For the early weeks of the season, when water levels can be high, a single hand #7-9 or a switch-rod weighted between #5 and #7 will be suitable for 99% of the time. There are only a handful of pools that can’t be covered with a single-hander but arguably the switch gives better line control. However in high summer the water level can drop right down, and delicate presentation is required to move fish in the crystal clear water. In such conditions, a #5 weight single-hander is the best tool.
On the Belousiha, any good reel will suffice provided it has a reliable, smooth drag and backing line capacity of at least 150 yards. It is also useful to have extra spools with different fly lines loaded
At the beginning of season we use floating and intermediate lines with 9 – 11 meters Weight/ Forward head. From the middle of July we also use lighter W/F floating lines with long 14 meter heads, to allow for a delicate presentation of the fly. Through the whole season it is good to have different sinking and intermediate tippets. These will help in high water and deeper pools.
Length 6 – 9 feet. Diameter 0.25 – 0.33 mm.
Almost all well-known Atlantic salmon flies work on the rivers of the Kola Peninsula. At the beginning of season we use different patterns, tied on copper tubes or with tungsten cones. The river has many deep spots with fast current and rapids, that’s why a heavy fly is sometimes needed. From mid-July we usually fish smaller, classic patterns tied on 6-8-10 hooks and sometimes smaller. Skaters, bombers and hitches work throughout the season on warmer days. There are some classic dry fly pools on the river.
Top 5 most working flies of the river Belousiha:
All of the above-mentioned and many other flies you can buy at the lodge.
This is a big river and generally we use 13 – 15 feet rods weighted # 7 – 10. These are needed to lift heavy lines and tippets from the water.
Reel must be very reliable so as not to reduce your chance of landing the fish of a life time. Not less than 200 yards capacity of backing is recommended. Every year one or two giant salmon are lost due to an unsuitable reel.
In June, due to high water levels, we usually use heavy lines and tippets with different sinking speeds. From July till September, as a rule, water level is much lower and we recommend using Skagit or Scandi lines with 10 – 15 feet versitips (floating, type 3, type 6 and T 11). Whenever the water is high or cold, it is essential to have a range of lines to match conditions.
Length 6 – 9 feet. Diameter 0.33 – 0.40 mm.
Fish reacts to most popular salmon flies on the Kola Peninsula. Depending of the level of water you need to have a good choice of the flies tied on tubes of different weight and length. From the middle of summer onwards, have a good range of classic patterns sizes 4-6-8; as well bombers, skaters and hitches.
Top 5 most working flies of the river Voronya:
All of the above-mentioned and many other flies you can buy at the lodge.
The weather in Arctic tundra is unpredictable and our guests are often surprised how quickly it changes. For example you can walk to breakfast under warm sun beams, but on the way to the river you can be caught in the rain or even snow.
That’s why going to the river we recommend to use underwear which good remove moisture from the body surface. In your backpack is necessary to have extra layer of fleece wear and warm Thinsulate or Prima Loft jacket for extremely cold days.
Gore-Tex chest waders is best decision. We recommend wading boots on Vibram sole, but on the felt as well will be good choice. Wading jacket must be waterproof and windproof. Thermal socks keep your legs in warm in the cold water.
For the evening time you can use your favorite casual wearing: couple pairs of pants (including warm), pullover, t-shirt, summer shoes and sneakers.
