A huge spate at the weekend set the tone for one of the best weeks of the season. Good catches were cropping up the length and breadth of the river. Mostly stale fish were caught but a number of sea liced fish also turned up.

Torrish rods got things going quickly catching 8 on beat 3 before the river started to rise again in an unsettled spell. Water levels remained high at around 3ft for Monday & Tuesday and were very slow to drop due to heavy showers, however, fish were still in a taking mood and even the Association water (which usually suits lower water) started to produce fish regularly. Billy Cowie got off the mark on a rare visit, John (Hardy) Sutherland had fish on most days, and Mick Butterly rounded the week off with a brace from the Flat pool on one of his home tied TDs. Around 12 fish were caught for the week and plenty tickets are available for this water. With temperatures cooling in the coming week, conditions should be good and water levels excellent.

Copper tubes and coneheads worked very well fished on full intermediate lines and floaters. We have loads available on-line so snap some up and get the rod out to enjoy all the fresh water deposited on the UK recently

These killers are starting to make their mark across the UK and it is fast approaching the part of the season when red flies start to dominate. Our red gold & black Feeler tube below is a lethal example of what you need to be fishing as soon as temps drop and rivers rise. http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php?_a=product&product_id=1763

A blustery swirling wind made for challenging casting conditions at the Annual Highland Games but turnout was good and lots of juniors were also streaming in for a go. Jordon Marshall and Finlay Addams cleaned up in the under 16s events, Mary Anne Quail took the ladies title and I was forced to come out of retirement for a crack with all the amazing rods and lines on display. Mackenzie and Gaelforce lines were getting rave reviews but the much longer 85ft head on the Carron Jetstream and Loop cross S1 15ft combo posted the longest cast of 149ft for yours truly. Many thanks to all who helped out on the day.

Some of the prize winners, L - R Jordan Marshall (Junior salmon & trout distance), Ron Sutherland (Senior salmon & trout distance), Mick Buttery, (Senior trout distance 3rd place) Finlay Addams ( Junior trout accuracy ). Peter Quail won the senior trout accuracy competition.

April Sutherland impressively cranking up the trout rod.

The casting arena in full swing.