Atlantic Salmon fishing in Varzuga River

The pools of the Varzuga River lower beat

The lower beat of the Varzuga river is about 3,5 km long, with 20 named pools providing wonderfully varied fishing; see picture.

Fishing seasons of Varzuga River

At the end of April the ice on the river breaks and the fish start running in unprecedented numbers. Our season starts a week or two after the ice has broken in order to give the fish the best chance of filling the beats. At the beginning of May the weather is changeable; some days can be cold whereas others will find us in shirtsleeves. Generally however, conditions tend to be mild as the Kola winter rapidly gives way to summer.

The first week of June is generally the cusp week, when we change from intermediate or sink tip lines to floaters. The weather is settled by now and, all things considered, the fishing is among its best. The following week we are definitely on floating lines with a great deal of water opening up for dry fly fishing, using bomber patterns or skated tubes. Wading is straightforward in most pools although a stick and a life vest are strongly encouraged.

The late season on the Varzuga river is the time when the biggest salmon migrates to upper reaches of the river. This unique run of late salmon is extremely deep and powerful created by spending a full year in the river before the next year spawning. From the lodge you can see new fish coming into the Home Pool every day, jumping to challenge your flies. At the time one normally is fishing with sinking lines and big flies, we are doing better with small flies and slow intermediate or even floating lines. Although the days are shorter and the weather is more severe, the late season on the Varzuga river is unparalleled. By our knowledge, no other river on the Kola Peninsula can compete for the same numbers of truly big salmon as the Varzuga river in September and October.

Fishing recommendations

• All fishing is based on Catch&Release rules.
• Only barbless single or double hooks are allowed.
• Fishing-tackle has to be suitable for catching Salmon!
• For spinning we advise: reel: Shimano, line: 0.35 - 0.40, blinker type: crocodile, Kyasamo 20-30 grams and the use of wobblers.
• Rusty Rat and small Sunray Shadow-Tubes. Use bigger flies at the beginning and end of the season. During summer dry flies also work very well. Try a Bomber!

Fly rods and lines

Both single- and double-handed rods are fine.

• Single handed of 9 to 10 ft in line classes 6-10.
• Double handed of 12 to 15 ft in line classes 9-12.

Clothes

• Neoprene or Gore-Tex waders with corkers/cleats. Wading staff for the Krivetz fishing.
• Fishing jacket and mittens.
• Warm clothes and cap for cold evenings or for early or late season.
• Rain clothes.

Three basic flies

• Green Highlander
• Red Butt
• Silver Doctor

The Billy Butt.

An essential fly for Varzuga river
Hook: single or double 2-8
Tag: oval copper tinsel
Tip: red antron
Tail: red antron
But: yellow hackle
Body: flat copper tinsel
Ribbing: oval copper tinsel
Wing: black foxtail with some copper flash
Front hackle: black
Head: black
Cheeks optional