign into the Helmsdale river forum on the left hand side of this page where I have started a new thread laying out exactly how I think this latest Government proposal will unfold. I am basing my comments on the fact that I believe these measures are probably going to get the nod. This is set to be a HOT topic! Signing in is easy and like any other Forum, just make up a username and password and you are instantly in - there are currently 76 users.

There were no fish reported from the river last week but as usual, the river was very lightly fished. However, springers are getting caught on the Dee, Tweed, Tay and I heard of a first from Loch Ness.

Our "BUY 3 get 1 FREE" spring fly fly offer is going very well. If you have not yet taken advantage of this offer please do asap while stocks last. Once we are out of certain flies, we are out