Freshwater

Why fly fishing in the Kola Peninsula

The Kola Peninsula is one of Europe’s most renowned Atlantic salmon fishing destinations, offering anglers the chance to fish remote rivers flowing through a vast and largely untouched wilderness. Situated in Russia’s far northwest, the peninsula is characterised by tundra, birch forests, mountains and clear, cold rivers, with some of its most celebrated fisheries supporting strong runs of wild Atlantic salmon. Fishing is generally based from comfortable riverside camps, with days spent exploring different pools and stretches of river in search of fresh-run salmon.

What makes fly fishing in the Kola Peninsula so special

The Kola Peninsula’s appeal lies in the combination of wild Atlantic salmon, low fishing pressure and spectacular wilderness. Its rivers are renowned for their clarity and the quality of their salmon runs, with fish entering from the Barents Sea throughout the season. The fishing is predominantly traditional salmon fishing, using single- and double-handed rods, with anglers moving between pools and using a variety of flies according to water levels, temperature and the time of year.

The relatively remote nature of the rivers means that encounters with other anglers can be limited, while the surrounding landscape provides a dramatic backdrop throughout the fishing day. Long summer daylight hours are another major attraction, allowing anglers to make the most of their time on the river and, at the height of the season, fish well into the evening.

Key fly fishing species in the Kola Peninsula

Aardvark Expertise in the Kola Peninsula

We have fished, and guided, on the rivers of the Kola Peninsula know the rivers of the Kola Peninsula well. Our knowledge of the region allows us to recommend the most appropriate option based on your preferred style of fishing, experience and expectations.

Grand Varzuga

The Varzuga river is a very popular river with anglers from all over the world. No wonder considering the catch records, amazing scenery and wonderful fly fishing pools. The Grand

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Kharlovka, Eastern Litza, Rynda, Zolotaya, ASR, Atlantic Salmon Reserve, Aardvark McLeod, salmon fishing, fishing in Russia

Kharlovka, Litza, Rynda, Zolotaya, Kola Peninsula

Please contact for details on individual weeks

Kharlovka, Eastern Litza, Rynda and Zolotaya are all part of the ASR (Atlantic Salmon Reserve) on Russia’s Kola Peninsular. Whilst an extremely remote and unspoilt area, the rivers are both intimate and

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Ryabaga, Ponoi River, Russia, Aardvark McLeod, Atlantic salmon, salmon fishing, fishing in Russia,

Ryabaga Camp, Ponoi, Kola Peninsula

The Ponoi River needs little introduction from a fishing perspective as chances are if you fish for salmon then you will already know of the Ponoi and its reputation as

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Sedanka Camp, Kamchatka, Russia, Aardvark McLeod, rainbow trout, fishing

Sedanka Float Trip, Kamchatka

From US$7,850 per person, sharing for a week.

The Sedanka is one of the most biologically diverse drainages of the entire Kamchatka peninsula, with all 6 species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, kundzha and both resident and sea-run

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Varzina, Kola Peninsula, Russia, Aardvark McLeod, salmon fishing, salmon,

Varzina – Salmon Lodge

The Varzina River rises in the tundra in the north of the Kola Peninsula. Originating in the Lake Yenozero it flows for 35km (20 miles) before reaching the Barents Sea.

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Zendzur Lodge, Zhupanova, Kamchatka, fishing in Kamchatka, rainbow trout, Russia, Aardvark McLeod

Zendzur Lodge, Zhupanova River, Kamchatka

Zendzur Lodge sits on a shoulder of the lower Zhupanova River amid a thick forest of Kamchatka stone birch, in the shadow of snow-capped Karimsky volcano. Exceptionally large rainbow trout, untamed

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