The Helmsdale sprung into action last week with the arrival of more grilse. Good water levels encouraged fish to run in numbers and as a result the Association water produced over a dozen fish. Gordon Sim had 3 in the short time he spent on the water and most of the locals scored. The upper river fished well with estates generally faring well. I would estimate well over 100 fish were caught on the river including the Association water score, probably the best week of the season so far.

Coneheads fished great and anglers fishing a dropper over the nect few weeks will maximise their chances. The grilse seem in good condition overall and we are probably heading for a better run than last season if numbers stay on the increase.

Some of our deadly new coneheads below -

Park Shrimp

Ron's most famous and deadly design, the Willie Dog

Cascade Dog

As we said last report, we are stocking up on Loop rods now and on the amazing new Cross S1 rods http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1271 we are offering part exchange. Call us if you want to trade in your current rod for these state of the art models with 3M technology. We will also do part exchange on Mackenzie DTX rods.

Most Highland rivers seem to be coming to life where rain has fallen, the Oykel reported over 100 fish last week. As I write, the River Helmsdale is up to around 1ft 6" so the week ahead should be very interesting indeed, with a bit of luck grilse numbers will keep improving and the whole river will have a super week. The Association water should provide good sport once again and for £25 per rod you can have a great day out with every chance of hooking a few fish.

I had an e-mail from a rather chuffed friend of mine, Susan Capper (below) who this week who got off the mark with a cracking 10 pounder. The little river Strathy was the destination. Her partner Ric Marr hitched up the fish and Susan moved in to seal the deal on a Flamethrower fly, what a devilish double act!

Another one for the ladies, Fiona Muir releases a super 14 pounder from Sand pool beat 1 on the Helmsdale.