The latest movie from the river Helmsdale from Salmo Fishings with Greig Thompson and Andy Richardson featuring Ron Sutherland and Alex Fraser click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4iRdDzDHFU the total is up to 18 as of today with 2 fish this week, report to follow at the weekend.

The weather was the winner this week as the Helmsdale was buffeted by constant bone chilling Easterly gales. Conditions and temperatures were very much against anglers but for those who persisted, the rewards were still there. 

Andy (Torrish) Sutherland set the pace with a solid 14 pounder from Little Rock beat 6 on Monday morning (Torrish rods) and another was lost almost at the net by fishing partner Corrie Cormack in the same pool. The water was high on around 2ft 7 and that was a plus factor for prospects on the week ahead.

On Tuesday it was the turn of Greig Thompson's Salmo fishings Badanloch rods team to get in the news with a cracking 18 pounder from Rennie Miller, once again from Little Rock pool. A very large fish was lost on beat 5 by unlucky John Mackay (Wick) in the Bridge pool and Kildonan rods had a 10 pounder from Kilphedir midweek, then the Easterly gales really set in. Atrocious conditions plagued casting and temps dropped to near freezing during the day. It was not until Saturday that another 2 fish came off but it was not because conditions eased, infact it was worse than ever as rod eyes were freezing. Greig Thompson had to shoot back down South to film on lake of Menteith so ghille Alex Fraser and myself got the nod. Alex got off the mark quickly braving the storm and 3ft waves rolling up Kilphedir pool by landing a nice 13 pounder on his own 1.25" Willie Gunn. Rod problems ensured a welcome early bath for Alex and he duly passed his lucky fly my way to continue the torture but the best was yet to come. Late afternoon produced a thumping 23 pounder after dogged persistence for yours truly in Eldrable pool, a fabulous end to a brutal day on the river. You can check out some of the action here as Ron's big fish gets returned - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-SJUht_YS8 its great to see almost 100% of these quality speingers being returned now, this can only bode well for future stocks.

Rennie Miller with his super 18 pounder

Ron Sutherland 23 pounder using the new Mackenzie G2 15ft rod with Carron Jetstream floating line and Rio medium sink tip. The Rod was awesome in the wind and I recommend it to everyone, an absolute powerhouse!

Alex Fraser 13 pounder from Kilphedir pool

Don't forget to order your killer flies right here at Helmsdale Co - surely the cold spell will ease soon and rivers will be teaming with springers!

Tight lines for the week ahead.