The new salmon season is finally underway on the Helmsdale plus a few others but no springers have turned up yet. Big water on opening day scuppered any chance of fishing as much of the river was well over its banks. Next day was not too much better but a few anglers ventured out but no joy. Day 3 saw a good drop in height along with a few more rods but only kelts were hooked and that’s still the way things stand. Today Saturday 17th should see a big turnout as conditions continue to improve. As usual it’s a case of watch this space!

The Tay is looking good and most of it can be covered with the heavy spinning gear on hand, I think the first Scottish springer will be seen there very soon on some type of huge Tomic or Vision 110 lure about 6” long so never worry about fishing big flies in spring, salmon will hit the biggest tubeflies you can cast!

On that tactical side you should be fishing well down in the water with full sinking lines or fast sinking tips and large heavy flies. We have loads of the best and proven tubeflies like the Brora Willie Gunn and Alistair original which are especially popular in the highlands and as a treat this spring we are offering our Alistair original tubes for only £2.50 each, that’s well worth a click and buy for a superb fly at a superb price! See both of them below and click on the link to see and buy them on our homepage. Buy here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

RS Alistair Original in the 2026 snow 2.5" copper tube

RS UV Brora Willie Gunn JC in the 2026 snow also 2.5" copper tube.