Ron has tweaked a superb salmon pattern this week. With the permission of Jock Royan head ghillie on the Kinermony beat of the river Spey, Ron put the "tiger" in his popular pattern the Kinermony Killer. We will be putting it in production soon and are taking forward orders for it. The fly will be in the style of the picture and tied on Salar silver doubles in sizes 7, 9 & 11.

The new Kinermony Killer Tigerback

We have a "Buy one get one free" in operation for 1 week only on all flies ending Sunday midnight on the 3rd Feb. With more notable rivers opening at the end of this week (Friday 1st Feb) and springers gathering, its a great time to stock up with deadly spring flies! Please order soon as stocks of some flies will run out! This offer does not include Classic flies or Selection boxes.

Simply place your order on-line and we will double it up.

There is particular interest this year on our new Tiger Tail tubes which fished so well last year.

Black & Yellow TigerTail

Alistair TigerTail

We have some awesome new fly tying materials sourced from the States for sale online here - check them out below.

Full Tiger Rabbit hides for tying all those superb looking new Zonker Tiger flies.

Amazing New Opal Mirage for adding to hairwings in 2 different sizes - micro and standard, you need to see these to believe the stunning glint.

The Helmsdale river has been in good order recently and ice free but no fresh fish have been seen or caught yet. The weather conditions on the other hand have not exactly helped encourage many anglers out. Persistent Easterly gales have now eased and next week looks much better with the onset of an unsettled but Westerly flow. Temperatures are to remain above freezing so there will be nothing to stop a springer ease into the bottom beats.

Friday sees the opening of the Rivers Dee, Tweed & Brora, by Saturday we should have some fishy pics from these rivers especially the Dee & Tweed. We have loads of great spring flies in stock, Willie Gunns, cascades, Black & yellow, Flamethrower, you name it - we have it so don't forget to visit our on-line shop to stock up. We are also fully equipped with rods, reels, lines, sink tips and leader material, everything you require to get hold of a springer if you are lucky enough to meet one.

I had a trip to beat 6 yesterday on the Helmsdale courtesy of Achentoul rods, The wife, Karen joined me at lunchtime so at least I could take some bonny pics! The water looked excellent but there were no fish around of any kind.

Flat pool looking perfect

Karen enjoying the famous Kildonan Falls pool (this pool stops most fish in their tracks until the temperature rises above 40 - 42 or so)

Karen on tail of the falls pool ( Dogs nose ) see it on the left?

Posh Willie Gunn copper tube 1.5" looking awesome in the morning sun.

Karen on the Dyke pool waiting for that take!

Church streams looking good

We have a cracking article this month in the Trout & Salmon magazine about Fulling Mill and our flies. I have tied up 70 new patterns for them to start modernising their whole range for the trade. We will ofcourse be carrying the full range when they are available in February - look out for them! We have also added more opening day pics in the opening day report.

The 4 free days fishing are now over and unfortunately the first fish has remained elusive. Conditions have generally been very favourable for the time of year so it is a little disappointing that over 200 rods could not find a fresh runner anywhere in the Helmsdale river. The Tay opened today with 15 spring salmon recorded up to 21lbs. Here is some more footage of the opening from Mike Shepley - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0jP3M_OorE

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

Television report - STV news 22mins into the link here - http://player.stv.tv/programmes/news-at-six-aberdeen-north/2013-01-11-1800/ No springers to report from day 2 on the Helmsdale as strong bitterly cold easterly wind blowing upstream made for very demanding conditions. However Roddy Gillies had hold of what we think may have been a good fish in the Fall pool beat 6, roddy hooked the solid fish but was quide quickly broken by him due to the ferocity of the short fight. The fall pool is not known for producing anything other than fresh fish on the run and in the mild temperatures we have had I think it sounds like Roddy had a springer on the end.

The first two days have recorded the highest ever figure for angler participation with 185 names in the book for the free fishing. Monday & Tuesday will be open to the public again, lets hope the weather holds for the next batch of keen visiting anglers.

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

The Helmsdale Opening day was enjoyed by 130 keen anglers with a busier day expected tomorrow (Saturday). Yours truly opened up the season this year after delivering a toast of Clynelish whisky from the new opening quaich. " A toast to the good health of the river and an abundance of salmon, to the anglers and ghillies i wish you good luck and tight lines for the season ahead". Most anglers in attendance had a Clynelish in hand by this time offered by (the better half) Karen Sutherland, The first few casts were made and the river was pronounced "open for business".

Sir Michael Wigan got the ball rolling with the Sutherland schools pipe band as usual, both were on top form and enjoyed by the large gathering.

Conditions were very good with the river running at 1ft and very pleasant weather. Lots of kelts were caught and a farmed fish was also recorded but no fresh springers were teased from the clear running river. With water temperatures hovering around 40 degrees there are sure to be fish in the system, someone just needs to get lucky!

We have another 3 days free fishing so get the rod out and get over - the first fish prize awaits you!

A few pics from the day and a couple of movie snippets from the opening days below - the official film/photos will be posted soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUKwkVxvVek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1FsbhSA8TY

The Sutherland Tartan set up for the first cast with DTX salmon Rod, Loop Evotec reel, Carron Jetstream line and Posh Willie Gunn.

Ron & Rob Gibson - Nice to see the Scottish Government on the scene enjoying the festivities.

Ron & Sir Michael lead the way to the river.

Sir Michael welcomes the large gathering.

The Toast

Ron rockets the first cast towards the Telford bridge built 1811.

Lower Caen beat 1

Sonny Jappy enjoying Salscraggie pool beat 1

Bacon rolls from Timespan tasting great as Monica delivers to Lower Caen pool

The one that got away was this size guys? Local Artist Frank Beg And Ron look on amused...

Kilphedir pool looking good

Shop banter after dark, Clynelish time (again!)

The river is looking superb for the opening day of the season tomorrow (11th) running at around 1ft on the guage and totally ice free. A super opportunity for anglers to get the rods out and have a fair chance of hooking a prime January springer. We look forward to welcoming you all for a feast of salmon fishing. Please clock in at the tackle shop for your free fishing permit.

For those of you who are familiar with the Well pool on the Association water - it's a little high right now and you would not be wanting to fish it for sea-trout in the dark! check out a recent surge here, you don't see water on this path normally! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhBQ9XHBZNM

A look at the Marrel pool beat 1 also in full flow here, the river had actually dropped 2.5 ft at the time of filming! 21/12/12 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWneAeJhwA4

The damage caused by the above spate to the head of the Whinnie pool beat 1 for those of you who know it - the river bank has been blitzed where the bench used to sit, no idea where the pool starts now! way up at the tip of the island? check it out here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKZeWwhglvs

Badanloch Estate have 2 weeks spring salmon fishing up for grabs on the Helmsdale river rotation in March 2013.
W/c March 4th 2 rods inc ghillie £775
W/c March 11th 2 rods inc ghillie £800
Accom not included.
Contact me if interested. FISHING NOW SOLD

The new Helmsdale season gets under way very soon. From Friday Jan 11th we have 4 free days on the water so a great chance once again to catch one of the earliest springers in the UK.

Monkey tubes have been deadly in recent years and we have plenty for you to try out - check out a selection below in Chartreuse, Black & orange, Black & yellow & Kola green.

Dont forget the legendary Willie Gunns also, they have caught so many early salmon over the years & more recently the Alistair has done pretty well too.

Come along for an opening day cast on the 11th, 12th, 14th or 15th, call at the Tackle shop as usual and pick up your free ticket. Breakfast, Bacon rolls & lunch etc will be available from Timespan ( just down the brae from the Bridge Square ) on 11th & 12th and a very interesting new film from the river will be on show. Artist Hugh Watt filmed a trip down the river from a Kayak and we are all very interested to see the results!

As usual, the Austrian crystal Bridge Hotel Trophy will be on offer to the angler who lands the first spring fish from the river along with a bottle of our famous local Clynelish whisky and a selection of Ron's salmon flies.

Please return all "out of season" fish quickly if you catch any. A number of baggots and rawners may be in the river ( male and cock fish that have not spawned ) and kelts will also be keen to grab your fly. Some of these fish may appear quite silver and may be mistaken for fresh run fish but they will be out of condition and easily recognisable (pic below)

If you are lucky enough to catch the real thing it will look like the picture below and there will be no mistake. There are likely to be sea-lice present (but not always) the fish will generally be in super condition with a thick set body, tight vent and pink gills free from gill maggots. It will fight hard usually and you will know almost immediately you land it that it is the real thing. Most springers are in the 7 - 15lbs bracket. To claim the trophy, nothing less will do!

A couple of good springer examples below - fat, solid, deep & bright silver fish with sea-lice.

The fish below is a baggot which appears fairly silver but rather worse for wear and dark around the gills. It probably entered the river very late in the season, did not spawn and was heading back to sea. They are very soft in the belly.

Here is a classic kelt salmon shape - Silver but very lean and out of condition, large head, extended vent.

Tight lines for the new season ahead and we all look forward to seeing you here for a great opening, a nice dram of Clynelish awaits you at the tackle shop on Opening day afternoon. The opening ceremony begins at 9.30 and no rods on the river until it is officially opened. Below we have Karen & Eileen from the shop showing off the Prizes for the first fish!

Many thanks to you who have registered with our Helmsdale fishing report and for your continued interest in our products and flies, the new fishing season is almost upon us again.

We have a cracking Christmas offer available for the next 3 DAYS ONLY to ensure a festive dispatch. When you spend £50 or more on our website you qualify for a selection of superb FREE salmon flies boxed or a Fishing tackle voucher to the value of £25 - Please click here for Website - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=65

CLICK BELOW to view your choice of FREE flies or Voucher. Please let us know which FREEBEE you want in the comments box when you shop.

Christmas Stocking filler flies - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1453
Icelandic Selection - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=92
Sunray Shadow Set - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=146
Pocket Trout Selection - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=450
Helmsdale Tackle Shop Voucher - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=196

Enjoy your Christmas shopping

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

Check out this short film and see our deadly RS Super Snaelda in action with Greig Thompson of Salmo International fishing the river Tilt - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VaQe8UWS_yQ

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

Christmas Killers Alistairs & Willie Dog, the best of the best flies for the Helmsdale river AND they travel well too! These tubes catch Atlantic salmon everythere they swim especially Norway where we have had super testimonials on the Cascade Alistair in particular, and all for only £29.99 reduced from £39.99. Buy here right now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1396

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

We also have a super deal on offer for the festive period "The Essential Spring Fishing Kit", It has all the accessories you need apart from the "Salmon". A great Christmas gift for your angling friends or yourself. Deal price £59.99 for a load of essential gear! Buy it here right now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1451

We have a cracking bargain spring rod up for grabs this month (first come first serve basis) - one of the last signed Daiwa Scott Mackenzie Signature salmon rods at 16ft 3pc perfect for the upcoming spring salmon fishing season! The rod is rated (11) and brand new with the cork still in plastic. An absolute powerhouse of a salmon rod beautifully designed as you would expect from the 3 times world speycasting champion.

The rod is made from HM65M high grade carbon fibre, has a unique triangular ALPS alloy reel seat, Fuji SiC butt and tip guides, Flor grade cork handle, hard chrome snake intermediates, Cordura rod case and original owner lifetime guarantee.

All this for £299 reduced from Daiwa full retail price of £499 (post at cost).

We also have a couple of superb 9/11 Guideline ReelMaster LA salmon reels up for grabs and massively reduced from £159 to £99 - Post at cost.

Email us quickly or call us on 01431821372 if you want to snap up any of the above.

Keep an eye out here for future deals and all the Helmsdale river info as usual....thanks for visiting.

The Helmsdale river opening 2013 will offer 4 days free fishing open to the public from Friday Jan 11th through to Tuesday Jan 15th excluding Sunday of course. Book your accom asap, You may catch the first springer in Scotland! free registration is at the Helmsdale tackle shop where you can stock up on the flies for the job.

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

The river reported approx 2150 salmon this season after a good September.

Watch this space for updates and info for season 2013.

The 2012 season ended on a high with good water and lots of exciting fishing on the upper beats. Most rods who were lucky enough to hit beats 2, 3 & 4 above after a midweek spate basically bagged up! The total for the week well exceeded 120 of more. September has had the luxury of regular good water and generally cooling temperatures, it was one of the better months.

The Association water struggled for the month due to high water, most fish had migrated to the upper river and fresh fish were few and far between. Sonny Jappy had the last fish of the season from the Flat pool, a fine fresh 6 pounder.

The Angling Club have access once again to Loch Achnamoine (beat 6 above) until the trout season ends on October 6th - members are asked to contact head water baillif Peter Quail for the boathouse keys.

The Helmsdale may be closed for business for another year but the Tweed is open for another 2 months as are many other rivers in the South. We have loads of cracking deals on boxed salmon fly selections for your autumn fishing trip. Coneheads, copper tubes, tungsten tubes, aluminium tubes, flamethrower doubles...you name it, we have it so why not start here by chosing either of these deadly bargain tubefly selections -http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1278 or http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1339 we have many more and of course you can simply order individually.

These are some of the deadliest of them, all available to buy now on-line right here if you click on the links below.

Willie Gunn Tiger back - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1323

Tungsten Cascade Pig - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=878

RS Super Snaelda V - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1322

Junction Shrimp - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=567

Pablo Diablo Tungsten conehead - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=132

last week was a solid week on the Helmsdale with well over 100 fish once again. A super catch considering almost 2 days were spoiled with a rising river. Achentoul rods had a very good week with 3 fish over 20lbs and one of 25. Suisgil had 27 and Torrish landed a best of 22lbs to the rod of Ed Troughton in Long Mile pool 2 above. All in all a very good week aided by a noticable drop in temperature. Most fish were falling for fairly large tubes and coneheads fished on sinking tips. The forecast is for more heavy rain this week which should spark another round of good catches.

The Association water continued to disappoint but local member Paul Atherton managed to land a fresh grilse of 1.5lbs - probably the smallest grilse of the season! I cannot remember a September as quiet on this stretch.

The well conditioned 22 pounder caught and returned by Edward Troughton.