Russia Fly Fishing: Kola Peninsular Ponoi river Acha/Pacha camp

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The River

The Ponoi River has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most productive Salmon Rivers on earth and you will have to search hard to find such a unique and un-spoilt Salmon stock. The Ponoi River with an overall length of 400 kilometers is the longest river on the Kola Peninsula. It flows parallel and just north of the polar circle, through the largest nature reserve on the Kola. With numerous lakes in the system, water flow is very stable and remains nearly unaffected by rain or dry conditions.

The Ponoi is regarded as a big river with 60 to 150 meters from bank to bank, but it is quite shallow with an average depth of about 1.5 meters. The fishing is therefore possible and productive both wading or from boat and in many places you will find pools and holding places side by side across the river as if two or three rivers were braided together.

The Environment

The area is sparsely populated, mostly by descendants of the ancient northern Sami people. A few miles west of Acha camp you will find a village with around 60 residents through the year. Their main occupation is in line with the ancient traditions of "Caribou farming" and their trapping fences can be seen on the south side of the river below and opposite the village. The residents have permission to fish for salmon in certain areas, but this allowance is restricted to rod and reel fishing only.

Wildlife is prolific and from May onwards the area is invaded by a variety of birds of all species varying from ducks and songbirds to falcons and eagles. One of the best pools on the beat below Acha camp runs close to a steep cliff. A falcon has taken up residency here with a view to inspire envy, overlooking a very nice run and the action that it provides.

The Fishing

On first looking at the Ponoi from above it can be somewhat intimidating and bewildering on account of its size. Do not be put off however as the view from the helicopter is very different to that on the ground. You will very shortly start to discover that the river is easily readable and very accessible with classic salmon lies ranging from riffles to smooth glossy runs with bars and big rocks scattered around long curving pools. For the relatively inexperienced you will probably learn more about salmon lies during a week than your entire combined fishing experiences. Each guide has his own spacious aluminium boat for both transportation and fishing and whilst some pools are only accessible from a boat if you prefer wading or fishing from the bank all options are available on each beat. For the most part the wading is easy and should not provide anyone with difficulties.

Acha Camp

Acha camp is situated at the junction where the very productive Acha River enters the Ponoi, just above the well-known Ryabaga beat. In 2004 Acha River became available for foreign anglers. This pearl of a river produces a high number of salmon during the months of June and July.

From 2008 there will be 10 new wooden cabins all with twin beds and stoves. There is a central cabin for meals with sofas for relaxing as well as a fly-tying corner. The camp has central but recently built sauna and shower house.

Pacha Camp

The Pacha program is just upstream of the Acha program and the fishing is very similar in terms of quantity and quality as that at Acha. It does however offer a little more in terms of creature comforts with the camp revolving around a luxurious timber timber camp with a communal building for eating and socializing. Accommodation is in comfortable cabins with twin beds and heated stoves.

Best Times to Go

From mid-March to the end of July the runs of salmon on the Ponoi are abundant. The Ponoi system is remarkably stable although the weather conditions can vary very wildly. Despite some unfavourable weather throughout 2007 over 2,600 salmon were caught between 110 rods over the 9 week season. Roughly 43 percent of those being MSW fish!

Getting There

The simplest option for travel to the Ponoi is using the charter flight from Helsinki to Murmansk. You will be collected on clearing customs at Murmansk airport and transported the rest of the way by helicopter. (Other options include flying from St Petersburg or Moscow to Murmansk on Friday, overnight at the Meridian hotel, and joining the rest of the group on Saturday at Murmansk airport).

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to Russia, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.