The Helmsdale had a welcome freshet last week of around 4ins, excitement was obviously in the air but the fishing did not live up to all the expectation. Some nice fresh fish between 6 – 15lbs were taken throughout the river and a couple of grilse were reported also but generally things were pretty quiet. The Association water provided a couple of 8 & 9lbs salmon for William Jappy on the early morning shift and a few fish are now being seen on the coast.

As I write it is mid-summer and a big Atlantic low pressure is winding up over us dumping buckets, after the rain of last week I think we are finally about to have a proper spate tomorrow. The river needs a good clean out as it has been low since the end of April.

The season review so far would go something like this:- Slow start – average spring – waiting for summer to happen!

Sea-trout have arrived and Martin Grant had the best night with three up to 2lbs last week on the Association water, unfortunately sea-trout need no encouragement to run the system so the rising river will kill night-time sport for a while on the tidal stretch. However, as I have said it is mid summer and we will expect grilse numbers to steadily build from now on.

Time to shop for some bright new killer flies!!

8/6/08