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.
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: 20 – 24 – 30 lbs braking strength.
From end of June 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 OR one of the very popular 11 – 12 feet Switch rods for line 6 – 8
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 flies with a wing length around 1 inches – 1 ½ inches – Salmon Junkies suggest a 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.
In Umba and Ponoi our camp shops will keep a good stock of flies tied specially for us and the conditions.
Accessories
Measure tape
Leader material (15 lb. Up to 25 lb.
Clippers.
Repair kit for Waders
Some sinking tip for extreme situations
Pliers
Wading stick
Pocket torch with fresh batteries.
Camera and video. With fresh batteries / recharger. (You can recharge in the camp / 22oV)
Bag or backpack for daily equipment
Mosquito juice
Sunglasses
Plastic bag for wet clothe when travelling back home
Clothes and other items
Fleece trousers and jacket
Warm socks
Fleece gloves
Hat and scarf
Waterproof fishing jacket
Waders (breathable)
Fishing shirts and vest
Caps
Sneakers or short boots (boat fishing in hot weather)
It is also advisable to bring: Ear plugs for helicopter flights, snoring partners and screaming fly reels. A couple of plastic bags for wet clothes and booths when leaving. Cash in Euro for Bar, Camp shop and gratuities
MEDICATION
* Travellers should always pack medication for such common complaints as diarrhoea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache etc. as well as prescriptions.
* Most visitors to Russia don’t experience stomach problems, but it is worthwhile to have treatment available just in case.