Fly Fishing  Click to see full size

Rainbow Trout catch Highland Pursuits offers fly fishing for salmon, sea trout and brown trout on the prolific River Helmsdale and surrounding hill lochs. Fly casting using video analysis is also available on the local Crakaig Farm Fishery which produces hard fighting land locked salmon, rainbow and brook trout. All this under the supervision of professional R.E.F.F.I.S. fly fishing guide Ronald Sutherland. The natural beauty of the area and the quality of the fishing available will make your fishing trip a memorable and informative one whether you are a beginner or an expert. Tackle and flies are available if required.
Sutherland Tartan




Sutherland Tartan
The fly fishing available in the north is prolific to say the least. Your fishing will be centred around the famous River Helmsdale, where the season extends from 11th January to 30th September for salmon. Brown trout from 15th March to 15th October.

Sea trout can be caught from mid May and are mainly fished for in the hours of darkness. On your fishing trips you will be accompanied by Ronald Sutherland, a qualified REFFIS fly fishing guide.

Ronald was brought up fishing the River Helmsdale and was taught the art of fly fishing by his father Andrew Sutherland, a ghillie of 40 years and incidentally, ghillie to H.R.H. Prince Charles when on one of his numerous fishing trips to the River Helmsdale. Ronald has amassed a wealth of knowledge on fly fishing in the area and will share all his secrets with you to give you an angling experience you won't forget.

Ronald with 4 Salmon
Loch Fishing Picture this, a muggy June evening, the sun has just gone down and the magic hour has arrived, the dead still of dusk. Bats are out, the silver grey has been cast, then BANG, you are hit by a 3 lb fresh run sea trout. The first of many! Probably!

Arguably one of the best moments in fly fishing. Then of course, it's up at dawn to pursue the salmon - quite simply fly fishing on one of the many productive hill lochs available. Fishing with a team of wet flies your sport more often than not will be fast and furious.

An exciting day out and a great way to introduce a beginner to the sport. Expect anything up to 10lbs. Sea angling is also available out of Helmsdale and a huge variety of species can be caught in the clear waters of the picturesque Moray Firth.

Fly Tying

Sutherland Tartan Highland Pursuits also provide a fly tying service producing all the local killers and offers selection boxes for special orders ie. Christmas/Birthday presents, etc. These are very popular for that special fishy gift. These flies are top quality and are not mass produced.
Killer flies
Sutherland Tartan The fly tying service is available all year round and provides a selection of all the local killers. Special orders - selection boxes for christmas presents, birthdays, etc are always popular and are available to order in advance. Fly tying instruction can also be arranged. Catching fish on your own flies is very satisfying.

Please contact us for more details.

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