As the big Helmsdale river opening looms, the conditions could not be better. The river is currently running clear and absolutely ice free at about 2ft on the gauge. The forecast for the week ahead offers a mild West to South West airflow with a scattering of low pressure systems which will keep the river well topped up. I would guess at an opening day height of between 2 - 3 feet which will overindulge us on all our classic spring pools and from both banks.

Ron and daughter April Louise warming up some deadly flies for Opening day on our famous Salscraggie pool

Big flies will be the order of the day so get your orders into us for 1.5" and 2" copper and aluminium tubes and large coneheads, we also have a great selection of tungsten tubes perfect for early spring fishing. Better still, just come along to a week of absolutely free fishing. Register at the tackle shop from Sunday afternoon 2 pm until around 6 or pop in anytime Monday to Saturday from 9. we will be open from 8.30 on Opening day. I am booked for guiding from Monday to Wednesday currently so contact me if you need a helping hand later in the week, I'll take you through all the very best hot spots on some gorgeous water.

As usual, we have a cracking prize going to the lucky angler who catches the first clean fish of the season (and returns it) very important from now on! Make sure you have a camera as we all love to see a superb opening day springer on display. The Bridge Hotel crystal trophy, an Opti Strike salmon reel, the traditional sponsors bottle of Clynelish and a selection of our best salmon flies go to the captor. This year there is also an additional trophy donated by Mick Buttery for the first fish caught on the Association water and the Thyme and Plaice restaurant are adding another bottle of Clynelish to that prize. Bacon rolls will be hot on the go from 8 am each morning at Thyme & Plaice opposite Helmsdale Co and they will be open late all week along with the Belgrave Arms, Bannockburn Inn and La Mirage. We are all set for a fantastic week. Check out Rons latest YouTube river preview right here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pss2a25nKfg

There has been an awakening in the North!, the first of our spring fly boards is now on display in the shop and with 8 days to go the excitement is growing to fever pitch, more to come tomorrow with the latest detailed fishing report.