Loop Cross rods and reels are on special offer in the Club Helmsdale Forum for members this month and we will be running a members fly BOGOF very soon! it pays to be a member of Club Helmsdale!! insider information on the Forum and regular deals on all sorts.

We have been informed of the following fishing availability -

River Brora, Laxelva & Aroy Norway

Brora WC 2^nd March 4 rods and Struan lodge £4,257.32

Brora WC 3^rd August 6 rods and the Lodge £6,957.94

Brora WC 24^th August 6 rods and the lodge £5,498.95

Norway Aroy – 3 rods left for August 10-14 – last available rods of the season - £3,775 per person for 3 days fishing, ex flights

Norway Lakselva – 4 rods for 10-17 August - £6,750 ex flights.  This is the private water option

Norway Lakselva – 2 rods for 17-24 August - £4,750 ex flights – a combination of private and public water

Call me if interested, fair offers will be considered.

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

The river is still on 4 fish off, Conditions excellent with good water levels. Association water tickets available for £25, OAP and under 16s half price.

Don't forget our Tiger flies were catching last spring and are already hooking fish this year, you can buy them online right here right now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

Black & yellow TigerTail conehead

Flaming TigerTail

Kinermony TigerTail

Willie Gunn TigerTail

Alistair Tigertail

Caithness Sutherland and Ross SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed an announcement from First Minister Alex Salmond that there will be an independent review of wild fisheries management in Scotland. Announcement here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx8u0UPkQQM

The First Minister said that freshwater fisheries must be ‘robust, sustainable and fit for purpose in the 21st century’, and to this end the Scottish Government has asked outgoing Scottish Natural Heritage Chairman Andrew Thin to chair the review.

The aims of the review are to:

•           Develop and promote a modern, evidence-based management system for wild fisheries fit for purpose in the 21st century and capable of responding to our changing environment.

•           To manage, conserve and develop our wild fisheries to maximise the sustainable benefit of Scotland’s wild fish resources to the country as a whole and particularly to rural areas.

Mr Gibson who as convener of the Rural Affairs Climate Change and Environment Committee carried out an inquiry into the management of the aquaculture and wild fishing sectors said an independent review was a welcome development.

“The announcement is important as the wild fish sector is critical to the rural economy and environment. It is that the management of the fishing assets in Scotland has changed little in generations and therefore needs updating for modern times. This should include much more water for local angling clubs wherever possible.

 “I have seen up close how this management does not work, both from issues raised by constituents and the evidence taken by the RACCE Committee. Our Committee said that there needed to be a fit for purpose management of wild fishing and the Government has listened and are acting to make sure that there is.

“This approach will help lay a new course for wild fishing in coming decades. It has an excellent steward in the guise of Andrew Thin and I look forward to the progress that it makes.” 

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

The River Helmsdale is still on 4 fish off. After the fantastic opening week in which over 250 salmon anglers took advantage of there is hardly an angler on the water now. This it the tragic state of play on the Helmsdale river! There are loads of anglers who would pay to fish for the chance of a spring salmon - Helmsdale Co could sell 4 rods per beat all through the season for estates let alone in the spring, I get constant enquiries for the fishing and people are lining up to pay but the availability is simply not there and the local community needs it.

On that note, there are still 2 rods available on the river first week February full rotation with a cottage on the riverbank for £675 + vat at £135 - total cost £810. This works out at £67.50 per day per rod which is less than most spring fishing on the Dee and accom is included here, not bad value when you look at it like that!

First fish captor Andy Sutherland had landed a prestigious double on the Helmsdale by catching the first fish on the Association water this week. A Dee Monkey bottle tube did the trick in the Flat pool, the fish was sea-liced at 8lbs and was returned. Its very encouraging to see fish running as early as this and you can fish the Association water daily for only £25 per day or half price if you are on a pension or under 16, great value and a realistic chance of catching one of our prized spring salmon....

There is still a week available on the Suisgill rods from Feb 2nd with accom if anyone is interested.

For Club Helmsdale members we will soon start our first fly Bogof of the year, watch out on the Forum for news on that. We will also have some great discounts on rods reels and lines. It's easy to upgrade your membership to Club Helmsdale, just click on the link and register - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1672

The Dee Monkey Bottle tube which hooked Andy's fish, you can buy it here right now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1775

A vid of the 14 pounder caught this week on Thursday - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=689616167727534&set=vb.461168207238999&type=2&theater

We have the official opening movie on the Forum, awesome stuff!! don't miss it...

Some Helmsdale fishing if anyone interested...the springers are in!

February Fishing - With Accommodation
w/c Sunday 2nd February 2014
w/c Sunday 16th February 2014 - Sold
The cost of the week is £675 + VAT, to include the week's fishing (2 rods, no ghillie) and accommodation (Balvallioch cottage - sleeps 4). Please note that the fishing is not available without the accommodation.

you may need to hook up with me on facebook to view it as that seems to be where it is embedded. Let me know.
It was a fabulous week and the experiment absolutely worked out. I only heard of one kelt being miss-handled over the whole week from in excess of 260 anglers from all corners of the country. 3 opening week salmon was a fabulous result, the Helmsdale season is off to a flyer. I sold 2 Suisgill estate February weeks last night within 20 minutes of them hitting the net! I would say this is a direct result of the fast start.

There has been a huge call for more availability in Helmsdale spring weeks from anglers this week. They are amazed that after the opening week the rodding evaporates to only 2 rods per beat. A minimum of 4 rods per beat would be comfortably accommodated on the water. I will be writing to the Board to consider this on behalf of a very large group of keen anglers.
I would also like to think that due to the success of the past week that a free opening week will become an annual event. Once again I would like to thank the Helmsdale River Board for this unique opportunity, it was a great success all-round. Loop tackle also must be thanked for sponsoring the First Fish prize and donating one of their state of the art Cross S1 rods and a new Colour Concept Evotec reel.
I hear that the Sponsor of the River Opening, Clynelish distillery has this week announced that they are to double the size of their distillery in Brora! what should we read into that I wonder....

We are launching some absolutely amazing new flies this week - look out for them on the Club Helmsdale Forum. We will also start discussing what may happen in the new Fishery management review announced by the Scottish Government last week, this should be very interesting, there has never been such a review in our lifetime and now is the time to get things right. Please login and take part, this is too important to miss out on. Everyone engaged in Scottish angling should have their say.

One of our new classic Black & yellow tubes which is perfect for spring salmon fishing in copper & alumimium. http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1781

Brora angler Duncan Stewart grassed a cracking 14 pounder and the 3rd Opening week fish today. Duncan was fishing the Viaduct pool beat 1 when the fish struck his 1.5" RS Green Highlander copper tube. The sea-liced fish was safely returned. The river is running very nicely right now at 1ft 6 and perfect for most of the big lower Helmsdale spring pools. There are 2 days left to fish on the Opening week so if you have not had a cast yet, now is your chance, prospects are good and the springers are obviously running!

Duncan with his silver beauty

Lucky fish hit by seals but managed to escape to fight another day.

Duncan on the Viaduct pool

Ron's Green Highlander, Duncan's lucky fly. Buy here now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=549

Salscraggie pool looking great today

The glorious Lower Torrish pool looking right up to where the photo was taken from below.

A shot from up the glen today looking down towards the lower river and across to ben Morven, you can see some of the mist that was affecting the lower beats today and the Lower Torrish pool above.

Beat 2 at Torrish looking down towards the village in the mist, a gorgeous photo from local Alan Bithel.

Massive thanks to the Helmsdale River Board for the unique free fishing event, Gordon Simm & Loop Tackle, Clynelish Whisky, Helmsdale Co staff and all the anglers (151) who made Opening day on the Helmsdale a big success. Well done to Ruth Dudgeon for opening the river in fine style. Congratulations once again to Andy Sutherland for catching the first salmon in the UK and Ronnie Dempster who caught the second.
The river is now open for the whole week ahead for free and the springers are obviously in. A great chance to fish superb water. Call in at The Helmsdale Company - Tackle & Flies Now on FB and pick up your supply of deadly Alistair TigerTail salmon flies and RS SuperSnaelda. We make the flies that catch the springers! Tight lines, have a great week!

Andy delighted at seeing the first UK salmon safely on the bank.

The large gathering in front of the closed Bridge Hotel

Armed and ready in the shop

The opening cast

Andy (Torrish) Sutherland has once again landed a Helmsdale opening day fresh fish. As usual he wasted absolutely no time and 10 minutes after the opening ceremony the lovely 8lbs sea-liced fish was grassed. Salscraggie pool on beat 1 just above the village was the chosen hot spot and brother Rons Tiger Tail Alistair copper tube ( from the Fulling Mill Collection ) did the damage. This is the first spring salmon caught in Scotland this year. Andy wins a fantastic Loop Cross S1 salmon rod and Loop Evotec Colour Concept salmon reel along with The Bridge Hotel Trophy, a bottle of Clynelish and a selection of deadly RS Fulling Mill Tiger tubes. An opening day fish on the Helmsdale is traditionally retained, 95% of the rest are returned. http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1503

The deadly TigerTail Alistair which caught the first fish

Ruth Dudgeon who opened the river with Sir Michael Wigan River Board manager.

The river is looking very good and Opening day will be frost free! the ceremony begins at 9.30am and you need to sign in at the tackle shop for your fishing permit. We have 50% off all clothing and flies so a great chance to grab a bargain. Ruth Dudgeon will have the opening cast around 10am - hope to see you all there!

Here is the latest river vid -

See the latest river preview here -  

The Helmsdale Fishing season 2014 will be officially opened by Ruth Dudgeon on January 11^th. Ruth is a keen angler and is no stranger when it comes to landing salmon. The Opening ceremony will begin at 9.30 and will end with the first cast performed from just above the Telford Bridge in the village. There will be bacon rolls on the go from various outlets and you should sign in at the tackle shop for your free fishing permit. This year we will have 1 full week of free fishing from Opening day until Saturday 18^th. The long range weather forecast is very favourable for an open and ice free river so prospects of a January springer should be good. As usual we have the Bridge Hotel trophy, Clynelish whiskey and RS flies up for grabs but as an added bonus this year Loop Tackle are sponsoring the event and a state of the art Loop Colour Concept salmon reel is also part of the prize.  If you are lucky enough to hook and land one of these superb early running fish the ASFB ( Association of Salmon Fishery Boards ) have recently recommended in a press release that all salmon in Scotland  should be safely returned to rivers up until May 15th. I have not heard anything from the Helmsdale Board yet supporting this so we still have our traditional choice here whereby you can either keep the first one or make sure someone gets a few good pictures on release for verification. Please remember that it is still Board policy that all fish over 12lbs must be returned. We look forward to seeing a great turn out.

Check out last years opening day action here -

Opening day forecast

The forecast for opening day is looking very favourable. There is no frost to speak of for the next 2 weeks and the weather will still be relatively mild with a West to South West airflow generally. Water levels will be good as there are regular bands of rain predicted to move in so I would say looking at the week leading up to Opening day we will have a generally unsettled fairly wet spell with a river height of around 2 - 3ft on Opening day.

For the best chance of some action, Full Sinking lines or heavy sink tips will be best. Large Copper, tungsten or conehead tubes with wing length 2 - 4" long will fish well, if you are fishing Monkey flies up to 6" long. We have lots of perfect flies right here to purchase on-line and will have our usual lethal grand display in the Tackle shop.

Christmas Bonus

As a Christmas bonus we have also opened up the fishing report by separating it from our new Club Helmsdale members area – please login here using your previous login & password or simply set up a new one - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/ch/ch.php?ch=login

If you want to see our BEST NEW FLY DESIGN FOR 2014 please check out ( if you are a mamber ) or join Club Helmsdale here – http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/ch/ch.php?ch=login

The new fly is an absolute stunner and a very significant tube tied with tradition, modern expression and a proven pedigree.

By joining Club Helmsdale you will have full access to all the latest river Helmsdale gossip in our local Angling Forum and access to our very popular fly BOGOFs, latest hot new fly patterns designed by Ron and members tackle offers. We almost have a quarterly fly "bogof" for full members so you get your subscription fee back very quickly, its our way of saying thank you for being a loyal customer. We could issue a loyalty card etc but its more fun this way and everyone has the option of having a go on our Helmsdale river Forum and being part of all the insider information on the river. You can discuss any river Helmsdale issues and also upload your fishy photos, tell us your favourite flies, pools etc. Take a look and join in, its easy to communicate these days!

ASFB Statement on Spring Conservation 2014

It is widely recognised that mixed stock fisheries present particular difficulties for management and species conservation, and on that basis District Salmon Fishery Boards (DSFBs) must implement conservation action during any period that stock analysis indicates that management intervention to protect stocks from inappropriate levels of exploitation is necessary.

The Scottish Government has announced a major review of fisheries management in Scotland and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change specifically indicated that the management of coastal netting would be considered as part of that review. ASFB welcome this undertaking and hope that issues of salmon conservation, financial contribution to management and management of close times are fully resolved. On the issue of dormant netting stations coming back into use, we we would wish to ensure that de-commissioned sites remain de-commissioned.

Numbers of returning adults are so low that some spring stocks are close to, or below, being self-sustaining; the earliest running fish are the most vulnerable part of this stock component. It is a well-established management principle that breeding fish should not be killed where a stock is threatened or vulnerable. On that basis it is the ASFB position that no fish should be killed before the 15^th May. Over recent years very high levels of catch and release have been achieved during the spring, largely through voluntary policies and we would encourage all DSFBs to ensure that their conservation policies reflect this position. ASFB would also urge all netting interests to engage with their local DSFB to work together to develop and implement local agreements continuing the significant support that has been shown by both netsmen and anglers to protect vulnerable early stock components.

We have loads of neat fishing gifts in our fishing gifts for men and ladies categories on-line and there is a fab new fly selection for a stocking filler here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php Hot new flies for 2014, simply click the link to purchase. Better still just buy a new rod for your loved one and we will throw in any line of your choice and a fly selection, that's a great deal! we also have an RS Top Ten Spring Killers available right here for a great christmas gift - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1766

We also have a great new salmon category full of cutting edge Fulling Mill salmon flies all for only £2.99 or less, we think they are great value for money, check them out here http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=91

A sample of our worldwide deadly Feeler flies showing one of the best below, the Willie Gunn.

The report on Diffuse pollution has sat here for long enough, I have had a huge amount of positive feedback on this issue from all around the UK by email and from a few quality posts on the Forum, everybody seems to get the point!  Now we need to act upon it and start to redress the balance and quality of habitat along the river. I will also embed the whole report in the relevant Forum thread.

The Helmsdale Angling Club "Helmsdale Anglers" are now on Facebook as well as on the Forum here, the more platforms the better to keep anglers in touch. Almost everyone is on Facebook these days and it is now arguably the best medium for exchanging news, views and photos for groups.

We have hundreds of members registered with Club Helmsdale now but not many use the Forum unfortunately. The reason for this is mysterious, it is an open platform where people with a common cause can chat and exchange pics about their favourite river. It should be easy to sign up for the Forum, just register a username ( any name ) and take part, then is should be simple to sign in each time you have something to say or picture to add, it all adds to the content and keeps us talking about the great river we have here. If you don't use it you will loose it and the fishing report will cease to exist. Please let me know if you are having trouble accessing the Forum and I will look into it.

We are well into spawning season now and I recently had a walk along the banks of the highest tributarty on the Helmsdale catchment, the Rimsdale burn. To arrive at this far out destination the salmon must navigate the whole length of the river then cruise through 3 lochs to reach the tiny burn at the very end of the system. I do not know how they manage to find their birthplace in this case but as you can see from the clips, remarkably they do.

Spawning salmon below the road bridge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TFmu_fz19U

A salmon kelt begins the long journey back to the sea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txk3jXSj6aI

We will start cranking up the report soon as the new season fast approaches with more videos and SuperHot new flies.

Incidentally the first two weeks in March are up for grabs on Kildonan estate w/c March 3rd & 10th

This week we discuss the effects of the introduction of sheep to the Helmsdale river catchment area. Love them or loathe, these wooly munching machines are sometimes fondly known as the UKs ultimate invasive species as their origins most definitely do not emanate from the highlands of Scotland, Mesopotamia infact. There were no sheep of any consequence in the Strath of Kildonan until 1811.

Let me say from the outset that I have nothing against sheep, they bring in a valuable income for local landowners and have gained considerable national acclaim through tireless and proficient nurturing by gifted local shepherds. Sheep and salmon can live in perfect harmony. A simple habitat management programme containing strategic fencing placement is the key to sustaining the environment and watercourse for both species.
Riparian habitat restoration is not rocket science, information on this subject is well researched and anyone worth his salt involved with salmon conservation and habitat restoration should be up to speed. We have had 200 years of bankside destruction in the Strath of Kildonan to deal with thanks to persistent overgrazing by unfenced sheep. It is time to redress the balance and give the salmon the absolute best chance to prosper again.

The information below will give you an idea of exactly what's going on along large areas of the river Helmsdale right now, the North bank in particular from Torrish estate to Kinbrace and beyond. 
But firstly let's look at some very interesting background evidence from archive data held in Sutherland estate papers courtesy of Dr Annie Tindley and Dr Heather Haynes. The historical information in these papers opens an amazing window into the past with the very thoughts documented of the estate factors and employees of the period.

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

In recognition of the ongoing importance of sporting and fishing rights was the estates concern over the effects of rising sheep stock levels on salmon numbers. The following graph shows the data from a fishing study undertaken by Mr Calder, Sutherland estate employee at Helmsdale (1807-1817) along with sheep stock density from (1811-1820).

The astonishing facts show that the river Helmsdale catch totals for salmon more than halve those between 1807 and 1808 with persistent decline to minimum levels (60% lower) by 1812.
Research unequivocally found that when various land-use changes are considered, it is intensive pasture which impacts disproportionately and most adversely on salmon. They are highly susceptible to mortality by local changes directly attributed to increased fine sediment delivery into the channel. This causes siltation of the gravel river bed and reduces the supply of oxygen for successful incubation. This causal link to land use would reflect in particular the onset of land improvements when the greatest changes to catchment hydrology would have occurred and yielded increased sediment supply. Specific factors include the burning of heather to encourage nutritious young growth for grazing, which would leave bare soil susceptible to soil erosion, washoff and gullying; cutting of hill drains and field drains which would exacerbate sediment load and rate; enhanced bank erosion by increased livestock density on unfenced riparian (river bank) areas and vegetation degradation by over-grazing which would expose soils to erosion during runoff.

Given such significant demonstrated impact shown and lack of climactic evidence to show otherwise over the period this provides confidence in the conclusion presented, that land use-change triggered a notable collapse in salmon stocks. Fluctuations in catch records after 1809 do indicate lower productivity of catches in 1811, 1812 and 1814: the latter two years are explicitly noted in meteorological observations for the UK as exceptional years worthy of documentation. Whatever the explanation, the impact was noted with concern by Sutherland estate, as the wholesale conversion of the strath to sheep and the immediate decline in salmon numbers threatened to create a vulnerable mono-culture.

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

More facts

Riparian vegetation has a major influence on channel shape, vegetation increases riverbank strength by binding the soil with roots and shields banks from erosion during high flows and flooding. The grazing of bankside and marginal vegetation reduces or completely takes away banks side cover for fish. Treading down of the banks promotes inflow into the river, silting gravels locally and downstream and reducing spawning and juvenile salmonid habitat and reducing ova survival rates when silt coverings reduce oxygen supplies.
A 'downward environmental spiral is caused' as reduced bankside growth reduces root growth and decreased resistance to erosion in spates further increasing erosion and effects of diffuse pollution.Bankside erosion means easier access of livestock into river margins and this further increases bank erosion resulting in river widening and shallowing. River shallowing reduces cover for adult and juvenile fish.
Continuous unmanaged grazing has many detrimental effects on riparian areas that include: soil compaction, increased runoff, soil and sediment erosion, excess nutrients and pathogens transported to streams, vegetation removal, decrease in vegetation species diversity, importation of noxious weeds, and loss of wildlife habitat.

Environmental benefits of encouraging a riparian zone to establish.

• Provides habitat for many species and increases biodiversity.

• Provides habitat corridor linking fragmented and isolated habitats through which species can move (essential to maintain and increase biodiversity).

• Provides habitat and food for aquatic species such as fish and invertebrates.

• Strengthens river banks and reduces the risk of bank erosion.

• Can reduce the impact of diffuse pollution on the water environment by providing a barrier to, and breaking down, pollutants before they reach the watercourse.

• Can reduce the risk of flooding by increasing the channel ‘roughness’, slowing flows and stopping flows increasing downstream.

Riparian buffer strips are considered the most time limiting fix.

‘Buffer strip’ is a term usually used to describe the vegetated area of land in the riparian zone between the watercourse and agricultural land or other land use. Buffer strips have the potential to conserve, enhance and protect the water environment. The use of natural buffer strips to protect freshwater from diffuse agricultural pollution has been carried out in Europe for a number of years. Buffer strips can also slow down flood flows as well as providing bank stabilisation and habitat. A buffer strip can consist of grassland, wetland, scrub or trees.
Fencing may be required to exclude sheep where they are causing excessive erosion of rivers banks or where they are preventing native riparian vegetation from establishing.Where fencing is required it should ideally be located as far back from the river as possible.
The erosion along the Helmsdale riverbank due to free roaming sheep is very significant. Examples can be seen all along the watercourse but in particular along the North banks of beat 4 & 5 below and on beats 2 & 3 above as the photographs show. 
The Riverbank damage incurred by constant sheep grazing causes 2 significant problems.
1. Silting up of the riverbed and tributaries reducing suitable spawning gravels.
2. Trampling of banks breaks down structure leading to substantial erosion during spates and the filling up of prime salmon pools. Just ask the ghillies! Pools are filling in and widening year after year due to the effects of constant riparian erosion.

Below we show a snippet of the damage done by sheep grazing to the Helmsdale river today along the length of the river. It is not for the faint hearted!

The first set of pictures below show typical bankside erosion caused by persistent sheep trampling and unrestricted riverside grazing.

Cronic trampling and waterside erosion waiting to fill in the river bed and spawning gravels on the next spate. This is from one of the most important spawning areas on the river, beat 3 above.

More typical trampled areas and riverbank erosion, these are numerous along unfenced areas of the river.

This is the reason ( below ) unfenced overgrazing of the riverbank.

Flocks of sheep on both sides of beat 3 above with open access to the river watercourse and main salmon spawning gravels.

Sheep access to the river both banks.

The Bridge to the dyke pool beat 6. To the left is open grazing and total destruction to the banks of a spawning tributary. No sheep have access to the right hand side.

Healthy bankside vegitation below the bridge

Above the bridge shows total bankside destruction and erosion due to unfenced sheep access.

Typical diffuse pollution with clear siltation of the watercourse due to open access to livestock. See more info on page 2 of the link here - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/SE_Wales_Fisheries_Newsletter_March_2012_ENGLISH.pdf

More spawning burn erosion and open access to sheep grazing and trampling.

Another unfenced spawning burn with open access to livestock.

Below is a very healthy riverbank (riparian zone) fenced off with no sheep access.

Below is a perfect buffer strip protecting and regenerating the riverbank. There is no sheep access to the riverside on the right and you can see the huge difference in vegetation quality on both sides of the fence.

Another fence showing a huge contrast. The Right side shows grazed riverbank, the left side shows healthy fenced off bankside vegetation.

You can clearly see a solid buffer zone all along the left hand side of the Association water on the lower river where no sheep can graze and water flow rates are high. The riverbank is in a good state of repair.

Another good Association water buffer strip with healthy bankside vegetation and riverbank intact.

District Salmon Fishery Boards have a statutory responsibility to protect and improve Atlantic salmon and sea-trout fisheries. Funding is available for projects which reinstate riparian zones. It is hugely important that a river with the stature of the Helmsdale immediately adopts a visionary approach to essential habitat restoration. The Helmsdale River is a premium fishery commanding "top dollar" and clients deserve a river which takes salmonid protection very seriously. 
SEPA regulations broadly state that it is a statutory offence to pollute a watercourse. Various forms of diffuse pollution caused by livestock falls into this category.
The condition of all spawning gravels in the Helmsdale catchment must be maximised, currently this is not happening as there is no plan in place.
No river can rest on its laurels. Leaving things "as is" is not an option. The climate is getting more volatile, 4 of the wettest years in the UK since records began in 1910 have occurred since the year 2000. Decreasing salmon numbers and erratic flows dictate that riverbank protection is more important than ever for many reasons. The sea is an unproven source of mortality at the moment. We know what is entering it from our rivers is not returning as before. The population of grey seals is increasing by 7% per year according to figures released recently; there lies one massive problem for salmon stocks so it is not just all about climate change and a bale-out from distant unknowns. 

People get softened over the years, they get used to certain circumstances, expectations go with the flow and a slow burn decline in salmon stocks seems acceptable and inevitable, the term is "shifting baseline syndrome.” Shifting baselines affect the quality-of-life decisions you face daily. Shifting baselines are the chronic, slow, hard-to-notice changes in things from the disappearance of native animals to local birds and insects. If we know the baseline for a degraded ecosystem, we can work to restore it. But if the baseline shifted before we really had a chance to chart it, then we can end up accepting a degraded state as normal, or even as an improvement. The number of salmon in the Pacific Northwest's Columbia River today is twice what it was in the 1930s. That sounds great if the 1930s are your baseline. But salmon in the Columbia River in the 1930s were only 10% of what they were in the 1800s. The 1930s numbers reflect a baseline that had already shifted.

So, The question is, where is the Helmsdale river baseline? What are we comparing today’s salmon stocks to? The numbers stated in the Sutherland estates graph although very interesting do not matter in this study, it is the abrupt decline in salmon catches which we must compute.

The priceless window to the past offered by the Sutherland Estate papers shows that salmon stocks were basically hammered on the Helmsdale by the onset of the mass introduction of sheep to the Strath of Kildonan and due the rapid change in land use. The suggestion of a 60% decline in salmon catches over a period of just 5 years from 1807 – 1812 is truly shocking but encouraging when you think of the stock that was once held by the river and its tributaries pre 1807. Obviously parr/fry counts were much higher than today’s and these early 1800s “baseline” numbers were sustainable due to the pristine environment and riparian zone of the time. 

There are many challenges ahead for the salmon when you study the big picture but we must also all do our own individual utmost to optimise what we have on our doorstep. We each need to make a difference. Hatcheries are key and will always remain very important, in the early 1900s Helmsdale annually released 1 million fry into the headwaters from 2 hatcheries, this makes a viable difference and keeps the gene pool and population topped up. Where might stocks be in a few years time if sheep are fenced away entirely from the banks of the river and its tributaries? Nature will tell us if the correct decisions are made.

The River Board must address this matter with urgency. The Helmsdale River Board manager Sir Michael Wigan, has released his new book recently “The salmon” in which he very eloquently waxes lyrical regarding the iconic species. It is indeed a superb read thoroughly discussing the seemingly endless challenges for the salmon, and hope for the future. It is arguably the best book ever written on the subject as he has left no stone unturned in the life story. It is passionate, educational, political, amusing, evocative, every relative topic is covered and you will put the book down with an enlightened view of the legendary fish. Habitat restoration is championed and the Tweed highly acclaimed for it, see here - http://www.rivertweed.org.uk/news/?p=3849

We now require restoration on the Helmsdale. The river is crying out for it and the salmon absolutely deserves it. I am not going to sit back and watch destruction like this when it can be totally avoided. I am also willing to help fund an action plan.

Please comment on this subject in our Angling Forum.

This offer was closed midnight November 3rd  We have launched a "buy one get one free" on all flies for one week only right here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

Please write "BOGOF" in the comments section when you order, then we simply double up your whole order.

Classic flies and fly selections not included. This is a great chance to stock up on flies for next year so tell all your friends to order too.

Post at cost

Enjoy your shopping!