Two superb weeks on the Helmsdale have been followed by the best yet and a record score for Kildonan rods. Kildonan Ghille Martin Grant informed me around 6 weeks ago that this week past was available on his rods, I put out a few feelers and the rods were duly snapped up by Mr Ian Muir. There is always a risk when you book fishing on any river at any time - conditions can be good, bad or otherwise, well this week the Muir party found out what is like to hit it just right.

Very stormy weather on Monday and Tuesday made fishing difficult for most but Kildonan rods picked up a remarkable 18 fish on beats 2 & 1. Conditions improved on Wednesday and all rods took advantage of the great water and lots of fish. By Friday evening Kildonan had amassed an incredible record breaking total of 42 fish. Most other rods were experiencing numbers in the teens or 20s by this time, very respectable fishing indeed. No large fish were reported and strangely many were without sea-lice. The week ended with over 150 at least.

The Association water did not completely miss out and after a hard working week there were 10 recorded - even I managed to get in on the act with 2 evening fish from the Flat pool and Alistair Jappy out manouvered his brother William this week with 2 also from the Flat pool. Saturday produced 3, one of which was a first fish of the season for local water bailiff Malcolm Bromley. Availability is still good on this water, book through the tackle shop, for details call 01431821372.

A 3" Black & yellow Monkey took my second fish of the week but the first came to a large black & yellow Monkey style feeler tube fly at 9pm on Wednesday evening. water levels were high all week so 1" - 3" tubes were working well.

Black & yellow Feeler fly firmly embedded in my 10 pounder.

 

With the fine river conditions and good chance of a fish I had the female team out this week for a cast - Wife Karen & youngest daughter April, they won't thank me for showing pictures but as we need more ladies in the sport I thought I would publish anyway! Both are looking for that elusive first fish!! I also decided to invent a fly which took inspiration from an old chewed up double I was given by top Brora ghillie Donald Cameron who told me it was deadly...needless to say i copied and tweaked and came up with the new "Kazcade double", named after the wife. I think it looks deadly...let me know what you think of it in the comments section. ( fly below )

Rainbow krystalflash, grey squirrel, black body twice as thick as normal, jungle cock and a blue hint in the tail

Daughter April enjoying a cast.

Wife Karen concentrating hard on the Helmsdale.

More big news - we are starting a " Buy one get one free" BOGOF on all available flies from tomorrow. We only have 2 per season so this is another great chance to really stock up for your summer and autumn fly fishing, please put "BOGOF" in the comments section when ordering on-line. Destination selection boxes are not included.

On an other note, we have been lucky enough to take delivery of the new Alta ( by special invitation) DVD featuring Paul Young and Vanya Hackel. Set on the fabled river Alta, Paul & Vanya go fishing and give an amazing insight into life on this legendary river which produces countless 50lbs+ salmon each season. Superb viewing! be first to get one of these. Buy here on-line for £21.99