Drozdovka River, Rusia
Over the years the Drozdovka River has earned its fame as one of the premier big fish Atlantic salmon rivers in the Kola Peninsula. Located within the Arctic Circle on the northern shores of the peninsula, the Drozdovka is one of the Kola Rivers which offeres the best chance of 20+ and even 30 lb + plus fish. This mid-sized river of crystal clear waters offers a number of beautiful pools which are largely wadeable. Pools such as the Aquarium Tube, the Finn Pool, the Hitch Pool or even the Home pool which is right next to the camp offer wonderful waters for spey rods during the first part of the season. As the summer and water levels drop, the river becomes more and more fishable with one hand rods with great opportunities fo surface fishing with hitched tubes, surfers or bombers, /p>
As with other rivers in northern Kola, there are two main runs of fish, the with most of larger multi-sea winter fish arriving throughout June. These are large powerful fish, many in the 20 lb range and some incredible fish in the 30 lb + range. From mid-June until mid-August, a time of year known as the “white nights”, fishermen can fsih at practically any time of the day or night. As July advances the number of 2 sea winter salmon and grilse increase, bolstering the stocks of fish already in the river. However, fishermen should not let down their guard as larger fish are taken thoughout the season.
The Drozdovka Tent Camp is strategically located on the shore of a lake which divides the upper and lower havles of the river. From here most of the best pools are less than
a half hour away on foot. The river is divided into 3 beats which are fished in rotation by a maximum of 6 rods which ay be accommodated at the camp. Generally pey rods and switch rods are the order of the day for the Drozdovka, however, during the second halfof the season when water levels are lower a good caster can cover most of the pools with a one had rod.
13 to 14 foot, 7 to 9 weight spey rods with a selection of sink tips throughout June. Intermediate and floating lines will cover most situations from the beginning of July on. During the second half of the season some fishermen may prefer an 8 weight one hand rod to fish bomber or skating flies.
Popular flies include: Golden Killers, Snaeldas, Black Francises, Green Highlanders, Sun Ray Shadows, Silver Doctors, Bombers y Muddler Minnows on single and double hooks, sizes 4 to 8 early in the season dropping to nº8 to 14 size hooks from July on depending upon water levels.
The Drozdovka Tent Camp is located on the shore of a lake which separates the upper and lower sections of the river. The camp has an excellent home pool a mere 5 minute walk downstream.
Guests are accommodated in double tents with beds. Each tent has its own gas stove which is lit every afternoon before the guest return from fishing. Guests are served breakfast and dinner in a common dining tent. The camp has common bathroom building with a hot water shower and wash basins. The latrine is a wooden outhouse. There is no cell phone or internet coverage at the camp but guests may use the camps’s satellite telephone to make calls at an extra cost.
Meals are served in a dining tent which is also used as a social center for the camp where the fishermen come together for meals or to have a beer and chat about the day’s events.
The Drozodvka River Camp is located just south of the Varzina River within the Arctic Circle in Russia’s Northern Kola Peninsula. To get there guests fly into Murmansk on commercial flights. From there they are transferred by road to a helicopter port in Lovozero where they will take a private helicopter to the camp on a flight that takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Río Drozdovka
Location: The Drozodvka River Camp is located just south of the Varzina River within the Arctic Circle in Russia’s Northern Kola Peninsula.
Season: From 6 June to 5 September.
Best dates: They vary, but your best bet for good fishing is from mid June to mid July.
Nº of Rods Allowed: 6.
Methods allowed: Fly only with single or double hooks. All fish should be carefully handled returned to the river alive.
Species: Atlantic salmon, resident and sea-run brown trout
Note: In order to travel to Russia you must obtain a pre-approved tourist visa. We recommend allowing at least one month for vias processing to be on the sae side. PescaTravel can assist you in processing the visa.
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