The Helmsdale is running out of water and rain is now desperately required. last week still reported around 60 fish which is good going in the low clear conditions but with only approximately 6 weeks to go we need proper rain to really boost the season. The Association gave up very few but next spate and it will be the place to be so keep a close eye on the forecast.

I am struggling to type this week due to a rupture of my lefy bicep but hopefully things will improve with some rest and tlc, not so much fly-tying for a while but ill be designing plenty for inclusion next season.

Our fly BOGOF is still on with all the flies shown on the last 3 fishing reports and i am pleased to say that there has been excellent take up on joining the new exclusive Club Helmsdale setup. With the offers available to members it really is a no brainer + we have a Helmsdale river Forum which will gather pace as the nights get longer. We hope for some interesting discussion on there where members can talk freely about the river.

Once again we are offering a great deal on our tubefly vices for half price so call the shop and purchase one anytime. 

We have an interesting insight into the fulling Mill HQ in Kericho Kenya this week - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fvK-CCMMoc One of the best tiers over there ties one of our new Tiger Willie Gunn Coneheads, as you can see, he (Tadeo) is well in control of the situation, a great guy and a brilliantly talented fly tier, even under pressure!

Helmsdale hosted the annual Highland games this weekend and the North of Scotland open fly casting championships. Kildonan Ghillie Martin Grant won the salmon distance casting with a super cast of 159 feet. The rod used was the new Mackenzie DTX Perflex 15ft and our usual Carron Jetstream Competition line of 105ft head did the trick. The overall trophy went to head water bailiff Peter Quail who came second in the salmon casting but also won the trout accuracy and trout distance, Peters wife Mary-Anne won the Ladies open salmon casting to complete a fine double casting 91ft.

We were delighted to have Loop CEO Gordon Sim helping out this year again and he had a fine selection of the new Loop Cross S1 rods demonstrating their amazing 3M technology. Everyone who picked up one of these rods found it very difficult to put them down again, so light and powerful and casting the tightest loops with extreme accuracy. These rods are the new "must have" rods on the market and a Loop reel to balance offers anglers a very hi-spec outfit difficult to equal. Call us for the absolute best deals on these awesome rods and reels.

Some pics of the weekend games casting activities.

Gordon Sim demonstrating a Cross S1 in suitable attire!

Some of the Angling Club Boys running operations.

Last years trout casting winner Pete Daniels