The 2025 fishing season got underway on Saturday morning with Ken McGeorge making the first casts of the new season.  To say it was cold would be an understatement. Air temperatures were hovering around the minus 8 region, but with no wind and clear blue skies it made for a picture postcard scene.

The previous evening saw the 39th annual opening day dinner. After a beautifully prepared meal Ken gave a talk about his fishing past and all that is good about both the River Thurso and the Ulbster Arms Hotel. With the fires roaring through to the early hours a great evening was had by all.

At 10am the following morning local piper Alasdair Miller led 30 plus anglers and friends of the river from the Ulbster Arms to the Comlifoot pool on beat 4. Iain Wilson said a few words before toasting the start of the new season. Despite  ice along the banks and lots of grue flowing past Ken made those first cast without any major issues. The River Thurso and the Hotel would like to Thank Ken and his wife Caroline who made the trip all the way from Devon.

A few Hardy anglers ventured out but with so much ice fishing was light. Looking ahead to next week a thaw is coming and with a lot of snow above loch more we will more than likely see higher water levels.

Tight lines for the year ahead and we look forward to welcoming both old and new guest throughout 2025.