The Rev Eric Paterson from Golspie has once again had the pleasure of catching ( and returning ) the first fish off the Helmsdale river. Upper Caen pool was the spot ( again for Eric ) and his trusty RS Mylar Willie Gunn was the fly on a 1.5" copper tube. Eric was given the fly as a gift by local Sonny Jappy the day before and advised "that's the fly for tomorrow" Eric duly listened and swam it through his favourite spot on beat 1 where there was an obliging fresh run 7 pounder waiting to pounce.

Eric wins the the Simms primaloft Gore-tex jacket, Bridge Hotel trophy and a bottle of our fine local Clynelish.

We now have to work out who has all picked the pool where the fish was caught and draw the winner of our Archie Foundation competition. A top of the range Loop rod awaits the winner of that...

A delighted Eric Paterson with his first fish pic

Johnny (Hardy) Sutherland presents Eric with his prizes

The chrome tide fresh fish of 7lbs

Rs Mylar Gold Bodied Willie Gunn inhaled