For Ponoi and Umba, Salmon Junkies camp manager will setup a weekly fishing schedule that suits the conditions and actual numbers of guest in camp and usually there will be a mid-day-rotation after lunch. This system is tried and trusted and every guest will usually fish all pools more than once.
The manager schedule is worked out with the main purpose to give all an even share, but this does not mean that it cannot be altered.
The only criterion that must be fulfilled in that context is that all affected guests agree and that this agreement is found between the guests and the presented to the camp manager.
Fishing after dinner is usually free around camp – but it is still under the directions of the camp manager. If necessary there will be made up a schedule for evening fishing. Early morning fishing is restricted to the beats you are going to after breakfast.
For an extra tip guides will be available for evening fishing also on the beats further from camp. Make these agreements before dinner directly with you guide.
Fishing and tackle
The fishing starts in late may when the usual spring flood is running of and the white polar nights normally create a euphoric and exhausting fishing trance among our guests. As may moves into June we see a period that must be considered prime time. If wind and weather also plays along these are weeks where the salmon-ceiling is popped of like corks from our Russian champagne
Most fishing today is carried out with modern double hand rods between 12 ½ and 15 feet for line 8 -10 – Regarding reel. Please remember to bring some reliable reels that won’t let you down when your + 30lbs salmon take off. Reel for double handled rod should contain minimum 200 meters backing – Single handed reel minimum 150 meters backing. (Buy the best available gear to avoid any failure – Cheap gear will always let you down) Lines: Early season sinking line Floating – Intermediate and sink tips. Important: Bring some fast sinking lines if you are fishing May / June – Leaders: 12 – 14 – 16 – 18 – 20 – 24 – 30 lbs braking strength.
As June moves into July the summer will manifest itself with high-pressure weather and sunshine sometimes 24 hours pr. Day. Needles to say that these conditions will can affect the fishing, but you may be astonished to hear that it sometimes can improve catches. Dry fly tactics is very worthwhile and it can be absolutely essential in July. Here we recommend singled handled rods 8 – 9 ½ feet for line 7 – 9.
By middle of August we are back again into the more rock-solid Spey rods
Flies to bring for Russia
All rivers have their favorites and Umba and Ponoi is no exception. That said though it must be added that – probably due to the decent neutral color in most of the rivers – very many and very different types of flies seem to work. According to the rules and regulations your flies can be tied on either single or double hook and before you release them to swim the Russian rivers you must pinch down the barbs.
Hereby some of the hot patterns you should bring to Russia.
Traditional hook flies.
Red But / Silver Doctor /Black Francis / Ally’s Shrimp / The Cascade / Green Highlander / Thunder & Lightning / Willie Gunn / Black Sheep / Hairy Mary / Blue Charm / The Undertaker/Billy But / Black bear Green But / Monroe Killer.
Recommendation towards sizes would be in direction of: 2 – 4 from end of May too middle of June – 6 – 8 in late June early July and further down to 10 and smaller in summer. In September we are back again in size 4 – 8. In middle of june towards end of July remember some dryflies etc. Bombers, muddlers and skaters size 4 – 6-
Tube flies
Bring tube fliews with a wing length around 1 inches – 1 ½ inches – Get them in the classic “Scandi” design with a long profile in the wing a’la Tempeldog style – Productive colors – Black / Yellow / Orange / Green / Brown. The tube fly Body should be in length 10mm – 20mm – recommended in Brass, Cobber or aluminum.
Salmon Junkies will also have some of the best “Scandi designed” flies available in our camp shops.
We are very proud to announce that we have world famous fly tying icons, Thorsten Strüben and Brian Størup’s Tube flies available. Flies special designed for our Fishing programs in Ponoi and Umba.
Swedish “Salmon Junkie” Marcus Falheim have made all our hook flies this season – all flies that have proved there worth during many many years in Ponoi and Umba – I guarantee that we have the right ammunition for the Russian Chrome
Clothes and accessories – The following list may inspire
The weather is very unpredictable on the Kola peninsula, and it can change dramatically within very short time so it will be very sensible to bring both something that will keep you warm and dry in rainy and windy day and on the other hand something that is more comfortable, when the sun is dancing for 20 odd hours a day.
Clothes:
Fleece trousers and jacket – Warm socks – Fleece gloves – Hat and scarf – Waterproof fishing jacket – Waders (breathable) – Fishing shirts and vest
Accessories:
Measure tape – Leader material – Clippers. – Repair kit for Waders – Some sinking tip for extreme situations – Pliers – Wading stick – Pocket torch with fresh batteries – Camera and video (You can recharge in the camp / 22oV) – Bag or backpack for daily equipment – Mosquito repellent – Sun glasses
It is also advisable to bring:
Earplugs for helicopter flights, snoring partners and screaming fly reels.
A couple of plastic bags for wet clothes and booths when leaving
Personal medicine and painkillers. Cash in Euro for bar, gratuities etc.