28 August 2012

The Helmsdale enjoyed another good season.  There was steady water all summer without significant spates.  Rods continued catching a mix of grilse and summer salmon right through.  There was no lengthy lull in catch rates, although as the numbers built in the river autumn fish became moody until there was a change in the weather.  Weights were above average with several fish.  Electro-fishing has proved what was feared — that in the water-deficient November of 2011 many spawners failed to reach the dried-out upper tributaries.  Presumably they ended up spawning in the main river.