World Class Destinations from Frontiers - Northern Hemisphere

publication date: Sep 13, 2007

Northern Hemisphere

Ryabaga Camp, Ponoi River, Kola Peninsula - Russia

The Ponoi River is deservedly reputed as the finest all-round Atlantic salmon river in the world. Ryabaga Camp nestles on a Home Pool (more like a home beat) that is second to none. Over the last 15 years Ryabaga Camp has refined the definition of a true Russian wilderness experience and now sets a benchmark by which other operations are judged.
Ponoi offers remarkable numbers of fish; it is statistically the most productive salmon river in the world, with balanced catches across an 18 week season. The catch includes excellent numbers over 10lbs and plenty of good-sized fish up to the 30lb mark. It encompasses all the methods of fly-fishing, from long casts with double-handed rods to more delicate single-handed rod fishing and skated flies. You can wade for mile after mile or fish intimate spots from the stable, anchored jet boats. Over 41 miles (67kms) of double-bank water offer Ryabaga Camp guests unprecedented fishing. The camp itself enjoys almost as much recognition as the fishing. It is a luxury wilderness operation in what must be one of the most remote locations. Accommodation is in safari-style tents with permanent, rugged wooden floors and running water and a wood-burning stove. The camp has a luxurious shower building and a Russian sauna.

Yokanka River, Kola Peninsula - Russia

It is the chance of catching genuinely huge Atlantic salmon that draws people to the Yokanga. It is a raw, elemental river that has forged itself through the tundra to enter into the Barents Sea. Yokanga is a physically challenging river that requires a reasonable level of fitness and is mentally demanding, offering conundrums even to the expert, but it is also a river where the rewards often outweigh the efforts. The Atlantic salmon that enter Yokanga have been classified as the largest genetic strain on the Kola by the resident PINRO (Polar Research Institute) scientists. The biggest fish start to enter the river in June and fresh enormous fish are caught well into July. As these large fish become resident, the summer run and the grilse continue to add frenetic sport for those that fish through the month of July and into August. It is a short season on Yokanga and by early August we are already looking towards the close but the fishing still offers some wonderful sport. Away from the river, high on a hill, with commanding views over 2.8 miles (4kms) of water, sits the lodge, a marvellous wilderness facility. Designed and built in Canada, it is a classic wooden lodge that can accommodate 16 rods in a combination of double and single rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and fantastic power-showers with 24-hour hot water. The heart of the lodge is the bar, dining and sitting room, where rods congregate at the end of the day to swap stories and grab a drink before dinner.

 
Bristol Bay Lodge - Alaska – Fly-out Lodge

 
Our recommendation for an unparalleled fly-out fishing experience is the legendary Bristol Bay Lodge, strategically located in the heart of North America’s largest state park, Wood-Tikchik. In such unspoiled and untouched surroundings, guests staying at this private, luxurious hideaway can expect to catch a great abundance and variety of fish. Bristol Bay Lodge offers fishing for all five species of Pacific salmon, Alaska’s famous leopard-spotted rainbow trout, sea-run Dolly Varden, Arctic char, grayling and northern pike. The most distinctive aspect of this operation is their exclusive overnight camps, Birch Creek and Rainbow. No one else but Bristol Bay Lodge can offer such a unique rotational schedule consisting of day and overnight fishing trips, first-class accommodation, 34 years of experience, and attentive service. For an impeccably run fishing operation, look no further than Bristol Bay Lodge.

Mission Lodge - Alaska – Fly-out Lodge

For most people, it is not possible to visit Mission Lodge just once. With every last detail perfected, it lures people back year after year. This is the best testimony we can provide about the quality of their fishing program, accommodation and service. Each night, you will meet with your guide to determine what type of fishing interests you for the next day and a game plan is formed. Flexibility is their hallmark. The lodge also boasts single rooms, which are highly prized and very unique for Alaska. Mission Lodge is a perfect venue for families, individuals and small groups. Add to the mix a number of other special touches — a wood-fired sauna, hot tub, masseur therapist, fully stocked bar and top-notch equipment — and you have the perfect fishing destination.

Fishing Unlimited Lodge - Alaska – Fly-out Lodge

With just the right mix of comfort, charm and rustic appeal, Fishing Unlimited receives the highest of accolades from returning fishermen. Catering to only 14 guests, the lodge has mastered the art of providing exceptional service combined with unequalled fishing. Located in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve near Port Alsworth, Fishing Unlimited will tailor their fishing program to meet your objectives and their floatplanes actually stay with you throughout the day. Despite its seclusion and wilderness setting, this property is only an hour’s flight from Anchorage.


The Laxa in Kjos – Iceland

The Laxa-in-Kjos runs through a glacially cut valley and boasts over 100 named pools on some 15 miles (25kms) of river. It resides comfortably among the top ten rivers in the country and, somewhat unusually, genuinely caters both for the experienced Icelandic expert and the salmon fishing novice. With the advantage of the midnight sun, a typical day’s fishing on the Laxa-in-Kjos is divided into morning and evening sessions so everyone fishes approximately ten hours per day if they wish. For the most part it is a small river, fishable with a single-handed rod, but the Laxa-in-Kjos changes character through each of its six beats, and this variety is probably the key to this river’s attraction and success. While the main quarry is the Atlantic salmon, huge numbers of large sea trout run the river in late June and July, followed by smaller fish in mid-August. These fish average 3 to 6lbs but are caught throughout the prime weeks in the 8 to 12lb range. They are reminiscent of the great Patagonian sea trout but perhaps fight even harder for their size.

For full details of these and other freshwater destinations please see the Frontiers website and tell them you saw them on Fish & Fly!

Alternatively you can also call them in the UK on 01285-741340 or in the USA on 1-800-245-1950 or 724-935-1577