As a Fishing Tackle shop owner in Helmsdale I continually get asked by anglers from all over the world via the shop and email etc "can I fish on the Helmsdale river"
My answer is always "yes, on the Association water only".
The Fishery Review is soon to consult apparently on the setting up of new Fishery Management Organisations to replace and update the current Fishery Board management system which has been in place since the 1800s. Now is time to revisit the rodding arrangements on the Helmsdale river and bring the rotation up to date and fit for purpose in today's society.

People ask "how many rods are available on the Helmsdale river"
I say - 12 visitor + approx 70 local on 1 mile of tidal water
They say - what about above the Association water?
I say - 12 rods on 23 miles of water
They say - can I fish there?
I say - no
They say - why not?
I say - because we are not permitted to fish there.
They say - who is stopping me fishing there
I say - the landowners
They say - why?
I say - because there are no rods available
They say - what do you mean no rods available
I say - there are no rods for sale.
They say - why not
I say - because each beat is limited to 2 rods
They say - why only 2 rods
I say - because the landowners say so
They say - so no local consultation on the matter
I say - no
They say - is there room for more rods
I say - landowners don't think so
They say - do you think so
I say - yes
They say - but there is room on the Association water for 72 rods
I say - obviously
They say - that does not add up
I say - I agree
They say - can the owners count
I say - I would assume so
They say - so how do 12 rods divide into 23 miles and 72 into 1 mile
I say - because the landowners say so
They say - but that's not fair
I say - they think it is obviously
They say - what do other locals think
I say - they are not supposed to think
They say - what do you mean
I say - we get what we are given
They say - but that's Kinda mob rule is it not
I say - it's not, the Scottish Govt are labeled the control freaks
They say - what do you think
I say - it's a bit of both, there are no winners.
They say - are the estates making a profit
I say - no
They say - how do you know this
I say - because they say so in various docs/media
They say - do they charge for fishing 12 rods
I say - yes, handsomely
They say - do they charge enough for fishing 12 rods
I say - I would assume so.
They say - why are they not making a profit then
I say - I don't know, maybe they have big bills
They say - do they make an income from other activities, stalking, farming etc
I say - yes
They say - why do they not increase income by letting more rods fish on the river.
I say - I don't know
They say - is there demand
I say - there is a very long waiting list
They say - well they should add more rods then
I say - they don't want to
They say - why not
I say - they don't want to
They say - why not
I say - because they don't want to make money obviously
They say - that's just stupid
I say - I agree
They say- how much would another 2 rods per estate generate
I say - approx £100,000 per estate
They say - you gotta be kidding
I say - no
They say - it's a no brainer
I say - obviously not
They say - are these people sane
I say - I don't know
They say - so estates don't currently make a profit
I say - apparently not
They say - well whats stopping them adding more rods
I say - I don't know
They say - have you asked them
I say - yes
They say - what was their answer
I say - they said it would upset their current clients
They say - are they running their estates as a business
I say - I don't know but it would appear not
They say - so they are happy not making money
I say - obviously
They say - why
I say - because they see themselves as custodians of the land not businessmen maybe
They say - what!!
I say - they say they are not here to make money.
They say - well that's ridiculous
I say - they say they do not run their estates for commercial gain
They say - how do you know that
I say - because a report commissioned by the proprietors says so
They say - where does it say that
I say - in a "Report on the economic affect of salmon fishing on the river Helmsdale" 2012 page 5 para 6 view here - http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0043/00432922.pdf
They say - so the landowners have said on the record that they do not run their estates for economic gain
I say - yes
They say - well that's unbelievable
I say - yes it is
They say - how much would 12 extra rods generate for the local economy
I say - approx £1,000,000 (1 million) including £600,000 from extra fishing lets and the obvious significant knock on effect from local spend including accom, shopping, dining, ghillies etc etc
They say - what do you base that figures on
I say - the figures are based on an Economic survey of the Kyle of Sutherland rivers by Glasgow Caledonian Uni in 2007
They say - so you think the Helmsdale river has the ability to possibly generate an extra 1 million for the economy and not harm fragile salmon stocks
I say - yes, the survey stated 7 years ago that the 5 Kyle of Sutherland rivers generate almost 4 million for the local economy (page 3 table 1)
They say - WOW can I see the survey
I say - yes you can view it right here - http://www.kylefisheries.org/uploads/Economic%20Survey.pdf
They say - so what are they waiting for
I say - I don't know
They say - they should add 12 more rods to the rotation asap
I say - yes that would be welcomed
They say - does the river operate on full catch & release
I say - almost with possible full c & r legislation as soon as 2016
They say - so no detrimental effects to salmon stocks from extra killing
I say - no, not if fish are handled properly.
They say - really, so what are they waiting for
I say - I don't know
They say - why don't they trial more rods for a year or two
I say - I don't know
They say - do you think this would work
I say - yes absolutely, there are more than 50 rods permitted to fish on the middle Dee on 15 miles of river double bank as just one example, we currently have 12 rods fishing 24 miles.
They say - so the Helmsdale is very exclusive
I say - it's beyond exclusive, it is stuck in a time warp and therefore makes no money as landowners have already stated.
They say - would adding more rods create more jobs locally
I say - yes, 6 more ghillies and more seasonal staff in hotels local businesses and on estates etc
They say - how would you integrate 12 new rods
I say - we have 12 beats, 6 below falls and 6 above so 2 rods start above and 2 down and swap beats at lunchtime.
They say - sounds simple
I say - yes it is
They say - would there be enough room for the extra rods
I say - yes absolutely
They say - what if there is no water
I say - there is always water
They say - why
I say - we have a dam with in excess of 3 billion gallons of compensation water
They say - so you have the luxury of extra water on tap if required
I say - yes
They say - awesome! Landowners should therefore add extra rods.
I say - yes that would make sense and re-invigorate the area
They say - yes it would so they better tell their clients that they will have a new rotation system on the river soon
I say - yes they should, they are the owners and run the fishing.
They say - do you think the current clients will be angry and leave
I say - no they will get used to it and end up covering more water, they will not give up their fishing on the Helmsdale, no chance,
They say - maybe overall rod prices could decrease slightly if more rods were introduced
I say - that could happen
They say - more beginners and kids could be introduced into the sport
I say - yes
They say - well thats good then isn't it
I say - yes very good
They say - well that will probably lead to more fish getting caught
I say - yes probably
They say - so that means more anglers will be happy
I say - yes a win win situation, more employment, more benefit for the local economy and estates, more salmon getting caught, all good
They say - can I put my name down for 2 rods please
I say - watch this space.......


Lets open this debate properly - I have added this to the "river rodding discussion" in the Helmsdale River Forum. I think the area deserves it...simply sign in with an email address and username and you have instant access - this is sure to be a very hot topic so get stuck in but do not forget, this is all for the good of the river and the area.