It was another tough week on the Helmsdale last week as low water persists. Hitch flies and tiny Frances flies scored as well as anything but generally the good stock of fish in the river were hard to please. However, there are lots of big fish around and this was proved in abundance by a trip to the new stream on beat 3 by the Achentoul rods who caught two fish which combined to tip the scales at over 50lbs. 2 huge fish of 25 and 28lbs were caught and more spotted rolling around, (pics and more details to follow). Tiny coneheads were doing the trick and there are none better than the micro Frances pictured below, I have added a size 14 silver stoat double to give scale to the tiny tubes. These will score anywhere right now as all the rivers are low and we have lots of them available. Let them drift deep, retrieve at various speeds and stand by for action!

The magnificent 28 pounder caught by John Roe, probably over 30lbs when it entered the river in the spring.

25 pounder caught in the same pool same day by Mehmet Arkin

The Association water has all but died a death unless we get a spate, there are fish around but we need fresh water to jazz things up again before the season ends next week.

The Helmsdale season may be coming to an end but there is another 2 months worth of fishing on the Tweed and many other rivers so don't put the rods away quite yet, there are still lots of salmon to catch and we have all the flies and gear to make sure you do! Tungsten tubes are deadly for instance as soon as the water cools down. Coneheads and copper tubes also catch many fish. Check out all our killers on-line. We are now taking custom fly orders for next season as I will be tying some flies over the next few months. Email me or call if you need any specials and i'll add you the ever increasing list!