A stat before we get going here - we are now on 14 fish off March 2nd, last year we only had 11 fish off by March 17th....a big improvement. Week 3 is still available too for 2 rods on the full rotation, details on last weeks report.

We also have the long awaited Loop doubles back in stock as tube doubles and down eye for tying on - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?_a=product&product_id=77

Last week was website upgrade week for the Helmsdale Company, we hope that everything looks cleaner and more modern and that navigation is better. Due to ageing software, it had to be done and we hope the results last well into the future. We have lost a few images in the process but don't let that stop you buying anything, just call us if you are in any doubt about any products. Offering a first class personal service is always our pleasure and you can speak direct to me anytime.

Settled weather and water led to a good week on the Helmsdale last week. Kildonan rods got things rolling when Alan Stone grassed an 8 pounder on beat 6 Big Rock, he followed this with the first fish from beat 2 Eldrable pool.

Achentoul rods got off the Mark with another 9 pounder from Eldrable and Badanloch rods had one from beat 1 Lower Caen. Kildonan Ghillie Marty Grant and Andy Sutherland fishing Torrish rods both had 10 pounders from the Tail of the Marrel beat 1 and I managed to nip out of the shop on Friday morning and land a 9 pounder in Little Rock pool beat 6 on a TigerTail Conehead Kinermony Killer. This is a gorgeous new fly and one of my new custom designs for Fulling Mill based on Ghillie Jock Royan's lethal killer on the Spey.

RS Kinermony Tiger

The amazing Loop Cross S1 15ft doing the business on beat 6 - Dream Combo - Loop Colour Concept Evotec (green)  GDC Low Float shooting head, 6ft Rio Versitip med sink. I have never cast a better combination, effortless power, accuracy and turnover. Call us for superb deals on these.

We have more pics from this weeks action on the Forum.

The new Fulling Mill salmon collection is making a huge impact this year at all the big trade shows and retail events across Europe. No other company can offer such a mix of great looking innovative and traditional flies that actually catch fish.
The difference with our flies is that they have been tested in Iceland, Russia Scandinavia etc and in the UK by hardcore anglers and guides putting them through their paces on the water.
There are too many flies out there that look like Christmas tree decorations with legs and bits that have been dreamt up in some far away place by people who have never held a salmon rod, and they cost too much too!
You can purchase the top Fulling Mill RS designs here for only £2.99 each. Tell your friends and fill your boots! We have many more to come as we continually re-shape the new range.

Andy Sutherlands fish from beat 1 was also caught on one of my striking new Monkey designs, the Elver Monkey, this one is an absolute stunner and the best looking Monkey tube I have designed or seen. You really need to have a look at it on the Forum Hot New Flies section, I have a feeling that I am personally going to have to tie up hundreds of these!

To date we have 14 fish off the river. 8 from beat 1, 3 from beat 6,  2 from beat 2 and 1 off the Association water. The return rate has risen to an impressive 93%. Prospects are good for the week ahead and the Association water will start producing fish if it gets fished. £12.50 and £25 per rod per day it is very good value for money and we know full well that springers are running. The river is running at a 9" which is a good height for the local water. Availability is good.