Over a decade of meticulous record keeping indicates the Varzuga has the largest known run of Atlantics on the Kola Peninsula, and in the world, with a return in excess of 100,000 fish.
The Fly Shop’s owner, Mike Michalak first ventured to the Kola Peninsula in search of Atlantic salmon in 1993. After 3 years of research on virtually all the rivers on the Peninsula, he made the Varzuga his top choice, based on numbers of fish and the quality and diversity of water for the fly fisherman. Ten years later, I received a very generous invitation from Christopher Robinson, of Roxton Bailey Robinson (the British outfitter and organizer on the Varzuga), to fish with him on the Varzuga and Kitza Rivers for a week starting in late May. My only real experience with Atlantic salmon was staring at the dead, pen-raised fish under the magnified sheen of cling-wrap at our local Costco. Having spent most of my youth and adult life chasing trout and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, I was absolutely giddy to finally get a chance to fish for Atlantics. I knew I was in for a truly memorable trip, but after all the stories I had read over the years about Atlantic salmon fishing, I was determined not to get my expectations out of whack. I mean, Atlantic salmon fishing is like permit fishing, right? If I landed a few fish for the week, I was going to be happy. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised.
Roxton Bailey Robinson has been instrumental in protecting and developing (the two are synonymous in Russia) the entire Varzuga River System. They run five different camps – Kitza, Lower Varzuga, Middle Varzuga, Upper Varzuga and Pana. A common thread in all the lodges is that they are small, with no more than 10 – 12 anglers at a time. That’s a simple reflection of what we at The Fly Shop® believe in and enjoy. Smaller operations usually offer less regimented angling opportunities, more personalized service, and encourage camaraderie among the guest. The small, intimate camps on the Varzuga offer that personal service and more. They are organized by British anglers to very strict standards, managed by experts, and staffed by enthusiastic Russian guides, European chefs, and native boatmen familiar with every riffle and rock in the river. The combination of British and Russian staff is terrific and adds to the total experience.
Headed out on your next adventure with us? The Fly ShopⓇ has you covered. As a thank you to our travel guests, enjoy 15% off all retail purchases for a year! — the perfect chance to gear up before your trip.
Whether it’s flies, leaders, apparel or a new rod and reel outfit, we’ve got everything you need to make your journey more comfortable, more successful, and more fun. (some exclusions apply)
