The Helmsdale river flew into action once again with the usual good show of anglers for the free fishing, unfortunately no fresh run fish were landed on the Friday or Saturday. The river was low running at around 5" and kelts were few and far between, temperatures were also unseasonably high, it was not what you would expect in early January.

The river has risen considerably since opening day and hopes will be much higher for the week ahead. If there are any spring salmon in the area then they will be crusing into the river as we speak.

Martin Grant launched the first cast and was piped in by April Sutherland ( my daughter ) from the Sutherland Schools pipe band. A great day was had by all and business was brisk in the village in general from the amazing seafood platters on offer to the delights of Ice & Fire Gin tasting at Glencoast, there will be a few sore heads and tales of the one that got away but the real game starts this week as the river will be in superb condition after the heavy rain.

Get the big flies and sinking tips and lines out, don't mess around too near the surface even though it is still on the mild side, temps are set to plummet and you need to get the fly down deep to seek out that priceless January springer.

My top 3 flies for early salmon

Willie Gunn is hard to beat, these cracking 1.5" double hook Waddingtons are superb as they are a mix of the legendary Waddington weight and the gold body Willie Gunn

The RS Solar Monkey is also in my top 3 for pure success. Black & yellow is hugely popular in the spring, add the super effective Monkey profile, Jungle Cock, a conehead to balance profile and RS innovation in the form of our deadly Solar flanks and you have one "Bad Ass" salmon fly that has proved its worth many times.

Then there is the RS TigerTail Alistair, This fly has a huge folllwing now and continues to fish well all over the Northern hemisphere let alone the Helmsdale. It has caught everything from opening day springers in Scotland to Baltic salmon and 25lbs TDF Seatrout! A true heavyweitht design from Ron which just keeps catching and we now have them available in tungsten and copper down to an amazing 1/4" tube.

Tight lines, get out on the water if you can with these 3 flies and you will have totally maximised your chances.