Top rod 8/1/17
Many anglers are looking forward to the start of the 2017 Scottish salmon fishing season with much anticipation, as it is now only a few days away. Some of the rivers in northern Scotland are the first to open their banks to anglers in the upcoming days.
The Thurso river opens on Wednesday
The Thurso, Halladale and Helmsdale all open on the 11th of January, closely followed by the mighty River Tay on the 15th of this month. The Helmsdale has produced fresh fish on opening day in recent years and let us hope that this year is no different. The weather has been much kinder through the close season, compared to last year, when devastating floods in December affected many of our rivers. No doubt this would have had an impact on the spawning process for future years to come. This year, however, river levels have been ideal for much of the winter, so hopefully it will prove to be a productive spawning year, but only time will tell.
The weather has been unseasonable mild since the turn of the year across many parts of Scotland, with very few frosts and even less of the white stuff falling. Currently, there is only a light covering of snow over the Scottish mountains. The weather next week is set to turn more unsettled as the jet stream strengthens. There are a number of low-pressure systems forecast to come in from the Atlantic through the course of the week, bringing spells of wind and rain to many parts. Monday will see a band of rain sweep across the country and this will be followed by showers affecting many parts. Winds will also strengthen. Tuesday will be mainly dry before on Wednesday the next weather system brings further wind and rain to Scotland. Towards the end of the week, winds will change to northwesterly direction. Temperatures are set to drop significantly and there will be frequent wintry showers, even to lower levels.
There has been very little snow so far this winter
There are three rivers that open next week, the Thurso, Helmsdale and Halladale. These rivers kick of the 2017 season on Wednesday. The Thurso had a record season last year with a good spring, followed up by what can be only be described as a spectacular grilse and summer salmon run. The river will have its traditional opening ceremony on Wednesday morning in Halkirk. The Thurso has produced fresh fish in January in the past and with river levels currently running at a decent height, the river could produce a fresh springer next week. There are rods available on the river throughout the course of January. Please free to contact us for more information.
A nice Thurso springer
Another northern river that opens on the 11th of January is the Helmsdale. The Helmsdale is one of the most famous and exclusive salmon rivers in Scotland. It regularly produces an opening day springer. This year the Helmsdale Fishery Board has kindly extended their complementary fishing to encompass ten days. This allows anglers to fish on the river free of charge, as long as they register at the Belgrave Arms Hotel in the village. This is a fantastic opportunity to fish on one of Scotland’s premier spring rivers.
The prolific River Helmsdale
The Helmsdale’s close neighbour the Halladale will also open on the same day. The Halladale is smaller in size to the Helmsdale but given adequate water can be just as productive. The river has also produced fresh fish in the past in January and is well worth a cast in the upcoming days.
After spending time away from the riverbank during the close season, many of us cannot wait to wet a line. Some anglers will have been tying flies furiously, creating new mouth watering patterns for the new season, while others will be looking forward to putting their new rods and reels to the test for the first time since Father Christmas has visited. There is no greater feeling than landing a springer on new tackle. Given reasonable water and weather conditions hopefully some nice early fish will be caught across the country and the 2017 Scottish salmon fishing season will start with a bang!
The spectacular rewards of early season perseverance
Salmon fishing in January and February is not for the faint hearted as the Scottish weather can often bare its teeth. However, for anglers that venture out and persevere, the rewards can be spectacular. Catching a fresh spring salmon in January has to be the ultimate achievement in our sport and there is no greater feeling. The fish are usually large in size and very powerful, so are likely to provide that unforgettable fight of a lifetime. The cost of a day rod represents excellent value at this time of year, so why not have a cast? You will never forget that feeling of landing a January springer!
We will be updating the “Top rod” feature again next Sunday. Until then, have a great time wherever you decide to book rod in Scotland next week. Hopefully, you might even end up being top rod!
Tight lines,
Sandy & Sam