Author Archives: helmsdale

The 2019 season on the Helmsdale ended with reasonable catches. From July the fungus, or saprolegnia, which had afflicted the returning salmon in May and June began to fade. This coincided with the water getting warmer. By September nearly all … Continue reading →

The season’s finish coincided with the first severe frost. Cock salmon at last left the lairs they had occupied since early August and became more aggressive. However, late season angling on the Helmsdale in 2016 had consisted of seeing fish … Continue reading →

The water has been lower for some time and kept to a reasonable fishing height by released water from the dam which is situated 24 miles from the mouth. The weather has been extremely variable, cool periods punctuated by spells … Continue reading →

Season 2015 ended with dry weather and the summer we had all missed. July was the coldest it had been in Scotland for many years. Catches have yet to be finalised but the river will end with somewhere over 1400 … Continue reading →

Early Spring has been a good period on the Helmsdale. High winds through January and February eventually moderated and catches as we approach the end of March have been consistent for four weeks. The beats have recorded steady numbers of … Continue reading →

The Helmsdale District Salmon Fishery Board has pleasure in welcoming any anglers inclined to come and join us for the 2015 ‘Open Days’ which will be from Monday January 12th to Saturday 17th inclusive. Fishing will be free to all … Continue reading →

We are now half-way through the summer and the first grilse and early sea-trout have arrived. So far the season has been just below average in terms of catches. In May 180 were caught on the private beats against an … Continue reading →

The Helmsdale River Board is pleased to announce that the Open Days in 2014, at which anglers are invited to fish the river at no charge subject only to signing in, are to run from January 11th to January 18th … Continue reading →

The 2013 season ended without significant rain falling in September. When there was a 3 inch rise in water levels followed by a 2 inch rise, fish moved about and the rods prospered. For the rest of the time anglers … Continue reading →

May fishing dramatically improved on the Helmsdale. The May run was steady and catches were good throughout the month. June has started with falling water levels but catches remain reasonable. To date no grilse have been caught and no sea-trout. … Continue reading →