For the final week of the 2015 Belousiha river lodge season, we were happy to receive five guests from Kazakhstan, complete with their friend from the far West of Russia, a very well known Taimen guide.
The main purpose of the visit was, for a change, not just to catch salmon, but also to investigate the River Voronya, and also, some of the myriad of lakes that exist in the Kola peninsula (not counting the smaller ones, a study was once made, and over one hundred and thirty thousand exist here!!) In these lakes, live Feroux trout, char, whitefish, and in some Pike and Perch, all to good sizes). And with this groups main experience being with the spinning rod, all wished to get better acquainted with the fly rod, and for at least two of the group, this would be for the very first time.
This week also saw rapid seasonal change. On arrival the trees all sported their golden plumage. By the end of the week, many of the bright yellow leaves that adorned the birch trees, had given up on the year, and plummeted to the ground. With each windy day, and this week there were many, more and more of the granite laden hillsides were visible through the now naked birch forests.
Air temperatures this week were mostly between eight and ten degrees, although one day, the barometer climbed to an unseasonal seventeen. The water however, remained stable all week at eight degrees. Water levels, were actually below the average for the time of year, rendering some of the usual fish holding pools too shallow for the salmon to find interest in them. Wind was Northerly for the duration, with some days reaching twenty five meters per second, which made warm clothing a must. Waterproofs also, were important on three of the days.
Possibly as a result of the low water levels, fish were mostly concentrated on the wider slow reaches such as Slow pool, Home pool and Aquarium beats. The faster water did hold fish for short periods, possibly as they sort to clean their gills, and enjoy the rich, oxygenated water, before they returned to the wider, slower beats. But resident fish, were not to be found here.
On the first day, the top rod was guest Igor, with no less than three salmon from home pool. However, all guests caught fish on this day. Some however, settled for the excellent trout fishing, and trout were their reward. In the middle of the week, Marrat wanted to investigate the rapids towards the top of the river. Here, is potential for mishap, as it involves much jumping from stone to stone to reach a sequence of mostly small, and quite shallow pools. The salmon here were in strange mood, many laying with their heads under boulders. For his efforts, one salmon lost was his reward.
In the lower stretches, Sea trout began to show. A very welcome visitor to the Belousiha river towards the end of the season. Often, this gregarious fish is happy to shoal up with the resident Salmon, but easily distinguished by the silver flanks. Several added to the guests tally.
The lakes were visited, but the weather on the day chosen, was not kind. A big, and cold, wind, kept the fish deep in the water, and perhaps a dozen Brown trout were captured. But Char and whitefish were conspicuous by their absence.
The coaching on the fly rod, however, proved a great success. Our guides had Marriot and Vladimir looking likes seasoned professionals in just a couple of days, which is very impressive considering neither of these two had previously used a fly rod, and all expressed great happiness at the very intimate contact with the fish that angling with a fly brings. All of the group very much enjoyed the experience. As they did the happy atmosphere that always welcomes every guest here. A very enjoyable week for guests and staff alike, and the Belousiha river lodge very much looks forward to receiving this group again in the future.
Summary of Results:
Six Anglers.
Landed: 14 Atlantic salmon
Lost: 15 Atlantic salmons
Best fish of the week - 89 cm Atlantic salmon #5 single handed rod, with the fly Cascade
Week: 4.09.15 - 10.09.15 |
|||
Date |
Number of rods |
Number of Atlantic salmon caught |
Hooked but not landed Atlantic salmon |
04 september |
6 |
6 |
5 |
05 september |
3 |
2 |
|
06 september |
3 |
3 |
|
07 september |
4 |
2 |
|
08 september |
|
3 |
|
09 september |
6 |
3 |
|
Total : |
6 |
19 |
18 |