The fishing has perked up on many rivers after the welcome downpours of last week. the Helmsdale has blown hot and cold with certain beats producing the goods on certain days but the age old consistency is long gone.

However, The lower Spey has stepped in for the big highlight of the past week with a superb days work for local angler Allan Crook. The Spey had a rise in the water like most rivers and it seemed to supercharge a later than usual grilse run which Allan took full advantage of by landing a magical 9 fresh runners on the Fochabers water, and all on the same fly, our RS UV Solar Willie Dog conehead, What a result! Allan is certainly no rookie when it comes to salmon fishing but even the expert salmon angler that he is, he will admit that that was a complete red letter fishing day fishing especially in this day and age. Well done indeed.

We designed the fly a good few years ago and you can read all about on the fly link to its page. Ron took the Willie Gunn and framed it into a stunning little Temple Dog conehead with arctic fox and ofcourse more recently it was tweaked with our signature UV in the wing and our Solar charge under the wing and boy has it worked for Allan and many others but this result is outstanding and really shows that if you want a trending fly that is obviously catching atlantic salmon then this is the fly you need, simple as that!

The even better news is that we have already added a few more versions for autumn which replaces the orange fox with red and some different cones in fluro red and stealth black which will be online this week so watch out for those.

Below is the exact flythat caught 9 salmon in one day.

RS UV Solar Willie Dog conehead, 1/2" grab some now if you want to catch salmon! buy here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-solar-willie-dog-conehead-pro-fly

Allan with one of his 9 salmon on Saturday

The fly ( wet view )

Another chunky grilse with fly on the rock...

Check out these stunning new Rs "Autumn Series" salmon flies from Helmsdale Co which are available right now, as we so often state, you cannot get them anywhere else! Please not also that there will be a set of these available shortly, 2 of each different sizes in one of our most popular "Perfect tubefly" boxes with or without hooks options, email us if you want to order a set in advance, many thanks.

RS Red UV Willie Gunn Special ( autumn Series ) Buy now - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-red-willie-gunn-special-autumn-series

RS Foxy UV Red Alistair ( Autumn Series ) Buy now - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-foxy-red-alistair-conehead

RS UV Red Cascade Conehead ( Autumn Series ) Buy now - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-red-uv-cascade-conehead-autumn-series

RS UV Copper Cascade Patriot Double ( Autumn series ) Buy now - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-copper-cascade-patriot-double-autumn-series

Before we start, We have all our RS Baby TDs on a buy 2 get 1 free right now, simply put, if you purchase 2 we add another for free to your order so pickup some before the season runs out, they are deadly and can all be purchased individually or in a stunning full set, link to the set is here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-baby-temple-dog-deal

We also have a nice reel of the second fish hooked on Ronald Sutherland facebook page and now on the Helmsdale Company facebook page, please follow either of these to watch.

Well the Helmsdale is far from flying and you would have to concede that it’s probably peak season. But, it does have one huge advantage over all other highland rivers, it has water! All be it compensation water from the catchment, it is still water and that keeps the river fishing when others are almost dry. I had the luxury of 2 days on the Association water but recent catch stats were not exactly getting me too excited about my prospects but you can see some of the fun below, the grilse are definitely running but the numbers are nowhere near what they were a few years ago.

The Monday morning set up was classic summer dibbling tactics with 12lbs Maxima Chameleon and a dropper ( Naked Alistair ) and my highest scoring fly of all time as the point fly, the RS UV Baby TD tube. To cut a long story short, the dropper was attacked by a grilse coming right out of the water to drown it, it was landed and the UV Baby TD was also chased on the surface by 2 other lovely grilse and both also landed. Even a daytime seatrout had a go at the TD and it was also landed and was in amazing shape, it certainly fed well as you can see from the pic below.

So, onto the dibbling part, it seems to be a tactic that’s dying out but my advice is that if you are on a small to medium size river then fish with a dropper because you will simply pick up more fish. You may have a few more fly management issues since there are 2 but all in all it’s worth the risk because there are lots of reasons why this approach offers more chance of catching salmon. The smaller fast flowing parts of a river suit it perfectly as in summer when fresh fish are running they are often pausing in the fastest water at the head of a pool, even in the white water so these areas need to be covered properly and with control over both your flies. The dibbling method suits this perfectly. To keep it simple, your setup is already geared for it so all you are looking to do is start with the shortest possible line, cast quite square and immediately raise the rod tip and hold it out across the stream, the dropper will pop up to the surface and you are in full control of both flies. Once you can see the dropper then you can slowly move the rod tip towards your bank and the inside edge of the stream then let out a couple of feet of line and repeat the move. The width of the run dictates length of line. You can lengthen as the run widens and make sure you take a step between each cast or two. You are basically in total control of the speed of the flies swinging  with the point of the rod so you can hang them out in the fastest water to give salmon enough time to see and hit them. It’s a deadly way to fish which simply cannot be done with anything longer than a short line.

Traditionally the set up is around 12ft nylon in total with the dropper set in the middle. The dropper itself is slightly bigger than the point fly so it shows up better in fast water and this also helps to anchor the fly better rather than have it bouncing, you can also raise or lower the point of the rod to always have dropper dragging properly on the surface. That’s the basics of it, but because of this tactic, you can be faced with many scenarios. Salmon love to rise to a fly, in fast water this can lead to some explosive lunges at the fly and not just once but many times before the fly is even taken properly, if it even is! Salmon can rise to the tail fly numerous times times and get bored with it so one step forward will then present the dropper where it is often taken immediately. Then ofcourse you can change fly size or colour once you have a fish interested and this often results in a solid take. So that’s the basics of dibbling, A book could be written on the subject on classic Helmsdale dibbling. So to summarise, the advantages of dibbling are as follows, you are using 2 different fly patterns rather than 1 to tempt fish. You use 2 different sizes of fly so are offering a choice there too. You have full control of fly speed in the fastest of water. You are playing right into the fact that salmon love to hit a fly skating on the surface. One word of caution, don’t strike or lift the rod when you see a fish come to your fly as for some reason they do not like this and generally you never see them again. The whole aspect of this super exciting way to fish in summer is a far cry from searching a huge deep pool with a 3” Willie Gunn copper tube on a sinking line in the spring. So, if the water allows you to fish a short line at the head of any of the pools, get dibbling as you will catch Atlantic salmon wherever they swim, I guarantee it! Fishing the Sunray Shadow and Hitching are also great tactics to get salmon chasing your fly on the surface but they are both different methods and maybe for discussion another day....

An early start pays dividends, RS UV Baby TD strikes

RS UV Baby TD  ( wet look )

RS Naked Alistair Gold Patriot double

RS UV Baby TD ( dry look )

A pristine 5 pounder also on the UV Baby TD

Breakfast treat from Mother Nature.

A stunningly shaped seatrout hit the UV Baby TD also.

A change of tactics in the sun. Red Frances copper tube 0.25" and size 12 Pearly Allys Patriot double

The stunning Bridge pool just a few yards from the sea.

Hi there, not much information coming from the Helmsdale last week but the river was unsettled by the sound of it. I would imagine that there are certainly fish getting caught on the association water and up river as we approach the peak weeks of the season. I will fishing it hard next week for a few days so watch this space to see how things are going close up.

Some more deadly flies below to keep you catching...all of them are available to buy right now on the website so grab some if you are heading out on the water, you will catch salmon on them thats for sure!

Start your shopping right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

Our deadly Kazcade conehead with a hint of UV, blue and our new Scandi coneheads which fit our flies like a glove.

Our beautiful Foxy Alistair coneheads which are flying out the door this summer, we will be offering a red version soon for the autumn.

A few from the weekend sizing from 12cm UV Laerdal Sunray Shadow in copper and alumin bodies right down to our UV Micro tubes and hitches.

Tight lines.

The grilse are running the Helmsdale now as a few are getting picked up on the Association water. The run should grow daily and peak sometime in July so check out the top 4 flies (below) you need for the Helmsdale and any other river actually, these catch salmon everywhere.

The new RS Helmsdale Summer Top 4 which you can buy right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

Our stunning summer set with an RS UV Wisp, Baby TD, Alistair conehead and a Willie Dog conehead. Totally proven hugely successful not just by Ron but everyone who has fished with them wherever salmon swim! They all work brilliantly from dawn till dusk, something to do with the UV in them?

Hi there, the fishing is still in its traditional dour stage of the season with a few grilse and sea-trout beginning to ease into our rivers, the next few weeks will hopefully bring the best fishing of the season with a good strong grilse run.

Wherever you are fishing, we have the flies that will offer you a massive chance to hook up with one of these powerpacked fighting machines. Our RS UV flies have been sensational over the last couple of seasons and we have been forced to add even more to our extensive range. There is something about the presence of UV in a fly but don't ask me what it is, the fish seem to know and anglers all over the Northern hemosphere seem to be catching more salmon on them by the season. We are getting rising numbers of repeat orders so anglers are realising that they getting something special from us, something they really fish with confidence and something that gives them the edge when they spend valuable time on a river.

We are now also introducing coneheads from a new supplier, Pro Sportfisher, below are some of our flies with them to give you an idea of the superb shape and profile they create. Please let us know if you want the flies below on our new cones.

Plus, check out another of our latest tiny beauties, this is the smallest hook we tie any flies on, a Partridge Patriot double size 16, yes you heard correctly, a stunning size 16. The experience that Ron has over the last 45 years hunting down salmon & sea-trout has made him design this next UV summer sensation, the RS UV Summer Wisp. This is one of the most weaponised tiny doubles that you will fish anywhere, you don't need to mess around with tube doubles that are too big for tiny flies as this amazing little double is the best you will ever come across as a salmon & seatrout fly all in one, simplicity itself, but, this fly has huge provenance with a very modern twist and it will out fish any other fly in low water summer conditions.

RS UV Summer Wisp Patriot double size 16. buy now right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-summer-wisp-patriot-double-size-16.

RS UV Cascade Alistair JC - buy now right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-summer-wisp-patriot-double-size-16.?_a=product&product_id=3558

RS UV Willie Dog - buy now right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-solar-willie-dog-conehead-pro-fly

RS UV JC Alistair conehead, buy now right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-uv-jc-alistair-conehead

RS UV Cascade Alistair - Buy now right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/cascade-alistair-conehead.html

So the fishing is right in between the two big seasons of spring and summer as we await the proper arrival of grilse and seatrout. There have still been recent highlights though. Our RS UV Kitchen Sink just keeps catching for Martin Kennedy this season with quality salmon and even seatrout now too. This lethal fly with Ron’s UV and Colobus Monkey hair twist seems to be attracting plenty of action for martin in particular right through the spring so it’s maybe time you popped some in your flybox! See the fly below which is tied on silver Patriot doubles.

We also have another new stunner tied up on the exceptional silver Patriot doubles - the RS UV Solar Stealth Monkey ( summer ) which has been a huge favourite as a tubefly this year. And also check out our RS Foxy Alistair conehead, another breathtaking fly from Ron for summer. These just pop under the surface and get hammered, its that simple!

As an aside we are starting to let angkers know that thinking ahead we will be tying up extra special RS UV Solar sets for brilliant Christmas presents so keep those in mind and set the seed for later, we will keep you all posted on their development but you can contact us anytime from now on to get on the list for them. They will be totally unique and boxed so absolutely awesome gifts for the keen salmon angler, drop us your name anytime as I have said so you will be on our shortlist for tying of them.

The fishing everywhere else is dragging its heels a bit which is normal for the time of year so don’t worry, the best is yet to come so please get your orders in for our great flies and summer tactical selections etc.

All the above flies are on our homepage right here so grab some as SOON as you get the chance - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

RS Stealth UV Solar Monkey Silver Patriot double

RS UV Kitchen Sink silver Patriot double ( Colobus range )

Martin Kennedy with his second fish for the day on Taymount on our UV Kitchen sink.

And a fine seatrout too for Martin on the same fly, the deadly RS UV Kitchen Sink silver Patriot double.

RS Foxy Alistair conehead

Tight lines

Ron

The fishing has slowed down a little due to the dry spell and the traditional blimp between spring and summer fishing. We are now on the lookout for grilse and seatrout along with some big summer salmon so it is still all good on the anticipation front. So with summer water temps kicking in this brings a whole new level to fly fishing. Salmon are super active in all aspects so the fly fisher needs to be on the same page of he wants to maximise his/her chances of success and we have all the flies you need.

From large Laerdal Sunray Shadow to micro hitch, we have them all and everything in between. Truth is, if you have a fishing trip coming up and you want to give yourself the best chance of it being successful then you need flies that are going to catch not just take up space in your flybox for the sake of it. Here at Helmsdale Company many we have proven flies that work and have done for years plus stunning new designs incorporating all the best of those killers with the addition of amazing new fly tying materials which take flies to a whole new level thanks to Ron’s relentless search for the deadliest salmon fly designs on the planet!

In the pics below you can see some and obviously we recommend you grab some so order in advance please so you get these amazing flies on time, all are online right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php any problems finding any of them please email us at enquiries@helmsdalecompany.com or follow and message us on Instagram or Facebook.

RS UV Solar Willie Dog ( one of our most super successful coneheads over the years in June & July upgraded to the stunning new model you see below )

RS Baby TD, another hugely successful tiny tubefly proven to catch salmon even before the light comes in if you are lucky enough to get on the water as the nighttime seatrout fishing fades out.

Another stunning new fly scaled down onto a Patriot double emanating from the huge success of our large spring Solar UV Monkey tubes.

Our lethal RS UV micro hitch tube, magical all summer for salmon and seatrout hitching or fishing conventional.

The new RS Stealth UV Solar Monkey 8mm tube, what a stunning summer tube...

A massive success last year when we unleashed this little cracker, the Rs UV Silver Stoat double.

Whatever you do, don't forget our two most popular summer tubefly sets below which are also available right now.

Rs Baby Td set

RS Summer SuperSquids

Tight lines

Ron

Hi there, summer is almost here and we have loads of superb trending flies, especially our new Summer RS UV Monkeys which are on our homepage for sale but here is yet another stunner for summer which will hammer salmon & sea-trout! The Monkey profile combined with our signature solar strip and UV in the hairwing and throat makes this fly a "must have". With just an 8mm body, this tube is set to take summer fishing by storm!

Just a quick snippet on the fishing side, the Helmsdale Association water is fishing great right now with 8 fish off up to 15lbs last week, grab your fishing tickets from Glencoast on the Main St and get the rod bent!

RS Stealth UV Solar Monkey which you can also purchase from our homepage on the link right here - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

With size 12 Tube double

On the tying bench

Hi there everyone, here is one of Rons sensational new flies for the summer, the vid below says it all and these are new sizes on the amazing UV Solar Monkey that we have never had available before - simple, we can now use a very special fly at anytime of the season even in low water.

Available on 1/2" tubes and patriot doubles.

You can buy them right here from today but do not delay as the que will be VERY long!  - https://www.helmsdalecompany.com/index.php

There is not too much to say about the fishing this week, there have been a few hot spots but the weather has been too bright generally, time to focus on grabbing some of these stunning flies for summer!

But, Andy phillips is still catching on the Spey, Another Andy ( Sutherland ) is also catching on the Spey and it took one of our Sunray Tsunami tubes to tempt his fish, we will pop some back online this week!

Taymount is fishing very well it would seem and the general encouraging theme continues throughout the UK. Next rise in water levels will have a big impact and we will surely see some very large May salmon from our rivers.

Partnering with https://salmonfishingholidaysscotland.com/