First fish of season caught on River Brora

The first fish of the 2023 season was caught on the River Brora this week, more than a fortnight after the river opened.

Regular angler Tony Walentowicz, Badnellan, landed the salmon.

Brora District Salmon Fishery Board river bailiff Martin Livings said: "It was a 10lb fish from the Fannich pool on the south bank of the lower river."

The River Brora opens on February 1 and there is always friendly, but keen, competition to catch the first fish.

Meanwhile the season is well under way on the River Helmsdale which opens early in the year – traditionally on January 11.

The first fish of the 2023 season on the Helmsdale was caught on February 14 by Graham Nichols of Golspie, who landed an 8lb salmon at beat 6 Church Streams.

Mr Nichols was later presented with the Bridge Hotel Trophy to mark his achievement by Andy Sutherland (Torrish) who caught the first fish last year.

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