Russia Fly Fishing: The Kamchatka Peninsula

Outstanding rainbow trout and pacific salmon fishing

Watch a video of our various fishing trips. View>>>

The Area

The rainbow rivers of Kamchatka are as a rule spectacularly beautiful. The areas we fish are a nice blend of volcanoes, mountains, untracked forest and wide open wilderness. The rivers are of low to moderate gradient. They are for the most part very easy wading. We host and run a number of weeks on both the Zhupanova River and the Sedanka River. They are, in our opinion, the finest fishing that Kamchatka has to offer.

The Zhupanova is located on the Eastern coast of the Kamchatka peninsula in easy helicopter reach of Petropavlosk. This fragile system houses some of the largest rainbows in the world. The average rainbow is 24 inches and they can easily reach ten pounds. There are also Arctic Char, white spotted char, and salmon present in the system. This freestone river is surrounded by volcanoes and snowcapped mountains and offers flyfishermen a number of different options to chose from. These include a week long float trip or a week at a lodge.

The second option is the float trip on the Sedanka River. The Sedanka River is a true spring creek that is located on the Western shore of the Kamchatka peninsula. While the Sedanka is a 3 hour helicopter ride, it is well worth it. The river runs through less spectacular country than the Zhupanova, but it is still scenic. The Sedanka runs through a wide fertile valley. It is surrounded by hills and trees. Rainbow trout here average 18 inches long and run as large as 24 inches. There are also great numbers of salmon present in the system.

There are several other options on the Kamchatka Peninsula which we would be happy to discuss with you. Each year, new drainages are being added to the Kamchatka offerings. Please call us for up to date fishing opportunities.

 <<< Click here to find out where Kamchatka is located.

The Fishing

Fly-fishing techniques are very different on the Sedanka and the Zhupanova River. In both cases, the primary target is Rainbow Trout, but it is a bit like comparing Steelhead to Rainbows. The Zhupanova River Rainbows are a breed apart. They are huge, old fish that are battle scarred from years of fighting salmon, high water and long winters. They are also not as numerous as the brochures would lead you to believe. Come expecting to land between 3-8 Rainbows a day per rod. On the other hand, keep in mind that these fish are giants and that you are or should be fishing a mouse pattern most of the time.

The Zhupanova system is a trophy trout Rainbow system. The fishing is largely mouse patterns and streamer patterns on a floating line. There is little need to fish a sinking line as most of the runs are not that deep, and the fish are truly aggressive.

In some cases, the Rainbows will chase the fly thirty to forty feet in pursuit of the fly. There are also prolific numbers of char and salmon in the river that make the off days for rainbows interesting. The Dolly Varden average three pounds and in areas they are so numerous that you can pick your fish. They also respond well to hatches. It is always fun to match the hatch and target char for a few hours. There are great hatches of caddis and mayflies on the river

The Sedanka is the river for quantity. One might expect to land 15-20 Rainbows a day from 16 inches to 22 inches in length. The Sedanka is a better destination for those interested in throwing dry flies for good numbers of medium sized rainbows. These fish also respond to mouse patterns. Theory has it that this is due to a diving shrew that lives on aquatic insects and minnows. While the mouse pattern works well, it is our experience that anything big and twitchy will work in Kamchatka.

The Lodge

The Zhupanova has two options: The Cedar Lodge, and the Upper River float trip. The Cedar Lodge is a well furnished "A" frame style lodge that comfortably accommodates fishermen. The rooms have bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets. The lodge is comfortable and very Russian. There is ample area to relax and enjoy drinks and appetizers after a day fishing.

The Zhupanova float is a true wilderness experience without sacrificing many of the comforts of the lodge.

Anglers will float between fixed base camps. Two anglers share a large, weatherport style tent. The camps are spaced approximately 8 miles apart and each camp is truly unique. They vary from Camp #2 which sits on a high bluff over the river to Camp #4 which is an actual hunting lodge. Each camp is comfortable and well furnished. There are hot showers and bathroom facilities at each camp.

The Sedanka River is a bit more of an adventure in terms of the accommodations and overall experience. We would recommend it to our more adventurous clients. Anglers will spend three to four days at each of the 4 base camps. From these camps anglers will access the river by jet boat and by foot.

The food at both the Zhupanova and the Sedanka Rivers is not gourmet, but it is well prepared and tasty. It is also a nice combination of American and Russian cuisine. There are fresh fruits and vegetables served daily.

Best Times to Go

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: 347 284 6333
info@wherewisemenfish.co.uk

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