DESTINATION: Varzina River - Russia
, Kola Peninsula
» General Information:
One of the best Salmon rivers in the world!
The Lodge commands a view over ruggedly beautiful north-eastern coast of Kola Peninsula in Russia. The Lodge offers worthy headquarters for fishing on some of the best Atlantic salmon rivers in the world.
The powerful Varzina is the main river of the Varzina area fisheries. It starts high in the upland tundra from the big lake Enozero which feeds cool oxygen-rich water down the Varzina all season long. Atlantic salmon run all 13 miles of Varzina proper, but the most fished pools are on lowest parts. Clearly defined pools include classic glides, runs, riffles and deep holes that hold very large fish every season. Many 33+ lbs fish are hooked, some are even landed. This is the true spirit of Atlantic salmon fishing. While most of the fishing is reached by a helicopter, some of the very best pools are within a comfortable walking distance from the Lodge. Many an evening outing after dinner has produced a trophy salmon within sight of the Varzina lounge bar!
Varzina has only one major tributary, the Penka river. As Penka is a smaller river it warms up during the early season and many of the first spring salmon, often weigh over 44 lbs, move up this river. During most of the season Penka is glorious river for grilse and mid-sized salmon.
Catch and release fly fishing only. Pools are daily rotated according to daily schedule. Atlantic salmon (records in 2004 ' 40 lbs, in 2007 ' 33 lbs, in 2008 ' 38 lbs), Brown trout, Sea Trout, Hunchback salmon. Camp operates from June to September. Trip starts from Murmansk and ends in Murmansk, length of trip: 7 days and 7 nights, number of rods per week varies from 12 rods to 16 rods during the season.
» Package:
Starting day of the trip is Saturday. Meet & greet by Varzina staff at Murmansk airport. Minibus transfer Murmansk airport -Helicopter pad (15 minutes). Helicopter transfer Murmansk - Main Lodge (approx.75 minutes). Welcome greetings and Dinner at the Lodge. Sunday - Friday: Fishing at most productive pools of Varzina river: Main-stream pool, Ice pool, Penka mouth pool, Golden pool, Silver pool, Hour-glass pool, fabulous Finn pool, Boulders pool, Long-walk pool, Cliff hanger pool, Filippov in-and-out flow pools, and unforgettable Big falls pool - all of these pools are max. 10 minutes flight away from Lodge. Saturday on return: Breakfast, helicopter transfer Main Lodge - Murmansk (approx. 75 minutes), minibus transfer Helicopter pad - Murmansk airport (15 minutes).
Pre-season: starts from the beginning of June and lasts to mid-summer. Fish is biggest springers up to 40 lbs (average 20 lbs) and kelts on their way back to the sea. Waterlevel is still rather low, end of pre-runoff time, and water temperature is approx. 32-43 degrees Fahrenheit. Main preseason fishing areas are Varzina and Penka Seapool areas. High season : : takes place from mid-summer to mid July, when the main run of MSW-salmon is on - fish is in the 15-30 lbs range. Waterlevel is pretty high, runoff and temperature in the 40-50 F range. Main fishing areas are lowest 2-3 miles of all rivers, and running channels. Mid season: period between Mid-July and first week of August is often called mid season. Fish is grilse start running mixed with 2SW salmon, smaller and bigger grilse and salmon 10-15 lbs. Waterlevel is dropping, and all areas very fishable. Water temperature is in the 50-60 F range. Main fishing areas are the whole river system and main holding pools. Late season: takes place from second week of August to the end of August. Fish are small mixed schools still running with high tides. The occasional autunm fish showing; most salmons in the river are already quite colored but taking small flies well, males getting pretty aggressive. Waterlevel is at the lowest mark, rains induce spates, water temperature is in the low 50´s F. Main fishing areas are main pools and the upper river areas. Autumn run: starts in September and takes place to the end of the whole season. Fish is bright winterrun salmon start running depending on the autumn rains, average size is about 15-25 lbs. Waterlevel is still low, but rising for the autumn spate, water temperature is in the mid-40´s F. Main fishing areas are the lowest pools, many salmon are already in the redds.
OTHER FISHING PACKAGES IN THE AREA
Drosdovka river camp:
Nestled just east of the river Varzina on one of the most amazing rivers of the Russia´s Kola Peninsula, this tented camp offers everything fisherman needs after a productive day on the river, from excellent accommodation in well-equipped heated tents with wooden floor to outstanding Russian cuisine and warm hospitality of camp staff.
Sidorovka River:
This small river is totally different from all the others in this area. Sidorovka flows through almost barren rocky tundra. All who have fished it are charmed by its totally clear water and plentiful salmon. Like Penka River also Sidorovka has lots of lakes in the upper river system. These slowly combine their waters to the river proper, which cuts through the coastal hills to mix its green waters to the Barents Sea. Avenue of Giants pool, 40-pounders pool, Upper and Lower Aquarium Pools, Valley Pool, Sea Pool... They bring fond memories to anyone who has ever fished these beautiful waters.
At the first glance Sidorovka may look like a marginal grilse river. It is nothing like that. Many seasons have produced amazing fish in the 20-30 lbs range and 10-15 lbs fish are common. The Sidorovka salmon are eager to bite and the fight is always spectacular in the clear water. In addition to the salmon, the Sidorovka Sea Pool is the best producer of sea trout in the area. There are many trout in the 5-8 lbs class with lots of smaller fish. Almost all of the pools can be effectively fished using a single-handed flyrod. In some areas roll- and spey-casting is needed to cover the water properly. Wading boots are usually all that is needed to fish this river.
» Accommodation:
Accommodation in basic double occupancy log cabins with two separate beds, wooden stove, table, two armchairs and some shelves for personal stuff. Main restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Saloon-bar with fireplace for light snacks, refreshments and drinks. There are two saunas, showers, toilets, cold & hot water, electricity (according to adjusted schedule). Staff: camp-manager, chef & assistants, bartender & waitness, senior guide & 8 guides more, helicopter team, hostess and other technical staff.
» Tackle and Equipment:
Rods: # 8-11DH/SH, sinking lines, rate #3-4, F/S also ok. ; heavier Teeny-T -series, intermediate, floating.
Leaders: over 20 lbs bs, also sinking models.
Flies: big tubes, largest (about size 2/0), most colorful wetflies e.g. Garry, Golden Killer , large (about size 2-4) wetflies e.g. Ally's Shrimp, Green Highlander, smaller wet flies (about size 6-10), dry flies e.g. Willie Gun, White Bomber, smallest wet flies (about size 8-12, e.g. Undertaker, Horn Jack), flashy streamers, dry flies, mid-sized wet flies (sizes 4-8) e.g. Hairy Mary, Silver Doctor.
Extra gear: pocket flask.
» Additional Information:
During the season 2010 Varzina Lodge program starts and ends on Saturdays from Murmansk. We do not recommend our clients to plan to arrive in Murmansk from St. Petersburg or Moscow as Russian domestic flights are subject to cancellations and delays and frequently start at strange hours and this could cause being late for further helicopter transportation. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK ANY HELSINKI-IVALO-HELSINKI FLIGHTS BEFORE YOU HAVE CONSULTED ABOUT MORE DETAILS ON SCHEDULES!
At the Russian Customs
We will inform all our clients about the customs details needed to know before the traveling date.
» Rates / June to September 2010
from U$S 3,100.-
The rate depends on the week selected.
Rate per person, on-double occupancy basis.
Rates include:
Air transportation from Murmansk to Varzina Lodge and return; 7 nights accommodation in cabins with stove; all meals; 6 full-fishing days at the Varzina and other rivers in the region; fishing licence; one guide, boat for each two anglers.
Rates do not include:
Air transportation from your country and return, Russian visa, alcoholic beverages, personal insurance, expenses in Helsinky and or Murmansk, fishing equipment and flies, gratuities.
» Fishing
Report
August 2010
The low level of the rivers and high temperatures makes the fishing ver difficult.
