7 Great Reasons to go

An extended fishing season. The season starts as soon as the rivers are open (usually in late May), and continues through to October. Five different runs of salmon occur during this period, creating a nearly continuous flow of fish entering the system.                                                                                                                

The chance of hooking big salmon - or lots of salmon. Average fish run at around 20-25lbs and fish of 25kgs are not unusual, alongside a prolific run of smaller Salmon                                                                            

Safe water conditions. Because the Umba watershed is quite extensive and includes several large lakes and bogs, the water level remains relatively constant. And lack of water is never a problem on this river system.       

Reasonable prices. Because the Umba salmon-fishing program is not dependent on expensive helicopters, we offer extremely fair prices considering the quality of the accommodation and the fishing. Don't let our low prices fool you! The Krivetz is a superb fly-fishing river. And the Home Pool is often swarming with salmon, easily handling any amount of around-the-clock fishing.                  

Fishing suitable for everyone. Age and skill-level are unimportant- anyone can find an appropriate fishing activity or location. One can have an easy day of fishing from a boat, or a wrestle a huge salmon from the riverbank.

The Fishing seasons

June: Fishing is usually good in the lower reaches of the river. High water levels in the Krivetz River make fishing there almost impossible, but on the Umba River itself, June is the most productive month. The large Fall Salmon, unique to the Umba region, emerges from its winter "hibernation" and joins the fresh run of salmon on its way to the spawning grounds. Not to be confused with the Kelts (Black Salmon), this magnificent deep-swimming and feisty fish is still in its silvery livery at this time. Most fishing is  from boats, but both the Brad Pool and Home Pool also offer fantastic fly fishing from the riverbank

July: During the first two weeks, most fishing is from boats and from the riverbank in the lower section. A few of the pools in the Krivetz River are available for fishing, but normally the water is still too high to allow bank fishing at all of the pools. During the second half of July the water level generally abates and makes fishing the entire Krivetz River possible. The summer run fills the pools up with salmon from the sea- these fish typically range in size between 3 to 10 kg, but some are even bigger!  The water temperature can be quite high during this period, and light tackle with a floating line and fast- moving small flies are often the most effective combination. The Krivetz tent camp is established during the second week of July. In addition to the phenomenal salmon fishing, the Krivetz River offers some of the best fishing anywhere for large Arctic Grayling. If you are interested in grayling, bring some lighter tackle (#4-6 rods with floating lines and nymphs or dries).

August: August on the Umba is a month of transition. As the weather gradually grows cooler, the river water starts to cool down too. Fishing the Krivetz is the best option, with pools virtually full of fish from the summer run as well as the last autumn run. The first of the fall-run salmon normally enter during the last week(s) of August. These fish are big, bright and extremely aggressive. This period offers truly the best of the Umba fishing, using small fast flies and light tackle. The take feels like a lightning strike!

September / October: These are the months when the biggest fish migrate to the upper reaches of the river, and they represent the final salmon-fishing season of the year. This unique run of late salmon are extremely deep and powerful as a result of spending a full year in the river before spawning. From the lodge you can see new fish coming into the Home Pool daily, rising  to take your flies.  At a time when one normally fishes with sinking lines and big flies, we do better with small flies and slow, intermediate or even floating lines. Although the days are shorter and weather conditions more severe, the late season here is unparalleled. To our knowledge, no other river on the Kola Peninsula can compete with the sheer number of giant salmon in the Umba River during September and October.

The Best Fishing Spots on the Umba and Krivetz Rivers

Golden Run: A 300 yard stretch between Lake Poncho and the Golden Pool; it can be fished from both sides.

Golden Pool: This pool is an 8 minute walk downstream from the Krivetz camp. It is easily waded and fished. Below the pool is a one-and-a-half mile stretch of river that contains fish throughout its length.

Long Pool: This is the largest pool on the Krivetz River, being about 500 yards in length; it is situated 25 situated 25 minutes by foot downstream from the tent camp. Fishable from both banks, it is also quite easy to wade, and boasts a great spot for a riverside lunch.

Little Red Pool: A 40 yard stretch of water 10 minutes walk upstream from the Island Pool

Island Pool: Located a 25 minute walk upstream from the Junction Pool. An excellent site with 150 yards of fishable water. The Island is reached by wading or by inflatable boat.

Office Pool: This is the first pool below a long and fast set of rapids, and is truly one of the very best Atlantic Salmon pools in the world. A 15 minute walk from the Junction Pool

Junction Pool: This is the uppermost pool on the lower Umba river, situated 3 miles upstream from the lodge. The fish have a rest here before swimming up the Krivetz River. Fishable by boat only

Rat Pool: This pool is accessible by boat about 400 yards above the Lower Rat Pool. It is fished equally well from bank and from boat.

Lower Rat Pool: Two miles upstream from the lodge and accessed by boat

Brad's Pool: Access is by boat or by foot about a mile upstream from the lodge. The wading is very easy and the current only moderate. It is fished equally well from both banks.

Lohkinka: A beautiful fast pool for catching big fish.

The Bar: This pool is just a few hundred yards upstream from the lodge and is reached by boat. In early June it is fished by boat, and later in the season by wading.

Doctor's Pool: This is the first holding pool on the river. It is fished either from the boat or from the point.

Home Pool: This pool is suitable for fishing from both banks. Access to the right bank is by wading the bypass just in front of the lodge; access to the left bank is by boat, either with guides during fishing hours or later by rowing.

All fishing is on  a Catch & Release basis. This means that only barb less single- or double-hooks are permitted. Both single- and double-handed rods are fine.

Fly Rods

Single handed of 9 to 10 ft in line classes 6-10

Double handed of 12 to 15 ft in line classes 9-12.

Fly Lines

Floaters or intermediates from mid-June to mid-September

At the beginning and end of season a sinker can be worth trying.

Clothes

Neoprene or Gore-Tex waders with corkers/cleats. A wading staff for fishing the Krivetz River

Fishing jacket and cloves

Warm clothes and cap for cold evenings, or for early or late in the season

Raingear.

Available at Lodge

Fishing equipment such as rods, reels, and line can be rented or purchased at Umba Lodge. The lodge also offers fishing tackle including the best Umba flies, as well as waders, wading staffs, jackets, T-shirts, caps, Russian-made wooden fly-boxes, and souvenirs etc.

Umba Flies:
There are three basic flies for the Umba River:

Green Highlander

Red Butt

Silver Doctor   In sizes  2, 8

An indispensable fly is the Billy Butt:
Hook: single or double 2-8
Tag: oval copper tinsel
Tip: red antron
Tail: red antron
But: yellow hackle
Body: flat copper tinsel
Ribbing: oval copper tinsel
Wing: black foxtail with some copper flash
Front hackle: black
Head: black                   Cheeks optional

Other important patterns:
Rusty Rat and small Sunray Shadow-Tubes. Use bigger flies at the beginning and end of the season. During summer dry flies also work very well. Try a Bomber!