Another season has come to a close on the Helmsdale and the trend for big fish has continued. The final total will probably show a drop on last years catch but average fish size will most certainly be up. I have not heard of so many fish of over 20lbs being caught in many years, excellent one might think! but what happened to the grilse run!? fortunately the Helmsdale was not the only river to miss out as all UK rivers reported a serious lack of 1sw fish. Based on the unpredictability of recent years, a gambling man would not dare bet on next years performance anywhere. We just have to pay up, turn up and see!

Here are some of the latest big fish captures

Kildonan Ghillie Martin Grant with the seasons best of 29lbs from beat 4 above.

Johnny March Torrish rods with the Photo of the season, a fabulous 21 pounder from Lower Caen beat 1

Caroline Wilson & Badanloch ghillie Mark Shone with a 21 pounder from beat 4 below

Caroline's daughter (also with Mark) showing off a 17.5 pounder from 5 below

The Helmsdale may be closed but there is still lots of fishing to be done on the river Tweed etc. Many UK rivers stay open well into November so don't forget to order up your flies here for that late fishing trip. The water has cooled down this week so sinking tips and weighted flies are now the order of the day. We have everything you need to fish deep and catch big fish. Tungsten, copper and conehead tubes in Park Shrimp, Willie Gunn, Pot bellied Pig, Cascade Pig & Junction Shrimp all do very well in October/November - order now for next day delivery.

If you have any photo's of nice Helmsdale fish you would like to display on here please e-mail them to me.