latest news 3/9/17 Around 60 off last week so things are still rolling along but the temps need to start dropping soon if the season is to end with a bang! Don't forget to scroll down and check out our superb and deadly end of season flies, they are exactly what you need! you can either buy them in Baxters of Fochabers on the banks of the Spey or simply shop online right here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/

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The Helmsdale is easing itself into the final phase of the season, pretty good on the whole so far, but now anglers are getting tested. The last two weeks have been tough going. Fresh fish are still running and you can bump into one anytime but the trend is how best to persuade the residents now. It is always a challenge, good water helps but even this does not guarantee sport nowadays, the days of big killings on the back of big spates are over, probably due to the unpredictability of the weather and warmer autumn temperatures. Word is, the river has over 1000 fish off so far with a full month to go, not bad considering the fish have been hard to catch all summer.

If you are lucky enough to be fishing the Helmsdale, or any other river for that matter you need to start fishing smart and that simply means broadening your tactics a little. Even though it is still mild don't be afraid to fish deep espcially if there is good water levels, Frances tubes and coneheads are as good as it gets, RS Willie Dog coneheads, Red/Gold SuperSnaelda conehead, RS Willie Gunn TDs in copper/tungsten. Take serious note of water clarity, depth and temperature. If the water is clear go for amaller flies, 1/4" frances copper/tungsten tubes, Black Frances, Silver Stoat, Cascade Pot bellied Pig. Bigger water will command the heavier brighter patterns like Framethrower, Cascade Pig Tungsten, Cascade Conehead, Cascade SuperSnaelda, Willie Dog Conehead and Black & orange Monkey. Keep the explosive Sunray Shadow in mind also as they have a habit of getting attacked by the bigger fish as Glen Macdonald Borrobol rods found out yet again last week in the Marrel pool beat 1. He hooked another brute which turned and headed for the Association water at high speed before throwing the hook unfortunately.

To make things easy we have set you up a great deal on our top ten "best of the best" salmon flies for £30 normally over £40 as tungstens are around £3.99 - £4.50 generally. So to take out the hassle, just grab our very Special selection by clicking right here for immediate delivery - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/best-of-the-best-autumn-selection.html

Best of the best selection