Salmon Junkies

Russian Atlantic salmon

Here you will find essential information and terms on your coming salmon trip to Russia – if you still have questions please don’t hesitate to contact Salmon Junkies

Umba River – The golden mix

Low-priced and great Salmon fishing in the most gorgeous surroundings.

This answers everything a Salmon angler can ask for and really lift quantity and quality into a higher level. Our Umba-autumn program will speak for itself and display the best Umba can offer.

Umba fishing is a golden mix between size and numbers. This is the place where you have a fair chance of catching 20 salmon and at the same time run into a 20+ or even bigger

From May to the end of October – Umba will fulfill your wildest salmon dreams. Superb natural surroundings, an exquisite lodge and wild, fresh salmon in one of the longest seasons in the salmon fishing world.

Here in Umba you will have direct access to the wonderful sport of salmon fishing – you will know what it feels like to lose salmon and catch more…

Our Umba beats are divided in to very different sections around the lodge you have at beautiful mellow streaming river with classic tails and gliding pools. 15 minutes boat ride and 20 minutes walking upstream you will find the wild Krivetz stretch with fast water and classic pools – one of the finest salmon “frames” on the Kola Peninsula.

Daily schedule in Umba River

The daily fishing starts after Breakfast approx 09.00 and continue until Lunch where approx half oof the group will return to the main Lodge for Lunch – the other half will have a bank side lunch together with the guide at one of the fireplaces we have along the spectacular Krivetz stretch. The daily fishing stops around 19.00 and dinner will be served at 20.00 in the lodge. After that the program is off schedule and usually- social relaxation in front the Lodge’s big fireplaces where the air soon will be filled with good stories.

Umba fishing is a golden mix between size and numbers. This is the place where you have a good chance of catching 20 salmon and at the same time run into a 20+ or even a thirteen pounder.
Organizing the fishing.

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 doubled handled rods

Flies to bring for Russia

All rivers have their favorites and the Russian 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

Blue. Hairy Mary / Blue Charm

The Undertaker

Recommendation towards sizes would be in direction of: 2 – 4 – Middle of June, moving to 6 – 8 in late June early July and further down to 10 and smaller in summer with the addition of bigger dryflies etc. Bombers, muddlers and skaters size 4 – 6 are highly recommendable in summer

Tube flies 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 – Good colors – Black / Yellow / Orange / Green / Brown
The tube fly Body should be in length 10mm – 20mm – recommended in Brass, Cobber or aluminum.
For more information regarding flies please check our Flies menu.
Clothes and accessories.

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.

The following list may inspire:

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 (recharge in the camp / 22oV)

Bag or backpack for daily equipment

Mosquito repellent

Sun glasses

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

Personal medicine and painkillers. Cash in USD for bar, gratuities etc.

Catch and release advice

All our programmes operates a strict catch and release policy. All fish must be reported and registered daily in the camp’s catch statistic book. All fishing is strictly Fly only, with use of single or double barb less hook. We request extremely care in handling all fish.

• Please do not beach the fish on dry land/rocks. Use a knotless landing net.
• When fishing from a boat try to land big fish from the bank.
• For photographs please ensure the fish is supported underneath. Wet your hands (never hold it up by the tail or the mouth) and return it to the water as soon as possible.
• When returning the fish support it in the water (mouth pointing upstream) unto it has fully recuperated before allowing it to swim away.

Terms and Conditions

INCLUDED IN COST: Round-trip air transportation from Murmansk to the Ponoi or Umba camp; Seven nights and six full fishing days at the Ponoi or Umba; all meals and accommodations at the river; fishing permits; one guide, boat and motor for each two anglers.

NOT INCLUDED: Round-trip airfare from your home to Murmansk; meals and accommodations in Helsinki or other en route cities; visa processing. Alcoholic beverages and other items of a personal nature; gratuities to guides and camp staff.

DEPOSIT/BALANCE/CANCELLATION/REFUND:

In order to confirm your reservation a 50% deposit is required not later than 14 days after invoicing. For our Ponoi and Umba Summer programs the final payment should be paid no later February 14th  2010. Final payment for our autumn program in Umba no later than July 14th 2010. Deposit and final payment are non-refundable in case you have a business conflict or change your mind.

Unusual weather and river conditions – such as extreme snow- and ice conditions – may also lead to trip cancellation. In such case – Salmon Junkies will, in the following order:

Offer Customer an alternative trip at a later date same season but maybe on a different programme.
If this is not possible for Salmon Junkies – Salmon Junkies will offer a 50% refund on the price paid on the cancelled trip.
Alterations – Travel schedules in Russia can change due to adverse weather, strikes or other factors beyond our control. This can cause loss of airlines tickets, for which Salmon Junkies cannot be held liable.
Salmon Junkies management has the right to implement alterations in the programme and fishing schedule to adapt to the prevailing conditions and seek optimum exploitation of the fishing and facilities for the group.
There can be public fishing access to some of Salmon Junkies stretches / beats.
Salmon Junkies keeps the right to host group leaders, journalists, film crews in all programs.

Salmon Junkies has the right to cancel on the basis of force majeure i.e. natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods) – wars, riots or other major upheaval – performance failures of parties outside the control of Salmon Junkies.

Customer is responsible for signing own Trip cancellation insurance and travel insurance.

TRAVEL IN RUSSIA: Visiting the Ponoi or Umba requires flying in Russian helicopters / or driving in Bus, and boats in wilderness country.

Passengers must understand and accept the risks associated with such means of conveyance. Travel schedules in Russia can change due to adverse weather, strikes, or other factors beyond our control. This can cause delays and even missed international connections. Such delays could impose additional cost to you in hotels or in changing low-cost airline tickets (which often have tight restrictions) for which we cannot be responsible.

Demanding Salmon chasing for the experienced and fit Salmon angler – The golden mix; Low-priced and great Salmon fishing in the most gorgeous surroundings.

Each part of the season has its magic along this wonderful forest river on the sunny side of Kola. And silver-dressed salmon lies in its many demanding pools from early May until the end of October.

Steffen has spent almost half of all his years in Russia along this magnificent river – and judging from other Salmon anglers around the world Umba represent everything a salmon angler dreams about – Here you will find everything from dreamy pocket sections and unmerciful rapids to wide and deep holding pools. And the accommodation is probably one of the best. This answers everything a Salmon angler can ask for and really raises quantity and quality to a higher level.

Few Salmon Rivers on the Kola have affected Salmon anglers from all over the world like the Umba. Since the beginning when the first pioneers fished this astonishing river, Umba has symbolized Russian Salmon fishing with all its fascinating elements, and Umba is one of the few rivers holding a real good and fishable run of autumn salmon (Osenka salmon).

Umba is a unique place and to watch life unfold in the small community of Pogorst when you are fishing Home Pool, takes you into another world – back to your great-grandfather’s life when everything was simpler.

Umba is an ideal choice if you don’t like to travel by helicopter (that is also why we can offer a exceptional pricing for this program) – the five hour bus drive from Murmansk down to Umba will give you insight into and an interesting picture of the Kola Peninsula. In some respect it is like a trip back through time, and it will provide you with a special frame for your fishing trip. Umba fishing is a golden mix of size and numbers. This is the place, where you have a fair chance of catching 20 salmon and at the same time run into a 20+ pounder or even a thirty or forty pounder. Our beats are divided into very different sections around the lodge. You have at beautiful gentle part of the river with classic tails and gliding pools. 15 minutes boat ride and 20 minutes walking upstream you will find the wild Krivetz stretch with fast water and classic pools – one of the finest salmon surroundings on the Kola Peninsula.

Few people leave Umba without a wish to return for more river action.

From May to the end of October – Umba will fulfill your wildest salmon dreams. Superb natural surroundings, an exquisite lodge and wild, fresh salmon in one of the longest seasons in the salmon fishing world. Here in Umba you will have direct access to the wonderful sport of salmon fishing – you will know what it feels like to lose salmon and catch more…

Unless you choose to fish exclusively from a boat, which can be very efficient, Umba is by no means a beginner’s river. Wading is at times very difficult and you need to be prepared for long (and scenic) walks, if you wish to fish the Krivetz. Consider bringing a wading staff, if you prefer fishing from the bank. But the challenge will leave you even more satisfied and proud of yourself, when you hook and land a silver “bulldog” from these remote and awesome pools!

Umba river – you may discover your soul here and at the same time lose it forever!

The Umba Lodge.

The lodge at the Umba river is newly built (2000) and is as a top luxury fishing lodge. Comfortable double rooms with private bathroom and a large veranda, where you can overlook the river and there is a brand new and very comfortable was built in 2006. Great staff, friendly service and excellent food.

In September the life giving polar summer is ending – the intense and hectic summer days in Umba are over.

After dinner it is time for some inspiring fly tying  in the fly bar  –  other guests prefer ‘the other bar’ to share the day’s events between each other in front of the big fireplace.

A narrow hallway leads to the guests’ warm and cosy rooms. There is reasonable good mobile telephone connection around the lodge.

You have you own bathroom, and all rooms are special designed to store all the stuff and tackle a salmon anglers always carries around. Outside on the veranda you can hang your wet clothes and waders – and from the rooms you can watch the salmon jumping in the awesome Home Pool.

It is a very unique experience to stay in the incomparable Umba Lodge – probably the most astonishing lodge on the entire Peninsula.

Like a small palace in the wilderness – just the right place to leave part of your soul and heart.

In Umba you can manage to become a real salmon angler in just one week, lose several salmon and catch even more.

You will accomplish the committed Salmon angler’s wildest dreams.

The Umba River is one of those places, where you may lose your soul forever, but you may very well also discover it there.

Low-priced and great Salmon fishing in the most gorgeous surroundings. This answers everything a Salmon angler can ask for and really lift quantity and quality into a higher level.

Few Salmon Rivers on the Kola Peninsula, or in the world for that matter, have had such a spellbinding and deeply felt effect on Salmon anglers from all over the world. For many of them it has almost become a lifelong love affair and you may witness hardened and weather-beaten anglers become all “mushy”, when they reflect and talk about Umba. Such is the character of this river and there are really very few places left in this world like it.

The new Umba Lodge on the banks of the fabled Home Pool was opened in the year 2000.

The fantastic centre building contains the dining area and a very comfortable lounge with a big fireplace.  Two wings fan out from the round centre building and accommodate the staff and contain the guest rooms as well as kitchen facilities. The dining area is tastefully decorated and very stylish. Here all Umba guests will feel like “Knights of the Round Table” enjoying high quality and tasty cuisine.

A narrow hallway leads to the guests’ warm and cosy rooms. All rooms accommodate two anglers and contain a private bathroom. The interior is built in style, entirely out of local timber materials. The rooms have been designed for storage of all the gear and tackle salmon anglers always carry with them. A porch circles the entire lodge with access from all rooms. This is convenient for drying wet clothes and waders – and a very nice place to watch salmon jumping in the awesome Home Pool.

A very unique experience awaits you at the incomparable Umba timber lodge – for sure one of the most luxurious lodge on the entire Kola Peninsula. It is like a small palace in the wilderness – just the right place to discover the enchanting soul of the Umba River.

What can you expect fishing the Umba River? Let me put it to you in a very straightforward manner – Umba is for the guy who is seeking demanding superior quality fishing.  AND- Umba is also tough wading and long (healthy) walks. We have no fancy hovercrafts or jet boats, who can ferry you up or down the river the whole day – except on the lower beats in Umba.

The Krivetz River (upper section of Umba) is a fast river with strong currents, big boulders and strenuous wading on slippery boulders, long casts and monster salmon.

Umba is a demanding chase for silver and suited for the experienced and committed Salmon angler prepared battle for his salmon.

no matter what time of the season you choose to come, you will encounter a week of unforgettable salmon fishing! Each part of the season encompasses its magic and lure along this wonderful forest river on the south side of the Kola Peninsula. Silvery salmon lie in its many demanding pools from early May until the end of October providing for a long and exciting season.

There are rivers on the Kola Peninsula, where you have the chance of catching higher numbers of smaller fish – but the unique mix of quantity-size and quality, i.e. ocean fresh fish, that you will find on in Umba is unparalleled!

The Umba river system has something like five different salmon runs each year and some of these consist of fish specially “designed” (pumped up in protein) to spend almost 2 years in the river before returning to sea! An incredible feat actually – homage and respect to the salmon.

As May ends and we move into the middle of June, the summer will manifest itself with high-pressure weather and sunny weather.

The amount of summer fish on our beats is probably peaking at end of June and beginning of July, and the reason why the catch per rod is a bit higher in June is probably related to weather and temperature being more optimal for the salmon to take the fly.  Regarding the fish – two major things happen during this period. We see an increase in fresh grilse so that the salmon to grilse ratio goes up towards 1:1. But we also encounter some of the overwintering or hibernating fish  bound for an 18 month stay in the river before spawning, and you will not be in doubt when you hook one of those. Being up to 25% heavier measured in length these bombs will make your lower jaw hit your chest and have you recheck your backing…

The average summer run salmon will be between 7 and 15 lb. but every week will see bigger fish landed – usually males and sometimes well over 20 lb.

In September the life giving and short polar summer is coming to an end. Autumn sets in quickly and the surrounding forest literally explodes in a spectacular explosion of colours along the banks of the river. This is the time and call for fulfilling one of the dedicated salmon anglers’ wildest dreams – big, ocean fresh autumn fish! Do not be surprised if you catch sea-liced fish right into October and later – these are the mythical Osenka salmon.

The average catch per rod at this time of year will drop a bit compared to the wild and sometimes “hysterical” summer weeks, but you will still have good chances for numbers in double figures and with some bright, sparkling fresh run salmon from 15 to 30 lbs. -  “Umba whoppers”.

Autumn fishing for Umba salmon is comparable to Steelhead fishing in British Colombia – Quality and challenging fishing in every sense of the word.