Destination Overview
Destination: Umba
Country: Russia
Freshwater: River and stream fishing
Capacity: 12 per week
Season: Late May to Late September
Specialties: Double handed fishing, Hot tubs or sauna, Not suitable for non-fishers
Species: Atlantic Salmon

Umba

The river Umba rises north of the Arctic Circle in the middle of the Kola Peninsula and flows due south through tundra and taiga until it empties into the White Sea. The system is lake and swamp fed and a lack of water is never a problem. With a long season, late May until early October, the Umba and its tributary, the Krivetz, have up to five separate runs of barrel shaped salmon each season. The river is accessed from Murmansk by a four hour road journey in a comfortable VW minibus and the programme is not reliant on expensive helicopter flights.

The fishing is fly only and catch and release. The Lower river has eight major pools as does the Upper (Krivetz) section. Some of these pools are well in excess of half a mile in length and can easily accommodate two fishermen. Fishing is by wading or from a boat if required. The wading on the Lower river is generally good whilst the Krivetz wading is somewhat trickier although each pair of fishermen have their own guide to assist them. Both the Umba and Krivetz have wonderful fly water and week in week out you have the opportunity to catch fish over 20lbs. In recent years the biggest fish recorded are 37 and 38 lbs respectively.

Rods are accommodated in the new Umba Lodge that was completed in 2000. Each rod has a twin bedroom for single occupancy with its own ensuite shower and WC. There is electric light and each room has an electric heater. Arguably the most comfortable Lodge on the Kola with food, drink and service to match. Umba Lodge has satellite TV and both mobile telephones and blackberries work. There is also a landline and fax facility. Umba Lodge has a sauna, fully stocked bar and a fly tying area.
Client Comments:
"Fishing suitable for everyone, lots of salmon and great comfortable lodge" - H.G UK

Travel Tips:
Depending on the time of year rods can fly London to Helsinki and onto Murmansk where the minibus will be waiting for you. Alternatively you can fly London to St Petersburg and onward to Murmansk in a modern Boeing aircraft.

Please contact Aardvark McLeod with any questions or for booking information.