FISHING TRIP RUSSIA

Overview
Over the years, the Atlantic Salmon has become a real passion for Pac Voyages and Piam. That’s why, year after year, we strive to find interesting opportunities in Kola, the dream of all those who fly-fish for salmo salar. If you’re a fly fisherman, then this is your paradise, and the specimen fish are waiting for you!
So if :
you fly-fish
you’re a fan of salmon fishing
– you want to discover a world-renowned lodge and enjoy the competent advice of the guides

Then this is the destination for you!

Geography
Since the Kola Peninsula opened up to western tourism in the early 90s, the rivers of this wild part of Russia have become the key place for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar). Salmon run from June to the end of September. Grayling and trout are also present. Each year brings its new records of specimen fish. The Yokanga in on the north coast of the pensinsula.

Why fish the Yokanga?
Many people believe that fishing in the Kola Peninsula with its prolific rivers guarantees a large number of catches. Salmon are, indeed, plentiful, but the North is a different story altogether – here, it’s not the quantity but the size that matters.
The Yokanga is a rough river that has forged its path through the toundra into the Barents Sea. Fishing here can be a real challenge but with our tightly-knit team of experienced Russian guides it’s one worth taking on. As a bonus, each year produces new , unexplored pools.

This is the place where you can catch the salmon of your lifetime and that’s what brings fishermen to the Yokanga. Here’s why :

The Atlantic Salmon which enter this river have been classified as the largest genetic strain by the scientists from the PINRO (Polar Research Institute)
The biggest enter the river in June and these huge fish can be caught into July. As these fish become resident, moving up and down the river for the rest of the season, and are joined by the summer run salmon and the grilse , fishing on the Yokanga is a great experience right through July.

Le Lodge
L’éloignement du lodge Yokanga force le respect envers les personnes qui l’ont imaginé et construit dans les années 90. Vous allez découvrir une région sauvage sans aucun accès routier. Le lodge est très confortable et est l’un des mieux équipés de la péninsule de Kola. La plupart des pêcheurs seront logés dans de spacieuses chambres doubles. L’attribution des chambres est à la discrétion du manager du lodge. Toutes les chambres ont leur propre salle de bains avec douche. Les chambres ont un chauffage électrique et les prises sont de type britannique (220V à trois broches). Les fenêtres sont équipées d’une moustiquaire.

Le dîner et le petit déjeuner sont servis dans la salle à manger à l’étage et vous trouverez aussi un bar, un espace montage de mouches, un coin télévision et de nombreux fauteuils confortables pour se détendre et évoquer votre journée de pêche. Il existe aussi un banya (sauna russe) dans un bâtiment adjacent ainsi qu’une salle de séchage pour les waders, vêtements,… Un service de blanchisserie est disponible moyennant un petit supplément à régler sur place à la fin de votre semaine de pêche. Veuillez garder à l’esprit qu’une fois que vous serez en Russie, il sera difficile d’acheter des articles oubliés. Nous avons une gamme de matériel de pêche disponible à l’achat et de cannes et moulinets pour le prêt, mais les articles de nature plus personnelle peuvent s’avérer impossibles à trouver !

Catch and Release
There are a few rules you need to know about catch and release, most of which are good common sense. Only use barbless hooks, pinch the barb if needed. No treble hooks. River wardens patrol regularly and have the right to confiscate your fishing tackle if you break these rules.
Handle the fish as little as possible. Don’t land it but bring it into the shallow waters away from the main current. Don’t hold the fish by its tail, use both hands underneath. If you want to take a photo, be quick and keep the fish out of water as little as possible.

Seasons : From June to August

Administrative requirements

French citizens : you will need to get a visa (on your passport which must be valid for 6 months after your return) to enter Russia. We can help you with this.
The request for a visa may not be made more than three months before your departure for Russia. We usually receive the invitations you need for the visa at the end of April and will send you the information then.

Other citizens : Please check with your embassy.

Proof of travel insurance is vital if you want to reserve a tour on the Yokanga. Please send us a copy of your insurance certificate with the questionnaire we will send you at a later date.

Health : No vaccinations required
Please inform us in advance of any health problem by filling in the questionnaire we will send you at a later date. We have a first-aid kit at the lodge but you should take any personal medication with you

Special diets: If you have any special food requirements due to health reasons (eg diabetes) or if you prefer a low-fat diet, please let us know in the questionnaire.

Language spoken : Russian. On site, the guides speak English

Time : One hour ahead of France (When it’s midday in France, it’s 1pm in Kola)
Currency : The currency in Russia is the rouble but during your stay at the Lodge most of the services are included in the tour package. However, if you take anything extra, such as beer, wine, flies, phone calls by satellite, laundry, you will have to pay in cash (euros or dollars) as the lodge does not accept credit cards.

Drinks : Beer, vodka and wine are available at the lodge. The vodka is included in the tour package. Bottles of beer and wine are available and will be charged to you at the end of the week. If you want other alcoholic drinks, we suggest you bring them with you but please remember that the Russian customs accept one litre of alcohol per person.
Water at the lodge is filtered and fit for consumption but we also provide free bottled water. Sodas are also available free of charge.