The Acha camp stretch contain a high number of classic pools and also access to Acha river (second largest tributary in the Ponoi river system) – for those of you would like to skim a big Bomber or to hitch a small tube / fly over thousand of salmon – Acha camp is the place. Acha camp is situated at the junction where the very productive Acha River enters the Ponoi. As a bonus you will have possibility to walk up and fish the beautiful lowest pools in Acha River just beside the camp.
The amount of fish on our beats is probably peaking in July, and all our many pools and sports are packed up with salmon. Regarding the fish – two major things happen during July. We see an increase in fresh grilse so that the salmon to grilse ration moves towards 1:1 But we also face some of the over wintering fish that are bound to stay in the river for 1,5 years before spawning and you will not be in doubt when you hook one of them. Being up to 25 % heavier pr. length these bombs will make your lower jaw smack the bank.
The average summer-salmon will be between 7 and 15 lb. but every week there will be landed some bigger fish – usually males, sometimes well over 20 lb.
Looking back on the past Ponoi season I can only conclude that the 2009 season was one of the best I ever experienced. During the months of June and July the run was very consistent and without any “gaps”. Just to highlight some few guests; Frenchman Gerald Ganier caught 194 salmon during his two weeks in the Acha Camp, closely followed by Ponoi veteran Bernard Lunel.
We had first time fly anglers, who left Acha Camp with more than 25 salmon on record after one week of fishing – and with some whoppers up to 22 lbs.
Concerning weather conditions, the month of July was very advantageous for us without too much sun and hot weather. Actually we had some days where we had to dig out our long Johns and warm fleece hats in order to stay warm. Fortunately that did have a positive influence on the mosquitoes.
The 31st of July I was fishing upstream the Acha camp just opposite the Padmanka tributary with a guest. Despite being almost in the month of August the run was just continuing without any stop. That morning I caught 20 salmon up to 18 lbs. All salmon took a small Black Sheep size 8 fly fished fast and across the current – where on earth can you find any salmon river like that??
Looking back the Acha camp has during the last five seasons had an average of 2,400 salmon during the June and July months. Ponoi just seems to get better and better every year.
Ponoi – Acha camp / Summer rods
17/7 – 24/7 – 5 open rods – Euro 3800
24/7 – 31/7 – 6 open rods – Euro 3600
Ponoi – Acha explore
28/5 – 5/6 – 3 open rods – Euro 3000
18/6 – 26/6 – 3 open rods – Euro 3000