The Helmsdale river opened today with a height of 4ft 6 on the guage, not the best and bordering on the unfishable. The weather was rough with high winds and wintry squalls and the Sutherland schools pipe band were advised to stay at home by Sir Michael Wigan. Pipe major Lee Bain was therefore sent to pipe us through the the opening ceremony and Alistair Jappy duly opend proceedings in front of a hardcore crowd of around 150 with 115 anglers registered in the opening day book - opening cast vid here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UElBuK4xfs

Opening day speech from Sir Michael Wigan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui1aHfTMQkA

The anglers who crossed the river and fished from the South bank had most success today but only with kelts mostly from Salscraggie and Kilphedir pools. No opening day fresh fish were reported. Prospects look much better for tomorrow as winds are to ease slightly and the river should drop.

Some Kilphedir pool action from the master himself, Andy Sutherland - this time the water height even beat the best! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ezGFgl6W30

A few pics, Alistair Jappy & Sir Michael Wigan prepare to open the river with our famous Sponsors malt, Clynelish.

Lone piper Lee Bain piping through the storm...

Andy Sutherland in full concentration on Kilphedir pool beat 2.

The tail of Kilphedir pool starting to look fishy.

Top end of Kilphedir pool looking rather rough as another heavy shower hammers down the Strath of Kildonan.

Sutherland Bros Ron & Andy strategising again but nothing to show for it apart from a bag of kelts!