The Atlantic salmon of the Yokanga are different. They are bigger. These fish will hit and run, disrupting the uninitiated anglers expectations however hardened from years of fighting other formidable fish. These fish set the bar high. Bring extra fly line and a back up rod or two.
Thank you for your interest in the Yokanga River on Russia’s remote Kola Peninsula. The Kola Peninsula is the world’s last great stronghold of wild Atlantic salmon, and the Yokanga further maintains a deserved reputation of being home to some of the largest Atlantics in the world. You are in for a magnificent trip!
If you were to sit on the banks of one of the upper beats of the Yokanga, around Norcamp or Island Pool, you would be around one hundred and eighty miles from the northern city of Murmansk, an 80 minute flight by MI-8 helicopter.
The Yokanga River is located on the northeastern edge of the Kola running into the Barents Sea near Gremikha. 500 miles north of the Arctic circle, the fishing season is short, covering the period from early spring in June to early autumn in August. The river is best known for powerful fly water and even more powerful multi-sea winter Atlantic salmon that every season top 34 lbs, and often topping 40 pounds, increasingly rare elsewhere but still found in significant numbers in the Yokanga. The leviathan fish are joined also by a distinct run of summer salmon in the teens and upward, and grilse that appear from early July and continue to join these giants through August.
For many of those arriving for their week’s fishing at the Yokanga Lodge, this is not only an exciting pilgrimage to one of the world’s finest salmon rivers, but also meeting the challenge set by this unique river. Every fishing session is an exercise in tracking down and hooking one of the Yokanga’s monsters in this amazing and powerful river. Landing one of these magnificent brutes is another thing altogether. Unlike other rivers, you will not catch fish “by accident” here. With over 50 km of prime fly water, beats feature a huge variety of water, from rapids littered with giant boulders to gentle glides and large lake sections suddenly narrowing to productive draws. The Yokanga is a challenging – and rewarding – river to fish, whether from the bank, wading, or from the boat. You will absolutely love everything about this amazing program.
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)
