Scotland Salmon Fishing - Thurso - Helmsdale - Alness - via Auckland !

After the long Covid lockdown, finally in September 2023 I was able to travel once again and head home to my special place, the Scottish Highlands. I had secured a few days salmon fishing and as good fortune would have it the day I arrived in Edinburgh the long summer drought ended and the rains came. Finally the rivers ran with new water and the fish were stirring. Together with the rain there were a few beautiful days as well, it is difficult to think of anywhere else in the world I would want to be when the sun shines in the Highlands of Scotland, it is simply stunning. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did making it. All the accompanying music is original material from my home studio 'Crowstone Productions' here in Hamurana, New Zealand.
Dedicated to the memory of Raymond, a friend and a brother, remembering timeless days and evenings of three young men fishing at the river Devon. Never forgotten, thank You.

[@irishpete5472]

What an enjoyable video!

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Cheers Pete, its my happy place.

[@barrylittle9254]

Nice video I live not far from Thurso and I fish the wick river ☺️

[@jpsflyfishing]

Great video John, what a trip!

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Thanks JPS, yes it was a memorable experience, happy days !

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

just caught up with your personal best video... great job. I see you had the same problem as me ....netting your fish when your on your own...what a bugger indeed. Well done.

[@clydesider123]

A very enjoyable watch on a miserable winter's day. Thank you for sharing.

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

No worries just glad you enjoyed it, thanks.

[@gigg9902]

bellissima musica, vorrei andare anch'io a pescare nelle Highlands scozzesi, io uso la canna a due mani in Italia per le trote.

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

grazie luigi. è un posto bellissimo se riesci a trovare un bel tempo, ottima anche la pesca alla trota. buona fortuna con la tua pesca.

[@sophiejoe100]

That was a great watch

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

cheers, thank you.

[@joemoore4037]

The music spoiled it for me but enjoyed the rest of it cheers

[@Royboy50]

Lovely place,great music as well,I don’t fish for salmon but I did fish the river just below loch ruthair in early may had some beautiful brownies up to a pound ,all went back stunning location

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Thank you. I have fished the other loch, Arachlinie I think it is, a couple of times. It was a bit of a walk across the hill with all the gear but it was well worth it, its remote but spectacular part of Scotland.

[@Caithnessflyfisher]

Wow that was some trip eh. Crackin video bud. Enjoyed watching that.. Tight lines for the season ahead

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Thank you. Indeed it was a great trip, I miss home so much, it was such a joy to be back in the Highlands. I've just seen tonight's weather in Caithness on the BBC, keep warm up there..!!

[@Caithnessflyfisher]

@@JohnReid-cn3eh aye she's a wee bit snowy up here the now 😂.. I'll no be gettin any fishing done this weekend sadly but hopefully get a cast oot during next week... Roll on the brownie season

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

@@Caithnessflyfisher aye, that northerly will keep you by the fire for another couple of days by the sound of it. Yes 15 March was always a big day in my year, over-nighter at Loch Awe on the opening weekend, big fire to keep warm, hot coffee in the old heinz bean can...and a cheese sandwich happy days.

[@seanleicester4018]

Well done on your fish and some brilliant places to visit hopfully il get up there soon

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

thanks, yes get up there, it is a spectacular part of Scotland, cheers.

[@davidcrabb3967]

Really enjoyed your adventure Tight Lines

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Thanks David.

[@Tightlinesandscreamingreels]

Loved the video John! I live in London but I’m travelling to the Thurso for this first time in September. I’ve been fishing all my life but never caught a salmon…. Hopefully this is my year! Unlucky on that first fish. Great music choices and I Loved watching your journey!

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it all. Wishing you the best of luck for your trip up there, I will be there in September as well so here's hoping for a bit of water. I will keep my fingers crossed for you..that tug is the drug.

[@Tightlinesandscreamingreels]

@@JohnReid-cn3eh ha ha. It’s a drug I’m trying to get hooked on 😋😋 I’m up in the last week of September if you are around then be great to meet for a wee dram.

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

@@Tightlinesandscreamingreels unfortunately I will be there a couple weeks before you on the 9th, otherwise that would have been a real good call..! I fancy you'll have a great week, there will be fish right through the river then, god willing a couple of inches of water and you will be 'game on'. Let me know how you get on pls, that first salmon is always special.

[@Tightlinesandscreamingreels]

@@JohnReid-cn3eh well, I started this channel to chronicle my journey. I’ve going to 6 different rivers in Scotland this year to try my luck so if you follow me you will see all the trips and maybe (hopefully) the first salmon! I’m really excited to be finishing with The Thurso. Staying at the Ulbster Arms is going to be quite an experience to finish my year of chasing silver.

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

@@Tightlinesandscreamingreels just been through your channel, great job, really enjoyable videos there. I fished Bewl a few times myself years ago, its a great spot. I will subscribe, I'm keen to see how you get on in your quest, what rivers will you be fishing ?

[@davidpriestley8722]

You missed the heat that killed the fishing early September. Fished the alness and thurso beginning of that month and temp was crazy. That's for sharing your adventure.

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Cheers, thanks for having a look. Yes indeed I couldn't have timed it better, the waters were dry as I was driving up north and the rain started on my first day on the Thurso, couldn't believe my luck. Bit worried about this years trip, I start on the 9th Sept and only for the week this time..!! cheers & tight lines for 24.

[@davidpriestley8722]

@@JohnReid-cn3eh would of brought you a dram in the bar ! We there end of the week before . Good luck and I hope we have a trip like yours John.

[@MrMenteith]

Great to watch. I am a Scot and a fisher now living in Australia but have been thinking of a trip home and a few days on my favourite rivers. You have given me some inspiration to go and do it as soon as I can.

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Awesome video mate.

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it, happy days.

[@Jim610]

If the water is still clean, even if it is rising, keep fishing. Time enough for the bar when the river gets dirty.

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

😀😀too right Jim, cheers.

[@robertsewera5522]

If I may ask how much the permits for specific sections of the river cost and where to get them great movie 👍

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Hi Robert, glad you enjoyed the movie. Not sure if I can publish 3rd party details here...however if you drop me a quick email to '[e-mail]' then I can let you know on a one to one basis. Thanks again. JR

[@dobbo5881]

That music is a total spoiler

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, sorry you didn't like the sound track, its a personal thing I know.

[@browntrout54]

A smashing wee video and I really enjoyed your music. Nice guitar work. As it happens I'll be flying to Auckland in a week's time and I,'ll be fishing for around 5 weeks.

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

@@browntrout54 Cheers thanks for the comment. Two passions in life, fishing and music, (apart from the wife..!!) I cant imagine ever being without them. Will you be in the North Island around Hamurana/Rotorua way, your more than welcome for a coffee if your in the area.

[@browntrout54]

@@JohnReid-cn3eh I'll be staying with a well known kiwi anger friend in Turangi for a week, then heading down to South Island so I won't manage a coffee with you but thanks very much for the invite. I share your love of music John. I know a few other people who play guitar and fly fish. They seem to go together somehow. This will be my 16th trip to NZ. I love the place and the trout fishing is special.

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

@@browntrout54 all good, no doubt you'll spend some on the Tongariro...awesome fishing, enjoy, always here if your passing, cheers JR

[@MrKveite1]

Why are you using a sling when you dont let it go when the fish takes, the whole point of a sling is to let it go so the fish turns freely and get hooked in the scissors when the line goes tight again.No wonder you dont land them..

[@seanleicester4018]

I see your point but everyones different

[@roddymcniven8734]

Who rattled your cage Tarzan?

[@JohnReid-cn3eh]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, sometimes you really need to be there, cheers.

[@MrKveite1]

I know i am just a poor amateur with just 2800 salmon landed and the largest one is a measley 54 pounds + but that dont mean i cant have an opinion does it?@@roddymcniven8734