Russia Fly Fishing: Kola Peninsular - Kola River

The Fishing

The Kola is unquestionably a big fish river and this is what makes it special. Arni Balderson sums up the river well –"I have now fished the Kola for 3 years and before that I had never caught a salmon over 30 pounds. During my previous 30 years of fishing I had landed 25 salmon of between 20 and 30 pounds. Now I have fished the river for three seasons and I have landed over 70 salmon between 20 and 30 pounds, 4 salmon over 30 pounds plus a 44 pound monster".

The River & Environment

The Kola river is quite unlike almost all the other rivers on the Kola peninsular in that it is accessible. Just an hours drive from Murmansk it means no helicopters, which may be suitable for those with a nervous disposition! Unquestionably a large river it is fairly steeply banked with a railway line running along its bank. It is by no means the most scenic river in the Kola peninsular but those coming to the Kola come for more than just the view!

(It should be noted that the accessibility to the Kola River does produce its own inherent problems in terms of local fishermen who use a variety of fishing methods. Whilst this situation is ongoing efforts are continuing to tighten up security. At the end of the day with roughly 1800 fish caught by 110 anglers in 2007, including five fish over 40 lbs the fishing has been a great success).

The Lodge

The accommodations at the camp are in cottages with private bathroom and showers. The dining/sitting area is in a separate building with a beautiful circular shaped veranda overlooking the home pool. The lodge is in range of mobile telephone coverage.

Best Times to Go

The Kola River fishes from May through to September with the peak period being late May through to July. Conditions during May and June can be harsh although this is likely to provide the strongest hardest fighting fresh fish. By July the weather will have turned with 24 hrs of sunlight possible. Despite bright conditions this can be the most productive time to fish with the salmon taking well and it is certainly when dry flies come into their own.

Getting There

The simplest option for travel to the Kola 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:

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

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Telephone: 347 284 6333
info@wherewisemenfish.co.uk

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