Well it looks like the extreme drought conditions have finally resonated with river boards in the North and there are temporary fishing “shut downs” in operation. I have never witnessed this before but I cannot disagree with the decisions to protect salmon that are really struggling and diseased in many rivers. The season so far has been poor and this takes things to a whole new level. All being well the rains will come soon and fresh salmon will miraculously arrive as usual and we may end up with a decent summer of fishing, but, we cannot take too many more fishing extremes in the future or rods will just remain empty unless prices start dropping. There comes a point when the most avid angler will say “no” and decide that there are more interesting ways to spend a few days holiday.

Anyway, all this aside, we recently launched a hugely successful RS UV Micro Stoat tube to help combat the low water conditions. Since launch we have had amazing feedback on the tubes and requests for Hitch and conehead options. Well, we love a challenge here at Helmsdale Co as fly tweaking and designing is one of our best assets so we have created amazing new designs for both as you can see and buy below. We will offer the tubes individually or as a stunning tactical set of 3 with additional hooks if required. We are very excited about these as we know that salmon, grilse and seatrout will be hugely tempted especially if the water remains low.

But, please only fish for salmon if it makes sense right now.

RS UV Micro tubes set which you can buy right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-micro-tubes-set-of-all-3

Hitch tube with Scandi silver treble size 16. This tube can also be fished conventionally for salmon & sea-trout. Buy here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-hitch-tube-best-ever

RS UV Micro silver conehead - buy right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-micro-silver-conehead