The beats reported a healthy 90 fish approx last week in a week when cold Northerly winds once again kept the temps down. Flaming June has not showed it's face yet and anglers are scoring as a result. Cool water temperatures are always preferrable in the summer. Although the river is at summer low, salmon are still running in good numbers. Coneheads, wee doubles, small plastic tubes and Sunrays are all fishing well.

The Association water is also starting to produce a few. William Jappy made his first impact of the season in style with 3 fish on Monday morning and Geordie Sutherland also got off the mark. Another one came later in the week for William followed by one from visiting angler Norrie Wilson. But it was the sea-trout fishing which grabbed most of the headlines. With the low river, favourable tide and sea-trout pouring in, there was always the potential for good sport. That was proven correct when yours truly landed 11 up to 3.5lbs on the Tuesday night. Another 7 solid fish followed on Thursday with some of the best nightime sport witnessed in years. Many more were caught during the week by all who stayed out late, I would estimate that around 60 - 70 trout were caught over the 1lbs minimum size. The top flies were CDC doubles pictured below and you can purchase them here right now http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=11

Ron's deadly CDC sea-trout doubles

The Brora is also fishing remarkably well in the low water conditions, There were 6 off the lower Brora on Monday, one of them (pictured below) which was fooled by one of our Kazcade doubles pictured in scissors. Surprise surprise, you can also buy them here now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1124 a superb summer fly which ticks all the boxes.

The upper Brora had a good week in the low water also. I was talking with one of the party on Saturday who told me that they caught 18 all on a Hitch fly, a super result and obviously the correct tactics deployed for the conditions. food for thought! below is a classic Icelandic Collie dog hitch pattern which works a treat in the UK. Fish these tiny tubes on a short leader off a floating line and watch fish hit them on the surface as they wake across the pool. If you have not fished this method before I recommend you try it this summer - believe me, it works brilliantly! buy some here now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=49 these team up with size 12 doubles or silver vmc trebles.

Tight lines