The river Voronya was once, arguably, the most productive of Kola rivers, and the huge salmon that ran its 150 km length were the stuff of legends. Unfortunately in the mid 1960’s a series of hydro schemes restricted salmon to the lower 26 kms of the system. And until recent years, the river was heavily poached and became a shadow of its former self. However, the good news is that this wonderful river has passed into the care of the Belousiha Lodge management team. It is now guarded 24/7 and in recent seasons has produced excellent catches. The river provides proof, if proof were needed, that salmon do not lose their genetic memory. Many visitors have stated the opinion that the Voronya is once again a world class destination, for those looking for a real monster.
The Voronya ranges from 50 up to 150 metres across in some places. Unlike its famous tributary, Veronya does not require any long walks. You will be driven to the river and, depending on the beat, transported further by boat. Then it is simply a matter of casting and stepping to cover the water. It is possible to wade all day leaving only to take lunch. The wading is mostly over small stones and gravel. Seasoned flyfishers have declared it a pleasure to fish compared to difficult, boulder strewn beats encountered on some Kola rivers.
The upper beat is close to the dam but thereafter Voronya offers a wonderful range of features to work with – big streams, islands, deep holes, shallow runs. Eventually you reach a spectacular canyon which spills out above another island beat called the twins pool. This is a very exciting place to fish.
As well as multi-winter salmon and grilse, the Voronya attracts a big run of sea trout – especially in the second half of the season. These average 500 to 1500 gr but 5 kilo fish turn up occasionally.
The possibility of fishing both intimate Belousiha and mighty Voronya on the same visit has become a huge attraction, and many guests from the last few years have now become regulars.
