Massive thanks to the Helmsdale River Board for the unique free fishing event, Gordon Simm & Loop Tackle, Clynelish Whisky, Helmsdale Co staff and all the anglers (151) who made Opening day on the Helmsdale a big success. Well done to Ruth Dudgeon for opening the river in fine style. Congratulations once again to Andy Sutherland for catching the first salmon in the UK and Ronnie Dempster who caught the second.
The river is now open for the whole week ahead for free and the springers are obviously in. A great chance to fish superb water. Call in at The Helmsdale Company - Tackle & Flies Now on FB and pick up your supply of deadly Alistair TigerTail salmon flies and RS SuperSnaelda. We make the flies that catch the springers! Tight lines, have a great week!

Andy delighted at seeing the first UK salmon safely on the bank.

The large gathering in front of the closed Bridge Hotel

Armed and ready in the shop

The opening cast

Andy (Torrish) Sutherland has once again landed a Helmsdale opening day fresh fish. As usual he wasted absolutely no time and 10 minutes after the opening ceremony the lovely 8lbs sea-liced fish was grassed. Salscraggie pool on beat 1 just above the village was the chosen hot spot and brother Rons Tiger Tail Alistair copper tube ( from the Fulling Mill Collection ) did the damage. This is the first spring salmon caught in Scotland this year. Andy wins a fantastic Loop Cross S1 salmon rod and Loop Evotec Colour Concept salmon reel along with The Bridge Hotel Trophy, a bottle of Clynelish and a selection of deadly RS Fulling Mill Tiger tubes. An opening day fish on the Helmsdale is traditionally retained, 95% of the rest are returned. http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1503

The deadly TigerTail Alistair which caught the first fish

Ruth Dudgeon who opened the river with Sir Michael Wigan River Board manager.