Expert angler Ronnie Fraser has caught the first UK fly caught salmon of the season this week on the river Morrison on the Ness system. The sparkling springer weighed in at around 9lbs before being released and it was caught on his deadly personal fly desigh, the Roncade size 8 double. The water was low so Ronnie was just fishing light with a sink tip and the size 8 double, but it did the trick! Fish and fly below and the flies are now available right here on Helmsdale Co in size 6 & 8 for spring fishing - click here to buy - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

Many thanks to Ronnie Fraser for giving us permission to copy and tie up his great fly.

The deadly Roncade tied on a Silver Patriot Double

Ronnies lovely Moriston springer

The Helmsdale river was in good order for most of the week to round up the free fishing but no springers reported as yet - but, on the 15th this fish was caught by Norrie Wilson but it has not been verified as no scales were taken. The salmon was around the 5lbs mark and much noise is being made on Social media regarding what is is exactly, kelt, baggot, rawner, farmed salmon, repeat spawner, you name it. Small springers do get caught but we will never know for sure now what it was so the old reliable saying will be applied unfortunately "if in doubt, its not a springer". You can make up your own opinion, fish in question below.