Latest Availablility

Kola River

Varzuga River

"The Varzuga River, for the best Atlantic salmon fishing in the World"

The Varzuga, together with the main Tributaries Pana & Kitsa

I am now taking enquiries for 2008.

Pana 23rd - 30th May 2008
The first week of the season for the upper river and described as "experimental". In the many years that I have spent managing the Pana camp, I can remember just one year that was not good on this early week. The numbers of fish caught during this week usually depends on the timing of the ice breaking after the long cold winter together with the weather that follows. An early break in the ice will give the fish more than enough time to make the journey up to the Pana, a late break may delay the main runs but even a late break does not always mean poor fishing. Many factors dictate the arrival of fish in the Pana, temperatures, height of water, the amount of snow melting. A perfect example of this was in 2006, with an average time break in the ice, 2 rods fishing this week averaged a staggering 70 fish per rod.
As soon as the fish do arrive, the fishing turns into nothing short of spectacular. I was fortunate enough to be on this week in 2002, after a slow 3 days of just 1 or 2 fish per rod per day, we witnessed the arrival of the fish and in the following half a days fishing I landed 17 fish and lost many others! A similar situation happened during my hosted week in 2004. For more information, see the fishing reports
The Pana camp is comfortable with the most wonderful aspect overlooking the Pana river and the junction with the Indel (a productive river in its own right), the picture below left shows this quite clearly with the Pana on the right with the Indel jooning from the left. All cabins have twin accommodation with ensuite facilities. The large comfortable dining room with open log fire gives the opportunity to relax, have a drink and swap the many fishing stories of the day. Breakfast and dinner will be taken here while lunch is usually taken on the banks of the river. A sauna is available to soothe aching bones.  Priced at about TBA

The Pana and Indel junction as seen from the helicopter

Looking north at midnight from the Pana camp

The Upper Varzuga - "The Pillars of Hercules",

Kitsa River 20th -26th June  2008
This will be my hosted week in 2008.
There will be a maximum of 8 rods fishing this beautiful river. Current availability 2 rods.

Every year the lower 2 camps close on about the 16th June in the belief that the main runs have ascended beyond the camp area. The last 3 seasons however, have proved that the fishing can be extended on this river for longer.
2005 - 290 fish caught for 8 rods. Average 36 fish per rod
2006 - 273 fish caught for 4 rods. Average 68 fish per rod (exceptional!)
2007 - 171 fish caught for 5 rods. Average 34 fish per rod
The Kitsa is lake fed and keeps its height and season for longer. It is very similar in size and character to Pana and offers miles of wonderful fly water. It is unlikely that the river will be high enough at this stage of the season to use the jet boats fully, therefore be prepared for a certain amount of walking. It is also the time for mosquitoes. The average date for mosquitoes to appear is about 20th June, the latest I have seen them is 29th June and the earliest is 9th June!
The last 3 years fish catches are impressive enough. I have always said that 4 or 5 fish a day is perfect, enough to satisfy but not too many to get bored. Priced at £4000, this is £1000 cheaper than the peak weeks. Contact me for further details

Yet another Kitsa fish!

The jet boats get you to your beats very quickly!

Prices do not include international return flights to Murmansk, visa, insurance, gratuities, items of a personal nature, etc.

The operator is Roxton Bailey Robinson Worldwide.
Getting there: Roxtons is the only operator to offer a direct private and exclusive charter jet from London to Murmansk. Travel time approx. 3hrs 30mins. Upon arrival at Murmansk, we hope to clear customs and load the helicopters as soon as possible. Please note this can take longer than you think. Transfer to camp will take about 1hr 15mins. We aim to be in camp by about 6pm local time.
The trip is Friday to Friday. Departure time from camp is about 11am, and arrival back in London will be about 5pm.

Latest Availablity

Please contact me for latest availability in 2008.

The Kola River

What can I say - Ever heard about the river Alta in Norway? – well the Kola river is almost equivalent to Alta. In the 2006 season, 1640 salmon were caught between 70 rods – the largest trophy was a 44 pound fish – 22 Salmon averaging 32 pounds and plenty of salmon in the region of twenty pounds. Since Arni Balderson took over the river 2 years ago, the river has gone from strength to strength.

No Helicpoters
45 minute drive from Murmansk Airport
Described as having the best lodge on the Kola Peninsula
9 beats private fishing
1 guide to one rod. 2 rods to one beat.
"Truly this was the best fising I ever experienced in my life" Arni Baldursson

Certainly not without its problems early on, namely poaching, Arni has spent time and money cleaning the river from unwanted guests to the point that in 2006, the only ones fishing the river were the ones that should be. Poaching occurs on every single river on the Kola Peninsula. Personally I don't mind the odd poacher fishing for "the pot". I do draw the line at netting, and in my experience it is important to police the river and be seen policing the river.

The best time to catch the big fish is early. The fishing starts in early June and the first 3 weeks will see the really big fish come in on the high spring meltwater. By the time June is out, the big fish are being replaced by the grilse. While catches per rod increase, the average size of fish greatly reduces.