If the Varzuga is the most prolific Atlantic salmon river there is, then by definition Middle Varzuga is the most prolific beat in the world...

If the Varzuga is the most prolific Atlantic salmon river there is, then by definition Middle Varzuga is the most prolific beat in the world.

Situated 18km above Lower Varzuga camp, a rod on this beat is one of the most highly sought after on the Kola Peninsula.

The Middle beat has proved to be one of the most productive on the river system, especially in the early weeks when the natural high water barrier of the Yovas Rapids holds the majority of the salmon in the pools below. This long run of fast water holds the fish up until such a time as the height and water temperature combine to allow the fish to run through to the higher beats of Pana.

The characteristics of this stretch of water are such that it has the look of a river that has stolen many of the best pools from the famous waters of our ancestors.

The Middle Varzuga beat accesses over five miles of fly water with more than thirty named pools throughout its length. From faster flows around Clarke's Corner through the deep pools of Fortress to the wide, pebble bottomed open reach that is Peartiha and down around both sides of the island, our guests fish a diverse selection of some of the finest water the Varzuga offers.

Catch reports could also argue that Generator, the home pool, is the most productive salmon pool in the world today, consistently producing unrivalled catches of fresh salmon throughout the season.

The seasons change with surprising speed on the Kola peninsula. These changeable conditions allow for perfect opportunities to try differing patterns and methods from sunken lines and double tubes to riffled hitches across mirrored glides. The dry fly reaches of Peartiha and Simmons Glide and their catch records are a testament to the many anglers who have tried and succeeded here with a skated bomber.

Middle Varzuga takes a total of ten rods who fish a huge variety of water to rival an entire river system elsewhere and, as on other beats, transport is by jet boat.

A trip to Middle Varzuga offers the very best of the best of salmon fishing in the world, with consistently superlative catches of salmon and fishing that will challenge, excite and astound all who visit.

Middle Varzuga camp is on the island of Poondostrov, 18kms above the Lower camp. Six new cabins in the guise of those at Lower have been constructed, which means each cabin has two single rooms and a shower and loo.

The central dining room gives wonderful views of the west side of the island and the pools opposite. As with the other camps there is a Russian banya (sauna) on the river bank to help you relax in the evening.

Rods
For salmon fishing in Russia, a 15ft double handed rod is suitable for the entire season. We recommend that you take second rod with you just in case of breakages or loss.

Reels
Make sure your reel is of sturdy construction with a good drag system. You will need at least 100m of backing, again it is advisable to have a spare.

Lines
During the first weeks of the season in May fishing will predominantly be on sinking lines such as Wet Cell II or III. 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
Fishing 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 Field Sports 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.

Early in the season, tube flies of between 1" and 2" in brass, copper and aluminium are recommended, for tubes we highly recommend "Loop Double hooks", rather than cut up trebles. Good patterns are Ally's Shrimp, Willie Gunn, Sunray Shadow, Green Highlander and Temple Dog. As the water volume decreases and the temperatures rise, the size of fly will decrease. In May we usually fish with flies to size #4 and above. Whilst in June we fish from size #4 down to size #10 or lower. There is no hard and fast rule to fly size but in general, the warmer the water, the smaller and darker the fly.

Other items
These items will be very useful during your stay at the Varzuga

• Life jacket
• Wading, stick this is vital on Middle Varzuga
• Wader repair kit
• Polarized sunglasses
• Forceps / clippers
• Tape measure
• Leader
• Waterproof bag for camera etc
• Day bag
• Hand and face moisturizer
•  

Clothing
Temperatures during the fishing day can vary enormously. The best solution is to have a range of thin layers of clothing rather than fewer, thicker layers, preferably in fleece material rather than cotton. In this way you will be able to add or shed clothing rapidly to suit the temperatures you meet. It is important to bring a waterproof jacket. Preferably Gore-tex, which is more breathable than traditional "Barbour type" garments.

Waders
Neoprene waders are suitable to cope with the extreme temperatures met at the beginning of the season. However, breathable waders with fleece and thermal underwear offer equally proficient protection from the cold. In the later weeks temperatures can be high and thinner waders are more suitable. Felt soled, stocking foot waders, allow one to walk with a greater degree of freedom than boot foot waders.

Limited for non-fishing guests, unless very keen on painting.

Season
Our salmon fishing in Russia season runs for 6 weeks in 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.