Fishing was steady on the river last week with nothing spectacular to report. Fresh fish were still entering the system but seemed in a real hurry through the lower river for some reason. The beats picked away with around 60. John (Hardy) Sutherland had 6 up to 16lbs with 3 in an hour on Red Brae 3 above but generally you had to really work for your fish.

The Association water gave up around 12 - 15 fish or so after a fast start on Monday morning for William Jappy who nailed 3 grilse and lost 2 before breakfast and a rapid 2ft rise. The spate did nothing to boost catches really and by midweek the water was back down to around 8". Experienced Welsh internationalist Gavin Perry and Neil Thomas had all the conditions to deal with and by the end of the week they were on to classic Helmsdale dibbling as the river dropped away to almost summer level. They shared 4 grilse up until Saturday when Gavin ended on a high dibbling out another 2 better quality fish. Sonny Jappy got off the mark too with a fish from the Sewrage pool. Visitor Alan Shearer also had a nice fish midweek but they were not exactly giving themselves up easily.

Baby TDs were still catching and droppers were working well. Its always a risk fishing a dropper but time and time again it picks up fish so well worth a go, Cascades, Allys, Alistairs and Helmsdale shrimps in sizes 10 - 12 are ideal.

Our Solar Monkey coneheads are back in stock now and will fish great in high water later in the season and in spring (pics below). The UV flanks on these tubes really show up superbly and definitely catch the eye of the salmon, get some in your box fast as stocks disappear very quickly on these very innovative flies.

Gavin Perry with one of 4 mint grilse released last week.

Neil Thomas with a superbly conditioned grilse.

The amazing Solar Monkey effect with our range of patterns below.

RS Global Solar Monkey. Click here to buy now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/global-solar-monkey-pro-choice.html

RS Solar Monkey black & yellow. Click here to buy now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/solar-monkey-black-yellow-pro-choice.html

RS Solar Monkey hot orange. Click here to buy now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-hot-orange-solar-monkey-pro-choice.html

There is lots of availability on the Association water and for £25 per rod per day it is definitely well worth a cast! OAPs get on for £12.50 and under 16s are free. Pop into the Tackle shop anytime after 9am to get instant access to the river and a great chance of a hook up.