11

January

Helmsdale opening day report

Ronald Sutherland

The river opened today to a promising (but rather high) 3ft 6 on the guage, however, the 116 optimistic anglers who registered on the day could not winkle out the elusive spring salmon they were after. Weather conditions were very favourable but only kelts were the order of the day. Tomorrow the river should loose another foot from the guage and chances will very much improve. Water temps remain unseasonably mild at around 40 degrees so anglers have no excuses and I may be forced to wet a line myself!

The Tackle shop was packed early & late and the annual offering of Clynelish from our longest standing sponsor was very well received as usual. It was great to have Steve Peterson from Simms Europe in shop showing off some of their latest high class gear, a real boost to the event and they have a superb GoreTex Primaloft on offer for the lucky captor of the first fish. Loop tackle have upgraded their sponsorship by donating a new Cross SX rod to add to the prize fund.

If you have not had a cast yet then come along and enjoy the river for the rest of the week, conditions are improving by the day and there are sure to be fresh salmon in the system. A few pics from the day below.

Mother, Brother and Keith Webster enjoying the opening day tackle shop banter.

Steve Peterson showing off the latest Simms gear and prize jacket with the yours truly holding the Bridge hotel trophy in the foreground.

Steve Peterson fancying his chances on the banks of the majestic Kilphedir pool beat 2

The opening cast of the season from Donald Sutherland

My daughter April playing with the Sutherland Schools Pipe band for the first time, proud daddy!

A view of the large crowd gathered this morning.

The tackle shop in full swing.

Beat 4 looking very good ad midday with the river flowing at 3ft on the guage.

River Board manager Sir michael Wigan with Suisgil ghillie Donald Sutherland who opened the river.

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