167 keen anglers registered for the free fishing by the end of the week but no fresh fish were reported. The weather was against most of the time barring a calm day Wednesday and the river fluctuated between 5ft and 2ft. The water temperature was probably the biggest problem faced as it hovered close to freezing all week on 34 degrees whilst the sea temp was clocked at a smouldering 42. This will not exactly encourage springers to speed into the river but but one or two may creep up as far as the Flat pool on the Asssociation water or onto beat 1.

We have a "Buy 3 get 1 free" offer on flies right through the spring this year so nobody misses out! excluding Classic flies and Selection boxes. Please check out the sheer quality of our flies right here  -  http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/ Our Mylar tubes in particular are real killers as demonstrated by Jim Fisher on Deeside last year where he outfished all using them. The Willie Gunn and Black & Yellow versions below worked best. You can take advantage of our 3 + 1 offer to try them right here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-black-yellow-mylar-tube.html

We have superb Hot NEW RS flies in stock her for spring also  - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/hot-new-rs-flies.html

RS Black & Yellow Mylar tube

RS Willie Gunn mylar tube

Kelts were caught but not in great numbers and a peculiar grilse caught by John Bell raised a few eyebrows. It had a tight vent, was fin perfect and it looked for all the world like a summer grilse. The verdict was a baggot (not spawned) which may have returned to the sea and decided to enter the river again after a few weeks which made it look so tide fresh, whatever it is, it is not a springer. (pic below)

Prospects are not amazing as the cold spell is set to continue BUT I would be confident fishing the Association water or beats 1 & 2. The first fish prize still awaits! Some pics from the week below.

The Association water is where you need to be and for only £25 per rod per day, its worth a punt right now, pensioners half price, under 16s free. Tickets available at Helmsdale Co Tackle shop or call us on 01431821372 to book and get the latest news.

Calum Gillies, Portree, returns a kelt in a snowstorm on beat 4.

Salscraggie pool getting well covered by anglers on both banks.

The scene from midweek looking down the glen towards the village from beat 2.

Here is one of our new flies based on the famous Tadpole fly so popular in the Highlands. Ron has modernised the design and shape to create a Monkey/TD style tube using the same successful colours. We have it available now in 0.5" & 1" in both copper and aluminium tubes. When the fish arrive this one will hammer them if its not sold out by then.....Click here to buy now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-tadpole-td-monkey.html