Salmon Fishing on the River Helmsdale January 11th 2024

[@francismead1399]

Kelts or no that was an excellent start to 2024. Thank you for sharing your day Iain, may your line stay tight throughout the season.

[@IainSB]

Thank you Francis I hope that your rod is bent with silver on every trip Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@appsuccess]

Kelts provide a lot of early season action and I for one would love the chance to catch one! Great start Iain. It bodes well for the season ahead.

[@IainSB]

I have been fortunate to have caught a few Kelts Roy they give a lot of excitement at the start of the season and It gives me great pleasure to see them go back safely the river levels had been high and the kelts seem to hang on in there. hopefully the reds weren't destroyed and wet can get fish that head of to sea in a few years and have them return as salmon Cheers Iain 🥃

[@jonatherton]

Good to feel a tug Iain! These kelts looked in good condition too. Good luck and tight lines for the season ahead!

[@IainSB]

Thanks Jon all of the kelts were good condition and I am sure that it wouldn't be long before they head out to sea. Hopefully the seals won't get to many . All the best for your season and keep the music coming Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@jonatherton]

@@IainSB Our fishing season is dormant for a few more months here in Connecticut (though a few pals are keen on ice fishing), so you'll need to make more videos for us!

[@IainSB]

🫣. 🥃🥃

[@derekhawkins7290]

Another excellent video Ian thank you,,,,,!

[@IainSB]

Thank you Derek We anglers can't avoid having fun . everyone that I met on my trip had a smile and that makes so much difference to the fishing experience I will look forward to January next year. tight lines. Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@jjames2162]

Love these videos!

[@IainSB]

Thanks James I love to do a bit participation in them the editing is a pain in the bottom 😉. Cheers Iain 🥃

[@jjames2162]

@@IainSB If you want to start a gofund me or something considering the time and effort you put into these, I’ll be first in line to support you HAPPILY!

[@blondie853]

Nice one Ian.Another river on the bucket list to fish.

[@IainSB]

I had driver up the strath quite a few times before on my way to the river Hallandale Steve and ogled at the water. I am glad that friends talked me into an early outing even if it was cold Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@Hardlinesangling]

Well done Iain nice to get a bend in the rod. Lets hope with so many kelts seemingly about there are more salmon on the way this year. Tight lines for 2024.

[@IainSB]

I hope so .. this year brings so much anticipation for us anglers what a smile yourself and I think it may be your daughter have I hope that you have all the salmon come for a closer look Tight Lines. Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@colinmcdougal6233]

What a stunning place to fish. Tight lines for 2024 Iain.

[@IainSB]

I have passed along the river while diving up the Srath heading to the river Hallandale and always wished I could have a cast there are so many places on the river that I could have stopped and fished all day without moving . I think I may have to return next year. Cheers Iain 🥃

[@ChristopherBridges-v6r]

Great start Iain keep up the good work. River looks fantastic and what fish!!!

[@IainSB]

I had driven along the road that runs along the strath and always drooled at the prospect of fishing there and when the invitation to join the group came I had to pack my bag and join them lucky me Cheers Ian 🥃

[@kevinrobertson2037]

Jazz is spot on 👌 it's all about getting out and loving it , doesn't matter if you catch anything 🎣🎣

[@IainSB]

it was great to get out for a cast and catching a few Kelts were a bonus . there were so many anglers with smiles as big as their faces

[@robdogj]

I lost a steelhead last week the same way. It's the pull that keeps us coming back though. Cheers & Tight Lines!!! 🎣

[@IainSB]

we start of fishing as hobby Rob and once we have had a few fish and the excitement of hooking and loosing has us hooked harder than the fish Tight lines. Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@robdogj]

@@IainSB The reason why I am fly fishing was due to the fact I saw someone on The MacKenzie River in Oregon catch a Salmon on a fly. I had no idea of fly fishing until that point in life. I find fly tying/fishing totally enjoyable & if I am not watch watching footie or MMA, I am trying to find ways to catch more fish on the fly. #tightlines 🎣

[@stepinoverdarubbish5135]

Brilliant start to the season Iain, I fondly recall driving over the bridge on the A9 looking left at the old double arched bridge on my way to Wick , what a river the Helmsdale is 👏👏👏👏

[@IainSB]

I have stopped for a coffee quite a few times in the community museum just below the bridge and drooled at the prospects of fishing the water Just like Arnold ill be back !!!!! Cheers Iain 🥃

[@danielpaton5679]

Well done Iain, great start to the season , long may it continue D

[@IainSB]

It was so much fun Daniel meeting so many guys that love to fish . there were over 100 permits given out for the first day and having a chat at every car park was an enlightenment . I hope to go again next year Cheers Iain 🥃

[@ToshBrendansHome.jnrmalone]

I am looking forward to tomorrow’s video already Iain , fantastic stuff and tight lines for the season coming!! ..

[@IainSB]

I have only edited some of the second day Tosh as I have been a bit busy .......... I hope to get it edited tomorrow . do you ever find that life gets in the way of fishing 😜. Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@ToshBrendansHome.jnrmalone]

@@IainSB 😂 it sure does … thanks again looking forward to it 🥃

[@johnsutherland6322]

Good luck Ian hopefully better than last year your the man always watch your channel

[@IainSB]

Hi John I am only a guy that enjoys going fishing and lucky enough to go on trips with good friends . I fell into editing my trips and it gave me something to do when I had pressures in my life . Comments like yours helped me keep going Thanks Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@jerryglover5435]

Great fish handling/release. Top respect guyz. That’s the way to protect our stock /future generations. First class.

[@IainSB]

Thanks Jerry the fish that matter the most are our spring fish . they are the ones that are damaged so easily when being handled and should not be taken out of the water and avoid warm dry hands touching them . thank you for your comment as we all should be more conscious of looking after our inheritance so we can pass it on to the next generation of anglers Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@noelkelly3223]

Welcome back 😅iain Best of luck for the new season 👍 from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@IainSB]

Thank you Noel I am truly blessed to have friends that talk me into going to play in different waters . keep your rod bent with a bit of silver Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@stevenboothby]

Well done, I had an uncle that lived at Helmsdale and ghilled, Brain Stubbs he was called, died a few years ago now, a shame I only got into fly fishing recenly and didn't get to fish with him.

[@IainSB]

you usually find that chillies have a bit of banter about them as they meet so many characters . I am sure that if you had fished with him he would have been fun Cheers Iain 🥃

[@paulhickman4461]

A promising start Iain, thanks.

[@IainSB]

Who could ask for more Paul what a great couple of days there are anglers that say we should stay at home until May Think of what they are missing 😋. Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@Saltyseadog-n7f]

Dear me....just watched you on the Tay and 5 mins later i find you here even earlier. Youre showing the rest of us up already....better give myself a shake....wont get that early fish sat in the house with the cat. Happy days 😊

[@IainSB]

Hi again Kevin I think you must have missed the other videos from the Helmsdale . Keep looking 👌. Cheers Iain 🥃. PS think I am out again on Thursday and the weather looks bit warmer but the water could be a bit high.

[@mazo2267]

A very satisfying start. Such a difficult job to get down to them once hooked but you did well not to handle them. The first one gave you a good run! 🍺🍺

[@IainSB]

It was good to see so many anglers having fun Mr Mazo It seems to be the norm to try not handle fish which is great . I think that sometimes we do have to handle fish but returning them safely is a necessity . It was my first trip to the opening day and would like to thank my friend Russ for talking me into joining the team. Cheers Iain.

[@stiofain4693]

Beautiful water, hope this starts the year in good stead for the season… well done Iain..

[@IainSB]

The trip to the Helmsdale left me a bit apprehensive Brian ...... the company was great and we had some weather that suited the fishing which was unusual for January . we left to come home on the Saturday and on the Sunday the roads in the area were closed due to the snow that came in . The weather since coming home has been very cold with a lot of snow falling. I think that the big fellow up above was looking after us Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@alancarpenter4068]

Excellent video Ian,it was a friend of mine that unhooked your 2nd fish ,another Allan, tight lines for the rest of the season.

[@IainSB]

Hi Alan I had spoken to Alan on the phone before but this was the first time that I had met him. he was a brave man putting his hands into the cold water as I wasn't looking forward to getting my hands cold and wet . I hope that if I am lucky enough to hook another there will be Alan as he did a great job Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@philippendlebury4518]

Nice one Iain - you got the rod bent - often these kelts fight quite hard and they are good sport. Nowt wrong with your casting Iain. Tight lines.

[@IainSB]

we go out fishing in the early spring Philip in the hope of meeting a spring fish . The chance of getting a Kelt these days seems to be almost as difficult and to see so many in the river makes us hope that there are better things to come . tight lines Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@stephenlewis195]

Hi Iain. Very well done there mate, plenty showing and you couldn’t ask for perfect weather. 👍

[@IainSB]

Hi Stephen its been a while since you were in touch what a great way to start the season not just the fish but to meet so many anglers having fun and desperate to have a conversation about the prospects of the new season . I wish you both a happy and prosperous year . Take care Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@steyrman2]

Great start to the season Iain well done

[@IainSB]

It was bitterly cold but most enjoyable Tight lines for your season when it starts Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@Angling-Ayrshire]

It was a great couple of days, I was there till saturday. No fresh fish but plenty of action from most of the rods I spoke with so hopefully a good sign! Glad the weather held out as it's now like the north pole up there 😂

[@IainSB]

some of us were there until the Saturday lunchtime before heading down the road it was great to see so many anglers out having fun . the weather was kind to us . I am in the process of editing Friday so hopefully bore a few anglers or bring back their thoughts on a few of the anglers that enjoy there time on the water Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@alancarpenter4068]

He's a good man to have around, so is his m8, he hand landed a 20lb + fish for me from the Tummel a few yrs ago 👍

[@IainSB]

When I speak to anglers I can tell the experts and Alan showed his competence when he helped land and then return the kelt Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@ianhealey4181]

Well done Iain, that was more Salmon in one day than I saw in the whole season on my local river. 😀😀

[@IainSB]

its the first time fishing on the river Helmsdale Ian I was fortunate to have met so many anglers that know the river and to point me in the right direction ............. I met so many guys that wanted to help that I ended up confused in where to fish what a delight to have had the opportunity to spend time with so many great anglers I will look forward to next year . Tight Lines Cheers Iain 🥃

[@jamescompston2678]

What a start Iain! It'll be hard to keep that average up! 😂I hope that's set the pace for your season. Cheers James 🥃

[@IainSB]

when we arranged to go fishing to the Helmsdale in January James. I thought of bits falling off with the cold we were fortunate with the weather as the main A9 was closed on the Sunday because of snow .... I will look forward to the weather getting a bit warmer for what is more commonly known as Spring fishing Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@chrisobrien4659]

A rough watch….Because another 5 months plus before I get to cast to a salmon lol..Great video as usual!

[@IainSB]

Thanks Chris I am fortunate to have been talked into taking the trip ......... It was a bit cold but the company and the fishing made it pale into insignificance .. I hope that your 5 months passes quickly in the time before you get there I hope that I can help wet your appetite Cheers Iain 🥃

[@johnsutherland6322]

Nice looking river for your first salmon or kelt

[@IainSB]

As I mentioned I had so much fun not just fishing but in the evening with all the anglers that made the trip and the local people that made it possible . I hope to meet up again next year A double Cheers 🥃🥃

[@PaulConnor100]

Well done! Iain you had a good's sport 👍

[@IainSB]

What a great day for the first one Paul I am now editing the second day . I met up with a ghillie (Dave ) from the Thurso and had a bit more fun. Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@Jim610]

Stood exactly where you were at 4:00 is where way back in 2011 I got the 2nd fish of the season from the river, 3rd week of Feb. Fantastic pool. Fish run up far side.

[@IainSB]

You obviously know the river well Jim it was my first time at the Helmsdale fishing and hope to get back at sometime . You may enjoy my efforts in editing on the second day there was a terrific fly past . Tight Lines. Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@davidsammels2124]

Looked very cold but getting a bite soon heats the body, a we dram and get ready for tomorrow, tight lines 🥃

[@MarcelBergmeester]

Hi Iain, Another very nice part of the world. Beautiful river looks like it and some fish too as a bonus. Well done! We would like to visit Scotland sometime this year. We will be traveling by train preferably. Do you have some recommendations or sights we have to see or visit? We like to visit a couple of distilleries as well. Greetings, Marcel

[@IainSB]

Hi again Marcel Thank you for adding anther comment . I find it difficult to advise you on a trip to Scotland . I think that for myself there are so many great places to visit and it may be difficult without a car to get around as our as our train service is rubbish compared to those in Europe. if you wanted to visit distilleries there are to main areas one is Speyside and the other is the island of Islay . there are so many places that I have visited in Scotland that I could not start to point you in the right direction . the beaches in Harris and Lewis the sea lochs and scenery further north around Applecross and Ullapool are places I love to visit . the fishing at the right time in some rivers can be terrific but difficult to get on and can have a dramatic affect on your wallet . I think that it may be a good idea if you could have a look at the Scottish tourist web site as they have so much information . If I can be of any further help just send me another email and I will try help Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@MarcelBergmeester]

@@IainSB Hello and good morning to you Iain, Thanks for your answer. I understand the difficulty of advising others where to go and what to visit, but I appreciate your response. We are going to take your advise and try to get some information online. Fishing I think will not be on the menu sadly, with prices and inexperience of your kind of fishing I think it will be better to just look at your adventures on KZbin. Some distilleries we will visit, for now we are thinking about a couple of them in Speyside and may be if it’s possible we will make a trip to Campbeltown. Thanks again for the advise, I am looking forward to visiting Scotland. I hope you will be well and cheers to you🥃, Marcel

[@indiana146]

Well done

[@IainSB]

Thanks Indy. the weather for mid January was a help. The day after we left the snow was that heavy that the main road was blocked .. Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@petervanderbeek9518]

congrats Iain the first fish and your hart is pumping😃

[@IainSB]

What fun Peter to go fishing and do a bit of catching even if it was Kelts I am looking forward to catching a Spring salmon if our maker smiles on me Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@wappietamtam6546]

Ian your special is a good kelt fly😊

[@IainSB]

I think that it may work anywhere Tam I thought about going fishing on the river Amazon and worried about the piranhas going for me instead of the fly ........ some may think that's a good thing 😜 Cheers Iain.

[@wappietamtam6546]

@@IainSB thanks for sharing Ian, you had a nice day out there, that’s better than me sitting on the couch. Hope you share many more, cheers.

[@johnsutherland6322]

Was there any springers that day Ian

[@IainSB]

There weren't any springers caught John I had to edit some of the comments which had me rolling about the river bank and that made up for just chasing kelts 🥃

[@SuneHörnquist]

Watt Camera system are you using?

[@IainSB]

I have been recording for a few years and Frances bought me my first, it was a GoPro 5 and I have updated it a few times and most of my recordings are on a GoPro 9 . I have a drone but never added anything that I have recorded to my efforts. Cheers Iain. 🥃

[@FeckArseIndustries]

Fab day out there. Looks fantastic 🤜

[@IainSB]

you should give it a go next year Mike the fishing is free for the first couple of weeks and the Bridge in hotel is afordable it is a great start to the season as long as the weather doesn't bite you Cheers Iain 🥃

[@FeckArseIndustries]

@@IainSB Well I never. Every day's a learning day Iain. Would love to have a crack, can you get tuition and hire some gear? Otherwise it ends up a very expensive day out. Trout fishing gear a plenty at our house, no salmon tank aerials though 👍