Fishing in Russia with Roxtons
The best salmon fishing in Russia that you will find. The beats of Lower Varzuga and Kitza are fished in conjunction and guests spend three days in each camp which offer rods the chance to fish two totally different rivers in the same week on what is the most prolific river in the world in terms of salmon caught per rod per week.
Lower Varzuga camp is located just below the village of Varzuga and is the base camp for the operation. The beat encompasses the first major holding pools on the river, providing the salmon with the first resting lies above the White Sea and offers unparalleled fishing during the prolific spring runs. In the early part of the season the heavy flow of snow melt water forces the salmon to navigate the calmer streams near the banks and wading is barely necessary.
As the season progresses, the gentle gradient of the riverbed offers relatively easy wading and the smooth glides allow for fantastic dry fly fishing, using a skated tube or bomber to lure the salmon into stunning visual takes on the surface. There is also a very productive home pool immediately opposite the camp at Lower Varzuga, allowing for a quick cast for those looking for a bit of action before breakfast or after dinner.
The Kitza River offers a very different proposition. Smaller than the Varzuga, its peaty water and meandering course through banks of pine forest has drawn comparisions with the Aberdeenshire Dee in Scotland. A beautiful stretch of water, the Kitza runs downstream from a series of large lakes that provide a constant supply of water throughout the season. The Kitza is narrower then the Varzuga with perfect fly water along its whole length. Many of the fishermen take the opportunity to use their single handed rods to add variety to the three days of double handed rods at the Lower camp. The majority of the pools are within easy walking distance from the camp.
Lower Varzuga & Kitza camps are a popular choice and we have many regular rods who return to their same weeks each year as the opportunity to fish two such different rivers in one week, amongst such prolific runs of salmon, ensures their popularity. They hold the record not only for the total number of fish landed in a single week but also the highest average catch per rod per week on Russia's entire Kola Peninsula. We know of no other location that offers rods the same opportunity.
Lower Varzuga
Accommodation comprises 7 brand new cabins built from local timber. Each cabin has a private room for each rod and its own shower and loo. There is a central dining and sitting room, where you can discuss your day's salmon fishing and enjoy a drink in comfortable surroundings with an open fire. After supper a visit to the Russian banya (sauna) is a perfect way to ease those aching muscles.
Kitza
The camp comprises five log cabins, each with twin beds and en suite shower and loo, as well as two new cabins with single rooms and a shared bathroom. As with Lower there is a central dining room and cosy sitting room with a log fire where you can talk about all the salmon you have caught during a productive day’s fishing. Kitza also has a Russian banya (which was completely rebuilt in 2007) to ease away the tiredness in your arms and legs from landing all those fish!
Rods
For salmon fishing in Russia, a double-handed 15 foot rod is suitable for this beat throughout the season though guests are recommended to bring single-handed 9ft to 10ft 7 to 8 weight rod following the onset of June.
The Kitza river is suitable for a single handed 9ft or 10ft rod that takes a 7 to 8 weight line during all of the season.
Lines
During the first weeks of the season in May fishing will predominantly be on sinking lines. Later and from the beginning of June the fishing will progress to floating lines, usually by the second week in June. It is important to understand that this is a guideline only and there are many factors which might influence this. It is worthwhile to err on the side of caution and bring with you a selection of different lines which will cover all likely eventualities.
Flies
Salmon fishing in Russia is with barbless single or double hooks only. No trebles are allowed. Fishing inspectors employed by the Murmansk Fisheries Board will inspect tackle at irregular intervals in order to ensure that you are complying with regulations. They have the power to impose punitive fines and confiscate equipment. Roxtons Fieldsports will not be held responsible if you are found to be in contravention to the fishing regulations found in each camp.
There is a selection of flies for sale in each camp. However, this is not limitless and it is advisable to bring a good assortment of your own flies.
Good patterns include
- Ally's Shrimp
- Willie Gunn
- Sunray Shadow
- Green Highlander
- Temple Dog
Other items
These items will be very useful during your stay at the Varzuga
- Waders
- Life jacket
- Wading stick
- Wader repair kit
- Polarized sunglasses
- Forceps / clippers
- Tape measure
- Leader
- Waterproof bag for camera etc
- Day bag
- Hand and face moisturizer
Limited for non-fishing guests, unless very keen on painting.
Season
Our salmon fishing season in Russia runs for 6 weeks over May and June.
Time difference from GMT
+ 4 hours.
Electricity
All the camps have generators supplying 220v to Northern European 2-pin plugs so travel adapters are required for UK electrical goods. Generators normally run from 06.00 to 11.00 and from 16.00 to 23.00. The latitude of the camps means that it is light for 24hrs a day.
Currency
The official currency is the Rouble but Euros are widely used.
Tips
Tips are totally at your discretion. However, people do like to recognise the efforts of the guide and camp staff in ensuring that your stay is a happy one. A simple guideline followed by most is to give €120 to the guide and €100 to be split by your cook and Russian camp staff. If you are visiting two camps during the week this may be divided according to the amount of time spent in each. Other Western goods such as cigarettes and fishing equipment are popular as additional bonuses.
Visa Requirements
Two months prior to your trip we will begin Visa Processing which will require you to send your passport to us. Processing takes between 10 and 15 days so, should you have an issue with timings, please contact us. Your air tickets will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure. It is very important that you photocopy all essential documentation, including your passport, tickets and Russian Visa and keep them separate from the originals when you travel. This will help prevent serious complications in case of loss. On arrival in Murmansk your passport will be taken from you for registration with the necessary authorities and returned to you on departure the following Friday.
Medical Requirements
Although there are, at present, no specific inoculations necessary for travel to Russia, it is important to check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations prior to your trip. Whilst we do have basic medical equipment in each camp it is essential that you carry any personal medication that you may require.
Insects
Mosquitoes and midges are unlikely to be present in May or up until mid June. However, as the weather warms up they can become tiresome if you are not properly prepared. You are well advised to bring repellent such as Jungle Formula and a mosquito hat or veil is also advisable for the latter period.
All trips to the Varzuga start with an overnight in the Hilton Hotel at Helsinki Airport on the Friday. We then charter a private plane to Murmansk early on Saturday morning at 0900, arriving in Murmansk at 11.55 (a flight of approximately 2 hours) It will return to Helsinki at 13.55 on the following Saturday.
From Murmansk you will take a helicopter to the camps which takes approximately 1 1/2 hours.
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Enquire now
Call one of our consultants to book now:
+44 (0)1488 689 788
Or alternatively fill in this short enquiry form and we'll get back to you shortly:
Our View
A unique opportunity to experience salmon fishing in Russia on two different rivers, both of which are extraordinarily productive.
Price Guide
Prices start from £5,000 per person for 6 days fishing including international flights.
Availability
Please contact us regarding availability for this venue
Special Offers
Fish the Varzuga for £1,500!
Our Spring season on the Varzuga is fully booked.
We do however have 2 rods left for an exploratory trip in September. The trip will be led by Charlie White. Please contact him for further details on this seriously good value trip.
