As another season on the Helmsdale closes out there is much optimism in the air for spring 2018. The final tally will be knocking on for around 1700 fish, not bad for a river so lightly fished. The trend this season has been on a par with other Northern rivers with bigger fish dominating the run and grilse numbers coming a poor second. Remarkably there have been a handful of superb fish of over 30lbs and dozens over 20 during one of the better seasons in recent years. Rods on the river have always been difficult to access, I think it just got harder!

The Brora recorded a cracking fish of 32 lbs recently also, Mr James Stewart-Richardson being the lucky angler, The Lower Fannich pool was the hot spot, North bank, and the fish was 43 x 23.5". I don't think it would be fantasy to believe we could see a 40lbs monster grassed sometime very soon on the Helmsdale or Brora.

Don't forget I am still trying to organise fly tying lessons over the close season on Speyside, the numbers are growing and when there are enough I will negotiate with a Hotel for accom or space to execute the courses. Please email me if you are interested. We are looking at 2 days courses where you will be shown how to tie some of the deadliest modern salmon flies ever created.

On Speyside the season has had a similar feel with lots of thumping msw salmon reported and a sprinkling of grilse. For keen spring anglers like myself, this is music to the ear and I'm busy tying up, tweaking and designing some new patterns which I have to say are the most stunning new designs I have ever created by far. There are big new developments ahead for Helmsdale Company and you will be gobsmaked at the quality and innovation of the salmon flies coming your way soon. WATCH THIS SPACE VERY CLOSELY.

The season is not exactly over quite yet as many rivers are fishing extensions to the season throughout most of october and others are open until the end of November, the famous Tweed to name the most prominent. We have all the flies and tackle you need to catch that big back end monster so gram some tungstens, Monkey tubes and some sinking tips and get on the water, there are still loads of salmon to be caught! Any invites to the Tweed greatly accepted!!! its a long time until Jan 11th and the Helmsdale opening again....

Our best Autumn seller on a Tungsten tube 1/2" and 1/4 the RS Cascade Pig along with a close second, the Tungsten & copper red Frances, real heavy hitters which catch salmon for fun!

RS Cascade Pig, click here to buy - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-cascade-pig-tungsten-tube-pro-choice.html

Red Frances, click & buy here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/red-frances-tungsten-tube.html

The Brora brute at 32lbs