PICTURES: River board manager Michael Wigan predicts 'really good year for salmon' in his address at opening of the Helmsdale
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The Helmsdale river is in “good health”, and 2023 is going to be a good year for salmon, according to fishery board manager Michael Wigan.
Borrobol Estate owner Mr Wigan spoke about the state of the Helmsdale at a ceremony earlier today to mark the opening of the river.
He said: “We had a dry year last year but this year is going to be a really good year for salmon. We have got good counts of young fish, which we know from electro-fishing. There is nothing wrong with the river. Everything is in good health.”
Anglers from far and wide attended the river opening which began with Mr Wigan and local angler Jim Forsyth, who had the honour of making the first cast of the season, parading down Dunrobin Street.
They were accompanied by pipers from Sutherland Schools Pipe Band and Helmsdale Primary School pupils who waved cardboard salmon they had made and decorated.
The parade gathered at the roundabout in front of the Bridge Hotel, where Mr Wigan gave his address.
He took the opportunity to pay tribute to the late Sonny Jappy, a local man and keen angler.
“Sonny lived for his family but also for the river and when he was not so well, he would drive up to the river with friends and look at it,” said Mr Wigan.
“He caught many fish in the Helmsdale and it reminds me that when prisoners are asked to do art classes and drawing, they frequently draw a river which represents to them what the Helmsdale represented to Sonny – flowing life and the past and future all in one.”
Mr Wigan told the gathering that the river was currently open, up to Kildonan railway station, to anyone who wanted to fish it. Fishing is free to all until Monday, January 23.
“Enjoy with respect”, he said. “And if you catch a kelt, please put it back carefully.
Mr Wigan and Mr Forsyth then made their way to the nearby river bank for the first cast and to undertake the tradition of throwing a dram into the river.
Anglers will be hoping it does not take as long as last year to catch the first fish - in 2022 it was nearly two months before a salmon was hooked.
Local fishing tackle, country and outdoors shop Glencoast has issued around 100 fishing permits - a similar number to previous years.
Yvonne Grant, who runs the shop, said that anglers had come from as far afield as Liverpool and Stoke on Trent. A large number fish the river year on year.
