Local angler Jim Forsyth to have honour of first cast of 2023 season on River Helmsdale
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Preparations are under way for the annual ceremony to mark the opening of the River Helmsdale on Wednesday, January 11.
The honour of making the first cast of the 2023 is to go to local angler Jim Forsyth, who has caught the first fish on association waters for the last four years or so.
The ceremony will follow tradition, with local pipers parading down Dunrobin Street to the roundabout in front of the Bridge Hotel.
Last year local school children, waving cardboard salmon they had each designed, were included in the parade and they will take part again this year.
River Helmsdale fishery board manager MIchael Wigan will address the gathering before the first cast is made.
Caithness distilleries Fire and Ice and North Point will be offering gin tasting sessions from 3.30pm-5pm at Glencoast,, the village’s fishing tackle, county and outdoors shop.
And Stuart Foxall and Ross MacDonald of Luke Tackle will be giving fly tying demonstrations at the Bridge Hotel from 6pm.
As in previous years, fishing anywhere on the Helmsdale is free to all without charge until Monday, January 23.
Anglers must sign in at Glencoast giving their addresses. Angling is by fly only and all fish must be returned.
According to a 2022 River Helmsdale season review, the rod catch for the season was around 1300 fish, a considerable increase on 2021.
The grilse run was believed to have been stronger than in the two previous years.
A river board spokesman said: “The board looks forward to a good salmon and sea-trout migration in 2023 and wishes all anglers an enjoyable time for the forthcoming fishing season."
