THE ATLANTIC SALMON RESERVE
The Atlantic Salmon Reserve was founded in the year 2003 by Peter C. Power who was appointed “Adviser (Sovetnik) to the Governor for International Tourism” in June, 2007. The ASR is the world's first conservation area for Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout & Wild Brown Trout and Arctic Char. Fly fishing is available on the Kharlovka, Eastern Litza, Rynda and Zolotaya rivers through the Northern Rivers Company in Russia where the territory is known as: Дом для лосося
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Latest Newsor telephone: +44 (0)1865 883063 Monday, 1-Sep-08 We are delighted to announce the ASR has ended its 11th season with an all time record catch of 4014 salmon. After the unique cold late start the numbers starting picking up from the first of the Summer weeks - and we never looked back! For the season as a whole we were 24% up on 2007. The total number of fish caught in the last 10 weeks was 46% above our 5 year average and 27% for all 16 weeks. The best five great salmon were 47, 41, 37, 35 & 35 lbs. Justin has joined Ruth and me at the Eynsham Office as Director of Fishing. We truly appreciate the magnificent initial response to the invitations and proposals Ruth sent out last week on my behalf. For those of you with no email you should find a letter in the post by next Monday. Many of you have been kind enough to note our economic concerns and compliment us on the Tundra Adventure Program as a low cost alternative to the traditional high use helicopter programs. Thank you also for so many helpful suggestions. As a result of the huge interest in these programs we have decided to introduce them on all four ASR Rivers for four weeks starting 8-Aug-09: Weeks 33, 34, 35 & 36. The remaining two weeks starting 5-Sep-09: Weeks 37 & 38 will resume as the traditional high use helicopter program. Full details and prices are now published under “Tundra Adventures” in the front page directory of this website. Both Justin and I wish to thank all our wonderful friends, supporters and staff for an amazing season and hope to see you again in 2009. Peter
The Kharlovka Report: Week 37 Ending Friday, 12-Sept-08. While it is certainly true that the Arctic conditions here along the northern coast of the Kola Penisula normally provide us with a challenge, our final few days of the season proved to be far too bright for the big numbers. Beautiful sunny days were followed on by cold crisp nights. Normally our rivers begin to recognize the autumn season a couple of weeks earlier as the water cools down into the single digits drawing in the Osenkas as well as exciting the well-rested large spring salmon. In between all the clear blue skies and their difficult to explain rosy cheeks there was also plenty of salmon joy. Big Watty came close to beating his P.B. from last season with a memorable 23 pounder from the Upper Tent pool. While Ingo will now have to return next year for another go around with the monster he lost out of the Snowbank, Allan will be flying home with memories of his 28-pounder from the Military pool. And then there was our new friend Gordon who is most likely still going on about his new P.B. 23-pounder that he found in the Tent pool. Although Scotland might have got the best of Iceland in the last World Cup qualifying match, Jamie’s Litza 22-pounder was trumped by Elvis who added his Litza 21-pounder and silver Kharlovka 26 to the fishing book. And finally, Vladimir, who was back on his third visit to the ASR this season at his request found himself in trout paradise. Although he seemed to have lost count after chasing down the first dozen on dry fly, we figure he ended up with somewhere around 17 Brownies of between 2-4 lbs after our unforgettable 5 km walk across the spectacular autumn tundra. For now it is time for us to dip our hats in the rivers and thank them for their glory, respectfully stepping away leaving the salmon in peace to do their thing for another year.
The Kharlovka - Upper Rynda Report: Week 36 Ending Friday, 5-Sept-08.  While it may be true that the great salmon prefer those dark cloudy autumn days, last week we received far more than we had bargained for with the rivers rising through the week. At the start of the week we even had freezing rains and brief periods of wet snow. As the rivers surged the river temps went from 10.5 degrees C down to 5.9C in only 48 hours. By the Wednesday, unpredictable winds began to gather strength. Gusting and swirling from all directions for the final couple of days, the good news was that by late week the air temps had risen back up into the comfortable low teens. Despite these challenging conditions our intrepid guests must be congratulated for keeping the big numbers rolling in all through the week. In fact, by the time we got them all rounded up – settled down and dried out they had landed 194 salmon from the Kharlovka and the Upper Rynda. Meanwhile Peter was gave over the Lower Rynda as fly fishing school for local young Russians and they produced a further 47 (See: Life at Rynda) so that the ASR rivers beat their five year average for the ninth week in succession with 241 salmon. It would have been difficult as well to say where the real ‘hot spots’ were as all the beats of the three mighty Northern Rivers produced consistently throughout. We must admit, it was certainly a treat to have the Upper Rynda River at our disposal again, as a mere three to four rods a day managed to locate some 49 salmon out of the numerous fishy pockets. Elizabeth sure seemed to know what she was doing going on to entice eight Rynda beauties with her trusty Jeffer Dog fly including some cracking salmon of 15, 16 and 20 pounds. Or,how about South Park Kenny's six up to 18 pounds that one rainy afternoon through the Five Pools. Although Richard showed his experience picking out four in a row from the Fan, it was our new Spanish friend Benja who found his big 28-pound P.B. with a few last cast out of the Eagles Nest. All the while, great things were happening here on the Kharlovka as well as Alan set the early pace coming home from the Kharlovka Falls with stories of his six salmon he landed that were all in the teens. And then there was Phil and Paul who decided to wave off the helicopter and walk home finally arriving back late to dinner with eight up to 15 pounds to add to the fishing log. By the time it was all said and done - the mighty Kharlovka had given up 77 salmon on the week. As for the Litza, this river simply never ceases to amaze. Starting out with Rob's 25 minutes of glory on the Lower Tent pool before he unfortunately came unbuttoned from a massive salmon that was quite obvious to them all - well over 40 pounds! Noticeably shaken from the whole ordeal, Rob returned home that evening with that Litza gleam in his eye knowing that it was better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Two days later, it was Fernando storming back into the lodge with news of his 31-pound triumph out of the Dream pool - 'Magnifico!' And then there was our Viking friends Hordur and Orri, who simply could not stop fondling their flies - returning back from their Litza overnight with 10 tales including their three over 20 along with a brace of sixteen's. With warm temperatures of around 10 degrees C currently settling in over camp and our rivers finally starting to level out from last weeks spate - factoring in our remarkable record season - We are understandably optimistic about our precious few days left here on the tundra!
Peter
Tuesday, 1-Sep-08: ASR rods have beaten the weekly five year average every week for the last eight so that the sum total of salmon landed is now an astonishing 45% up in this period. After an unusually late start to this season the catch results have been unprecedented so that it is a record season. Recently we have had encounters with four 40lbs plus fish the largest measuring 123cms estimated at 46/47 lbs. To top it all the first 18lbs sea liced “Osenka” was taken on 24th August at Island Pool on the Kharlovka to be followed by one of 19 lbs and another of 18lbs last week. I am sorry to be late with the invitations and prices for 2009 which should go out this week. It has been a hell of a struggle on the economic front so we have been devising some flexible Tundra Adventure Fishing Programs for the Late Summer & Autumn. The concept is a low helicopter content with walking between a network of tent camps & shelters and the lodges to make the ASR experience more affordable and exciting for the fit & agile and to encourage young people.
The Kharlovka – Rynda Report: Week 35 Ending Friday, 29-Aug-08.  The first Osenka - Note the sea lice by the eye Due foggy conditions our latest party of cheerful guests arrived late Saturday evening without enough light to properly start fishing. With one precious day now gone, Sunday morning we started up two of the helicopters simultaneously, fanning the rods out across the rested pools of the “Three Rivers” – Kharlovka, Litza & Rynda. Fishing the majority of the week under dark misty sky - the weather was on our side. Although the final Friday might have been a bit damp, there was barely a breath of wind to complain about throughout. The air and water temperatures hovered nicely around the 10-degree mark, while our rivers slowly dropped one centimeter a day down to a current late season reading of 5cm on the Kharlovka home pool scale.
Fishing hard everyday and staying up far too late, this lot was on record pace from the very word go! In fact, there was so much celebrating around here last week that we nearly had to call in an extra helicopter full of wine and spirits just to get us through. Seriously enjoying their three rivers experience, all our guests were able to find salmon from all “Three Rivers”. Rynda excitement included: Sasha in the MI-2 followed by beautiful autumn walks along their favorite pools as a mere four lucky anglers a day with a river to themselves - Claus and Steen pulling in those 5 salmon near the 3rd Waterfall including a 23-pounder - Peter and Diego’s escapades down through the Five Pools area, producing 8 salmon with the largest tipping Vasiliy’s scales to 25 pounds. Thankfully sport seemed to be spread out nicely both between the three northern rivers and our cheerful friends. With nearly a third of the group asking to borrow rods - reels and waders, you know that there is surely going to be a few “personal bests” to follow. The most honorable Lord Hawkesbury broke his personal best three times finally topping out with a respectable 21-pounder. Reenacting the whole episode later back in the lodge, we finally had to restrain his Lordship from spey casting one of our dinning chairs out the window! There were many others that displayed similar excitement for after the smoke had cleared and it was all said and done, there was a joyful 10 P.B.’s that had fallen on the week!
Dr. John and brother Eugene also seemed to have the hot hand taking 5 five one day from the upper Litza including a 18-pounder with sea lice as our first “Osenka” and another of 22 out of the Secret Pool. They had just as much fun the next day up at the Kharlovka Falls finding 4 more averaging off in the mid teens including the feisty 16-pounder that dragged them all the way down to Guys! Things only seemed to get better and better for the lucky Irish as later in the week we kidnapped them for a special exploratory trout mission, which ended up producing some 60 wild brownies – 70% of them were greater than a kilo - 6 of them were of 50cm. “Bloody Hell!” they murmured to themselves all the way down declaring this to be ‘The best day’s fishing we have ever had!’ A most honorable mention must also go out to Capitan Eddie and his band of fishing addicts. Above all their new P.B.’s and late night mischief, in the end it was brother D’Arcy who stole the show. Opting to stay over with his mates on the tent camp, Big D’Arcy returned home completed ‘Litzed’ after battling his 5 salmon in the double figures including the 19, 23, and mind-boggling 33-pounder which they chased for an hour and 55 minutes all the way down to the Red Cliff. There were so many toasts that night that, despite Camp Rule No.1, we had to delay the helicopter by a full 15 minutes the next morning.
Joining us here twice a season seems to be much better for the fishing logs than merely visiting us once. Our good friend Richard was a fine example of this averaging just over 20 salmon on his two weeks. The great Dane Peter, was most certainly in this league as well showing his honed skills averaging 24 salmon on his back to back weeks. You might get lucky around here once however to do it twice in a row is something else. In fact, on the last evening of his extended salmon adventure he returned back to the lodge glowing bright red. Turned out that on our final rainy wet afternoon Peter wisely decided to make a couple last casts into the tail of the Snowbank Pool before heading down to Military to join back up with the guide and his partner. Only moments after they rounded the corner Peter hooked into a very serious situation. With no other choice but to hold on and try to stay close, his salmon basically went everywhere it pleased. After 30 exhausting minutes the great chase was over as Peter slid his Litza monster in along a grassy pocket at the bottom of the Classics. Totally and utterly shocked when he was unable to wrist the fish, he began to fiddle through his soaked kit for his camera. With enormous admiration for his huge fish, he quickly decided to lay his rod down beside it for a measurement and then get it safely back into the water. At 123cms great hen fish has to be in the 46/47 lbs range and, like Chris T’s fish of the same length, ranks as one of our best. “Would somebody please produce a fully authenticated fish of over 47lbs, preferably 50lbs, and put an end to all this frustration over the ASR record.” After all the stories had been told and the last bottle of wine was drunk, this group of hard charging young lads managed to break our previous record with 163 fish.  Peter
The Kharlovka – Rynda Report: Week 34 Ending Friday, 22-Aug-08.  This week I will resume the Kharlovka Report and you will find Rynda under the last Rynda report of the season under “Life at Rynda. Apart from a couple of windy days the weather has been good but the latest team inherited the lingering spate conditions from last week. The river has been flowing unseasonable warm at 13.6C, finally peaked on the Sunday evening at a mark of 23cm on the home pool scale. Slowly dropping 2cm a day, it wasn’t until the Thursday morning that our river temps finally started to equal out with the air. While Sunday may be considered a day of rest along some salmon rivers of the world, that was not the case last week on the Lower Litza. Around midday, Geir was stepping along the stones of the reindeer rapids when he spotted a massive salmon showing far out into the pockets. For the next two hours Geir, along with Big Alex, proceeded to go through the fly box. After carefully presenting one of nearly everything they could think of, they tried my favourite fly – The Laerdal Sunray Shadow.For the next 45 minutes, Geir cranked away on his reel while Alex forged through the strong currents, rescuing the line various times from the boulders. Miraculously, nearly one hour later (with his video tape now completely full) his great salmon somehow managed to make it to the net. Stretching the tape to 119 X 65cm = 41 pounds! Inspired by the Norwegians tremendous achievement, Steven found himself in the same delightful situation the next day. It was reported that after watching his 40+ pounder take the fly from high above the rocks up at the Kharlovka Falls, it shot the rapids heading straight down for the Guys pool. As his giant salmon came charging into Guy’s another great fish was disturbed. All of a sudden his joy quickly turned to panic as they could see that the fish was twisted, rolling over the line. Unfortunately, only meters away from the net the fly slipped loose, leaving them all with a burning memory that will never be forgotten! A lot of big fish were lost last week but there were plenty of moments to shout. Take that perfect Thursday for example, when everyone returned smiling back to the lodge with their digital cameras in hand. Five of the seven pairs were delighted with big fish that day with 21, 21, 22, 26, 29 pounders. Then unfortunately on our final day, while the team was certainly all tuned up and ready to finish strong, the dreaded fog ended up grounding us close to home. Nevertheless, all will be hoping to improve on their most respectable 134 salmon catch which is yet another record for the Kharlovka books. There were 6 personal bests and all of this was accomplished despite a wild brown trout detour to land 50 fish of 1Kilos plus and about 20 beautiful char. All of the rods proved to be true fishermen, they relished every precious minute of the day (and night) as if it were their last. My congratulations to you all!
Peter
The Kharlovka – Rynda Report: Week 33 Ending Friday, 15-Aug-08.  The Russian immigration authorities have determined quite correctly that business visas (as opposed to tourist visas) are not valid in the “restricted zone”. Unfortunately this means your two regular scribes have to reside outside the main camps but within the ASR. This is a temporary problem and our relationship with the Murmansk Government is excellent. However it falls to “Yours Truly” to step into the breach in the hope that you will accept less than the usual standard of reporting without complaint or query.
Last Saturday our guests arrived into the camps just as the fog and mist began to settle down to the extent the pilot decided there would be no further flying that day. Without hesitation our intrepid younger rods marched off towards the very top and bottom beats. Our charming Swede friends filled in through the middle, leaving the odd Dane and a few Englishman to roam about close to home. Two and a half hours later they all staggered back into camp soaked yet far from beaten. Sunday was much the same character-building scenario for the Kharlovka rods - with no flights again to Litza. While across at Rynda, despite similar challenging conditions, everyone was successfully deployed to their beats resulting in a solid start for their week. We were then surprised by two warm sunny days so that all the rivers shot back up into the mid teens ending in torrential rain through the night raising the height of the rivers. With the barometer bouncing up and down through the week the winds proceeded to pick up to nearly un-fishable speeds - gusting to 80kms an hour. The howling gale force whipped up the pools – clouding most of the river with algae washed in from shallow pool margins, rendering the fishing very testing indeed. Meanwhile our off-coloured rivers were once again on the rise – up 12cm at Kharlovka and about 6cm at Rynda. In short neither camp was really given a fair chance.
Although both the Rynda and Kharlovka have been on a serious roll lately – landing over 400 salmon for four consecutive weeks in a row, the reality is that not every week can be a record. Despite the appalling conditions the Kharlovka catch was 111, the Rynda catch was 122 and the combined ASR total of 233 was well over the five year average and not that far short of another record week. It should also be noted that nearly as many salmon were lost as many of them simply kept parting company. Hopefully, next the water will drop, the algae will clear and things will be back on course for a record season. We have been a bit short on MSW3 salmon this season which is much to do with high water but we should see a few more crocodiles landed as the rivers lower and the water temperature drops. It is wonderful how the combined experience of guest and guides has learnt gets the best from the ASR’s rivers in all conditions.
Rynda was an ASR Youth Program week with Hugh Daunt 11 years of age with best fish 12 lbs, Hannah Sharp 12 with a 14 lbs, Joe Ranson 13 with a 16 lbs, James Sharp 14 with a 14 lbs, Brynmoor Ferris 16 and William Morley 16 all with admiring mothers and fathers fishing alongside and accompanied by the “twins fishers” Jonathen & Duncan who took a 22lbs bright fresh salmon in Zolotaya Lower rapids and by some miracle landed it in Long Pool 2M higher up river 200M away. His explanation for this remarkable feat was: “I didn’t want loose it down the rapid like last year.” The spot is now called “Duncans Rush”. It was a week of pure delight and happiness never to be forgotten. Although all of them had their fishy tales to tell, it was little Hannah, who despite only being 12 years of age, fished like her life depended on it, going on to inspire the entire team with her bright smile up to the very last cast. We will be sending out the invitations from the UK for next season in the near future. We have suffered horrendous cost increases this last year and 2009 will not be much better. The Russian management is currently struggling to figure out the best that can done for us all. My current project is to ensure the future of the Atlantic Salmon Reserve for international sports fishing and environmental protection in perpetuity. It is 11 seasons now and just as exciting as it always has been.  Best wishes to you all Peter The Kharlovka Report: Week 32 Ending Friday, 8-Aug-08. Last Saturday, they all wasted no time gathering into our exclusive VIP zone at the Murmansk airport with one Big question on their minds - Are we still in time for this so called summer bonanza you've been having around here lately? After persuading them all to spread out and relax, they could see by the bags under our eyes and the line burns across our hands that we were quite obviously still - smack dab in the middle of things. In between cheers and suspicion they proceeded to pound down the beers like this would be our last stop of the week; fortunately, we soon got the word from the tower and were off again on our merry ways. Crazy things have been happening around here lately. From our recent solar eclipse that suddenly brought on the salmon, to that mythical severe weather warning, which was calling for three to eight centimetres of snow that we somehow managed to dodge over the weekend, to this seemingly endless run of silver summer salmon - there never seems to be a dull moment around here. While this is not the first time that we have been led on by the forecasts and it certainly won't be the last, it remains pleasantly impossible to predict what could possibly happen next.  After surviving a few previous seasons of hot tricky conditions, our good friends finally had their salmon dreams come true! The winds basically died as they landed in camp. The temperatures proceeded to lift up into the low teens. Our rivers were clearing, finally starting to slowly drop away. Dark low clouds rolled back over our Arctic coast, where they would thankfully remain for the majority of the week. Except for that small blast of sun towards the end, just to give them all a bit of color for the road, it was one of the fishy weeks of weather that we can recall for some time and for once, there will be no need to go on about it any further!  One optimistically gray day up at the Kharlovka Falls, Sam the Butcher staggered his way over to the edge for a few flicks off the rocks. Wisely choosing to go with his deadly double-beaded stonefly nymph, it wasn't long until he was hooked up to greatness. Yes that's right - Down the rapids it went, totally out of control. Getting a bit worried that he may never see the thing again, Sam began to give his moment some 'extra stick'. 75-meters into his backing and snap went the line! Fortunately, Sam happened to be fishing with a master who had seen it all - so many times before. Led on by his veteran guide Kola, they moseyed along the trail to the lonely birch tree, half way down the run. Kola told Sam to have a seat and enjoy his hot coffee, while he rigged up the single-hander. Winking he proclaimed, 'I'll be right back.' 42 minutes after losing the lot, Kola proudly marched back out of the run holding onto some bright orange line. Down through the guides and into a firm knot, Sam stood up again and began to regain control. Having rested for nearly an hour, they both pulled hard not to lose the battle. Finally - Sam was able to see the silver light. With a last great heave, his bright 20-pounder eventually lost out to the net. Shocked, and ever so pleased with this season's tale for the boys in the pub back home, our good friend Sam the Butcher has obviously learned to - Never stop believing!
And how could we possibly ever forget about good ol' Fast Eddie, along with Alan and their big bag of tricks, who simply left all their kit behind with Big Alex from the last time they were here - only two weeks ago. This time around Eddie decided to bring his son James to show him what the Big silver fuss was really all about. Monday morning, all fresh and raring to go, they marched single-file down to the Military pool and cast their tubes upon the water. It didn't take too long before Fast Eddie was off to the Litza races. Not our biggest fan of these Olympic sprints down across the rugged rocks, he ground his heels in and gave her all he had. For 15 delightful minutes his angry salmon darted about the pool. Eventually, Big Alex was able to put an end to the madness with one mighty scoop of the net. Slightly worried that he might now have to order up another one of those wood carved salmon, after just taking a previous one of 32-pounds home earlier this year, Alex lifted his latest triumph high with the scales and said, 'Don't worry Eddie, it is just another 30-pounder!' Quite pleased with himself, Eddie cast straight back in. Within moments, he was hooked up with an even bigger problem, which forcefully took off straight up the heavy stream! Circling the pool several times, they were all able to get a good look. In the end, the fly gave loose as his estimated 35-pound dream fish porpoised her way to freedom across and out of the pool. Don't feel too sorry for ol' Eddie, for two days later, his son James ended up stealing the show with a new family P.B. of 34 pounds. This last great moment may end up costing the family dearly, for James is young and could very well be hooked square in the scissors for life!
 Middle of the week around lunchtime, the guide's radios began to crackle along the river. Up and down the Kharlovka and shortly thereafter, all the way over to the Rynda, we sat glued to the Big fish situation that was unfolding up at the Falls. Russian slang was translated, play-by-play to the listening guests - 'One hour and 30 minutes now and we still haven't seen the fish!' Staying low along the bottom, it simply wouldn't budge. The big salmon drama played on for another 41 minutes before Sasha (or Fransusk - the Frenchman, going by his walkie-talkie nickname) proudly signed off with the most entertaining news that Richard's 32-pound crocodile was safely in the net! And with this, the radios again went silent. Highlights around here lately have been Big and plentiful. Along with the three fishy tales of those exciting 30+ers, there was another six of the lads that released 20+ pound beauties of their own. There was also this one quite young man named Thomas, who managed to tease 5 consecutive salmon in a row out of the Flat Stone including those back-to-back honest 19-pounders - All, by the way, on his single handed rod! Skillfully serving up flies like the Eternal Optimist - Massive Red Franchisees - classy Silver Doctors - Irish Pot Belly Pigs - and those crazy Danish Jerk Flies, it was not surprising that this group of fishing bandits were able to pull some 207 salmon out of the big silver pot!  We seem to be having another one of those normal seasons of completely unpredictable situations up here. From our distant late spring, to those precious few days of summer, to the early arrival of fall, it would be impossible to predict what might possibly happen next. Come to think of it, we wouldn't be all that surprised if a huge Osenka came blasting in right now. We are starting to get a bit worried though, for at the record pace we're going, we will surely run out of pages in the Kharlovka fishing log - within the next 10 days! Justin. Saturday, 2-Aug-08 This weekend Peter returned from a short visit to the UK to entertain and hold discussions with dignatories of the Murmansk Region. At Kharlovka House with Governor Yuri Alexeevich Evdokimov and at Rynda House with Vadim Vissarionovich Sokolov, Head of the Fishing Department and Marina Vasilievna Kovtun, Head of Tourism. On his return to Murmansk the Governor was pleased to make a brief visit to inspect Rynda Camp following the completion of the new en suite guest cabins, making his departure from the Rynda Cross.
Saturday, 02-Aug-08  Governor Evdokimov with Peter at the Rynda Cross
The Kharlovka Report: Week 31 Ending Friday, 1-Aug-08. Last Saturday, with the weather in Murmansk rapidly deteriorating, we promptly loaded up the helicopter and lifted off into a gray uncertain mist. Wiping the condensation from the windows, they all sat starring down at the remote passing tundra below. Not long after, hand gestures along with their little bottles of special 'hooch' were being passed round and round the cabin for good luck. Helped along by swift tailwinds that cut our flight time down by a good ten minutes, we were making our final approach safely back into camp before we realized. In great spirits, our Viking friends proceeded to pour off the helicopter; there were four sets of father-sons, three couples, two brothers, three trusting souls without rods-reels-or flies, a pair of charming Swiss, along with a most lovely Austrian - just to keep us all honest.  As usual these days, we seemed to be in another race against the unpredictable Arctic weather. After drawing for their beats out of the coveted Kharlovka hat, it was Espen-Trond and sons that were left standing with that first lucky Litza camping card. Being Norwegian, of course they all knew very well that Mother Nature should never be trusted. Fortunate for that, for after dropping them in on the Dream pool, that would be the last we would see of them for the next two and a half days. Over the weekend temperatures plummeted down into the single digits. Sheets of heavy mist sprayed horizontally up the valleys. Cold thick fog covered the tops of the hills. Our now - slightly off-coloured rivers were again slowly on the rise. Water temps had cooled to a fresh 10 degrees C. Flying back over to the Litza wasn't even a consideration again until late Monday afternoon. As many of you can now attest, there are certainly worse things in life than being stuck here on the mighty Kharlovka. Just ask Claus, who casted his way to glory pulling in six well-earned salmon one unforgettable ugly day up at the Kharlovka Falls. Most satisfied, his Big one tipped the scales to 34 pounds! Jens and Ellen didn't seem to mind staying close either, popping down to the Home pool between the odd fireside chat along with those revitalizing hot bowls of borsht - for 6 fish including the couple of sea-liced crackers in middle teens. Come Monday afternoon, the air pressure along with our all-important visibility, were finally on the rise. Excited and ever so ready for their chance, we packed up the helicopter and flew low back along the Barents Sea to the forgotten waters of the great Eastern Litza. Not even an hour after arriving and we were already debating our evacuation plan as the cold mists threaten to return. Fortunately, we were able to brave out the rest of the afternoon, switching over the fresh troops.  Turned out, that once we finally got our father-sons all dried out from their wet and wild Litza adventure, there was not surprisingly - a giant story to be told. Although the nasty weather kept them relatively close to the their warm dry tents, 16-year old Petter certainly beat the storm. Venturing his soggy way up to the Rugged Rock, the young Viking cast his black-yellow and silver Whatzit - far across the pool. With his soon to be proud father looking on, he was suddenly hooked into greatness. His salmon blasted off, exiting the pool on an impressive 150m rage. Holding his ground with a large silver smile, Petter looked to his guide for advice. Shaking his head, Volodya studied the line disappearing down through the rapids and said "Not a chance!" Now - more determined than ever to beat the odds, the young Viking cranked down on the drag. Miraculously, he managed to turn the beast around with his size 10 tube and proceeded to drag it all the way back to the net! Stunned, they carefully laid the tape to 110cm. The massive hen was then lifted up, stretching the scales to an honest 37 pounds! Congratulations Petter! Flying out, the young man stated that he would be saving every precious Krona to come back again next year to find that Big 40+er.
Other fishing highlights must include our new Swiss friends - Juerg and Ulrich returning back after just a few hours on the upper Litza with those now infamous 1000-yard stares. Pouring himself a tall drink, Ulrich proclaimed to us all - that today was his day! After being delayed until lunch, these two marched down into Secret and then onto Flat Stone to find eight most pleasing salmon - several of them were in the teens and another couple of them turned out to be 24 and 27 pounds - new P.B.'s for good ol' Ulrich. And then there was Morten, who is now certainly a believer after watching his 26-pounder crash its way to freedom through the guide's net up at the Kharlovka Falls. Or how about Espen's super sea-lice 20-pounder that he skillfully hauled in with his single-hander out of the tail of the Kharlovka Home pool.
While there was certainly no doubt that the horrible weather held us back last week, you would have never known by all the laughter and cheer around the dinner table. In fact, after all wine had been drunk and the smoke cleared, we had managed to total up a very respectable 214 on the week.  The first signs of autumn are just beginning to appear. Dark gray nights have settled over camp. The little brown birds are beginning to go silent. Wildflowers are certainly on their way to seed. Faint patches of yellows now catch your eye amongst the birch. Red leaves are popping up between the heather. Unripe cloudberries tempt the anglers strolling along the trails. As the silver continues to pour in and our season begins to cool, be on the lookout for a few seriously large situations - that will surely be waking up soon! Justin.
The Kharlovka Report: Week 30 Ending Friday, 25-July-08. We kicked last week’s Kharlovka Celebration off much the way we joyfully wrapped up the previous. Like fishing along the banks of the Russian Rivera, our eager boys packed away their sprays, creams and dreams as we proceeded to spread them out through the bright sunny beats. Besides the odd late afternoon thunderstorm upstream, there really wasn’t a cloud to be seen. Temperatures soared into the high 20’s, with our rivers quickly following suit, finally topping out at a concerning 20.3 degrees C. Apart from those warm southern breezes, about the only other thing we had going for us early on was that our summer rivers were slowly dropping away, clearing up from a mini-spate that we had to deal with the week before. Going from one extreme to another, our fishy prayers were finally answered on the Wednesday as the clouds rolled back down, blanketing the entire northern coast. Literally overnight, the temperatures fell back into the high single digits. 48 hours later, our rivers were running cool again at 12.8 degrees C. While nobody but the odd Russian was complaining, unpredictable gusts up to 80km/hr, along with an inconsistent drizzle, challenged us all for the remainder of the week.  Nevertheless, as so many of you can now attest, come rain, snow or shine – the Mighty Kharlovka, along with the Mysterious Litza, always manages to impress. Where are all these fresh fish coming from? In addition to our late spring, which surely delayed a portion of the run, it would not be stretching too far to also credit our elaborate year-round protection program, as every season we are now sending some four times more smolts back to sea.  The numbers have actually been staggering around here lately. Along with the 115 (mostly fresh) salmon that we bombed – hitched and twitched up during our bright sunny start, the team pulled together during that wet and windy second half of the week to haul in another 114! Including this 229 that we so happily landed here last week, along with those silvery 197 and 175 totals from the two previous weeks before, we are now some 208-summer salmon above the five-year average. That’s 51% over the norm for the last three weeks! On another one of those perfect, bright blue afternoons, we touched down above the Kharlovka Falls to pick up our good friends - Arthur and Joe. Jumping quickly on board with everything awry, it wasn’t difficult to tell that they had certainly been having some fun. As we slammed the door, Valentine proceeded to moonwalk backwards through to the back of the chopper, spinning around with style to his seat. All were nodding their heads with satisfied silver grins. Hand signals and silent exaggerations went round and round the helicopter - all the way back to camp. Disappearing into their well-deserved showers, we finally caught back up with Joe and Arthur over a refreshing G&T in the now legendary Kharlovka pub. Fondling his box, stuffed with hundreds of handsomely dressed Cascades, Joe and Arthur took their sweet silver time telling us all about the 14 salmon they had so skillfully taken off the rocks during that most unforgettable day – four of them, by the way, were picked off with a single-handed rod. Two days later, we were sitting ol’ Joe down to interrogate him again about 8 more Litza victories, which included the 25-pounder and that Sea-Liced 18-pounder, which he proclaimed to everyone - To be a real ‘Spanker!’ And let us not forget about the The Tighe Clan and our Dominic situation. Challenged with muscular sclerosis from birth, we decided to make a real fuss over Dominic – who now, by the way, is our great friend for life! Starting out by sending good ol’ Victor shopping in Murmansk for food products that he had surely never heard of before, to persuading Peter to loan us his small riverboat, we decided to take this challenge very seriously. Besides the three heartbreakers that he lost that one stormy day in the Litza Tent pool, our new friend quickly adorned the nickname – Two a day Dom.  While Dominic was ever so pleased to stay close to the Tent that wild windy day, we sent his brother Sean and his 18-year-old nephew Andrew, up to the Litza Falls for a real fiasco that will certainly never be forgotten! After losing the first two on the trot, Sean started the show by hooking into a beauty, which immediately turned and shot the rapids. Down across the giant boulders they ran, all the way to the end of the road, where the rapids disappear into the unknown Red Wing Pool. With no other options, Sean began to tow his great salmon back up the powerful current. Seconds later and there was nothing left as the hooks came back straighten with only a small piece of ‘fish gristle’ attached to it. The very next cast, after walking all the way back up to the scene of the crime, Sean hooked into another uncontrollable situation. Cranking his Hardy drag up to 7? - He thought right, were not going through all that again. At this moment, his salmon ripped the rod straight out of Sean’s hands. Skimming across the top of the water, it miraculously came to rest atop that boulder well out into the tail of the falls. His trusty guide Vasiliy was quick to respond, warning Sean off from instinctively diving in after! Sweeping down through the rapids in his Russian dingy, he would only have one chance. Somehow he managed to grab the rod on the way by while using his size 12 wading boot as an anchor to swing him into safety behind the rock. Somewhat like an Olympic fishing relay, Vasiliy stood up on the boulder and began to roll cast the slack line towards Sean, who still seemed to be recovering from shock along the bank. Wading into his limit and then submerging his arms deep into the current, he was able to finally grab the line. Vasiliy then let go of the rod. Amazed to have everything back in his hands, Sean set off again down across those big boulders to locate his salmon, finally catching up to his most humbling 14-pounder that was resting, all the while, in a pocket about half the way down. By the time it was all said and done that chaotic day, both Sean and Andrew returned totally shattered with stories that could go on all night about the 15 salmon they eventually landed that day. For their last trick of the adventure, the whole family came in shouting at once, after each landing a 22-pounder on their last Litza experience for this year. Our final story must go out to all the good old boys we had here last week. In fact, we had four troopers with more than 65 years of experience under their wading belts including Ron who appears to be charging hard - straight into his mid 70’s. In total, this senior team accounted for a most respectable 53 of the catch last week.
 As you can hopefully see, we have been having a tremendous amount of fun around here lately. Stay tuned for next week’s silvery highlights, as the Kharlovka salmon prepare to shoot the Falls. Justin.
The Kharlovka Report: Week 29 Ending Friday, 18-July-08. Oh Well, so much for putting in that early order of mild cool temperatures along with that side of low fishy clouds. Instead, we touched down into camp last Saturday with the odd mozy, which would be followed on shortly thereafter, by several buckets of fresh Arctic rain. Straight through that first, dark rare night, rhythmic drops pranced down upon the rooftops, enhancing our deep silver dreams. Come Sunday morning, all refreshed and raring to go, we were stuffing away the jackets once again, quickly turning to our new thoughtful friends who had cleverly remembered to bring the sunscreen.
Unfortunately, we would have to contend with absolutely gorgeous, 'high summer' conditions up to that last perfect, misty day! Along with all the dazzling bright sun, and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm, we also had to deal with slowly rising rivers through the first half of the week. Starting out at a seasonable 9cm, we finally topped out on the Tuesday at hefty 26cm on the Home Pool scale. If the off-coloured, mighty Kharlovka came up 17cm then the wild waters of the great Eastern Litza surely rose by 30. Thankfully, the river temps continued to flow nicely, staying below 16 degrees C throughout.
While normally these conditions would be a certain recipe for disaster, fortunately we were all heading straight into a bright silver overtime, which certainly must have been somehow been connected to our now very distant, late frosty start, way back in May. Nearly every salmon we landed had just freshly arrived on the tide. In fact, approximately 65% of the 197 salmon that we admired around here last week were carrying sea lice - most of them were of that elegant long-tailed variety. Although the 'Big Boys' were on a bit of a sunny summer holiday, as you can see we were certainly not short of the silver. Considering that we had another light group, with several unfortunate last minute cancellations, and that fact that the majority of the team had no previous experience here on the Kharlovka Big time - you could say that last week was like fishing in paradise.
One fine sunny morning, Jeremy ventured out into the Rugged Rock Pool without a care in the world. With a few salmon showing off along the far bank, he decided to test the limits of his chest waders. Several impressive casts later and Jeremy was suddenly attached to something very serious. He immediately tightened up on the drag. The next thing we knew, Jeremy was being towed down through the run as his Litza monster shot the rapids, heading like a freight train down towards the distant Spawning Pool below. Now pinned, chest first, to a giant boulder, we all looked on as the strong current soon swept him over the top. Bobbing back up to the surface, he shook his wet hair from his eyes and spat, proceeding to backstroke like an Olympian towards the bank. Not sure whether to laugh or cry, he locked arms with his trusty guide Volodya and quickly clamoured down across the rocks after his prize. Unfortunately, some 20 minutes had pasted since he had lost all control! With his WindCutter now slalomed about the boulders of the pool, Jeremy decided that as he was already soaked - to dive back in for a last desperation swim. Completely naked, he managed to retrieve about 50% back before sadly snapping the line and thus his big silver dreams for another season. While Jeremy surely deserves an - A for effort, we are planning to strap several life jackets to him when he arrives back for round II next year. (We apologize, there were photos however, they were too far too graphic to show!)
Guess what happens when you invite in the three Millar brothers, throw in our charming Sasha, and let them all run wild for the week? Total and utter chaos, that is what! Coming in with only a small handful of salmon experience under their wading belts, these boys were obviously very quick to learn. Although we basically had to throw their old fishing gear away upon arrival, once we got them rolling with the proper kit, there was no looking back. Mark showed off his two-year's Rynda experience going on to land a cool 20 Kharlovka and Litza salmon. Meanwhile, brother Nick (with only 3 previous salmon ever before) wasn't all that far behind, locating a most pleasing 15 fish to bolster up his fishing log. However, without question, it was Guy that deserved the big silver star, going onto admire his first 15 salmon Ever - including that great 22-pounder on the very last day. Looking into their eyes on the final evening, you could tell that we had certainly created another couple of serious salmon fishing addicts - for life.
And last but never least; a very honourable mention has to go out to our good ol' friend Chris. Landing a relaxing dozen here with us this time around, Chris couldn't help but think Big - wondering every time his line went tight, if the next one would be that 50-pounder. Truth is, that Chris's 46-pound salmon that he caught here with us last season really was that 'Fish of a Lifetime' and one should never really expect for anything of this magnitude to ever happen to them again! Just to make sure, that this grandest of achievements will never be forgotten; Peter flew over special to present his friend with a wood-carved replica of his Giant Litza Memory.
The fishing guides must be tanner than we have seen them for years! Reindeer have bunched into great numbers atop the hills along the fresh coast of the Barents Sea. Our birds of prey don't seem to care much about the helicopter as we continue to observe four separate nests along the cliffs of the upper Litza. The birch forest can now be heard rustling on the afternoon breeze. But mainly, it is all the wonderful bouquets of Arctic wildflowers that now grab your attention as we skip between the pools; reminding us all that 'high summer' as finally arrived to our magical far northern coast. Justin.
The Kharlovka Report: Week 28 Ending Friday, 11-Jul-08. After a tricky weekend of foggy transfers and delays across the entire Kola Peninsula, our latest guests breathed a deep sigh of relief when they finally touched down in the Kharlovka camp last Saturday evening. Landing first up at the Kharlovka House, six lucky anglers quickly leapt out and proceeded towards their 5-Tundra-Star accommodations. Continuing on, we then dropped into the lower camp with another small group of VIP's, thus dividing our Kharlovka worlds for the duration into two very private situations. In fact, with everything basically blanketed in secrecy, these will be almost the last words (until that one amazing day on the Litza), which we were actually allowed to mention about that exclusive lower team. Living our lives here along the magical coast of Barents Sea, it should not be surprising to you that our unpredictable weather dictates nearly everything we do. While we have certainly had more than our share of those gear-testing days this season, nothing could really compare to what we faced along the riverbanks around here early last week. Relentless, freezing cold rains battered our eager teams, gusting up to a good 40km/hr straight into our faces. Water temps, along with our fingers, slowly cooled to a chilly 7 degrees C. All the while, our tea-coloured rivers were steadily rising, up some 12cm by midweek.  One nasty morning early on we touched down in the infamous Litza Tent camp and the pilot made a wise decision - to shut her down. While most scrambled straight into the Tents (where they would spend a good portion of the day) there were two brave soldiers that came prepared for battle. Setting off upriver, Peter and Juha walked away into some of the worst 'summer' conditions that we can remember. Spawning pool - nothing. Crack pool they didn't dare! Lost one in the Ledge Pool and now their fingers were numb. While most had taken shelter by this time, these two decided to carry-on. Too cold to pause for much more than a hot bowl of soup and several candy bars, they had to keep moving. Later that afternoon with the weather getting even more interesting, we lifted off in the helicopter deciding that enough-was-enough. Suddenly a pink flare streaked through the mist above the Flat Stone. Turns out that their perseverance had paid off in a big way, jumping back on board with those famous 1000-yard stares - along with their five hard-earned stories that included those two in the mid twenties along with the colossal 32-pounder - that Peter so cleverly located all the way up in the Secret Pool. These two certainly deserved silver medals for their bravery! (Unfortunately, very few photographs were taken during the entire week.)  Finally on the Wednesday, Mother Nature began to take pity on us all, as both the barometer and the temperatures slowly began to lift. With heavy rains now reduced to the occasional drizzle and the water levels starting to recede, we were now back on our silvery way once again - 46 salmon were admired that glorious day! Eight of them were greater than 20 including the four Serious fish between 25 and 35 pounds. From the moment they all jumped off the helicopter, you could tell that 'those unmentionables' obviously had a great day. It became very clear when Valentine bounced past us down the slippery duckboards like James Brown - playing his large salmon net as if it were his air guitar! While we did agree - not to really say anything, there was one proud Viking that simply could not keep his 'Best Fishing Day Ever', locked up for the rest of eternity in some vault. For now, we will call him Gun for short. Waving around his digital camera like he had just won the lottery, we all gathered to have a look at his joy. Taking a moment to wipe the mist from his glasses, we could tell that Gun had definitely been staring - way too long into that bright silver light. Turns out that he, along with his nameless friend, took 10 salmon that day along the lower Litza. Including the brace that were in the 20's, it was the other two massive 30 and 35-pounders out of the mysterious Military Pool that will surely never be forgotten! (Although we have all the photos of Gun's great salmon we agreed to lock them away not to blow his cover.)  Other highlights must include Nico and Susan's adventure on the Kharlovka Falls as we all teamed up for a most memorable 13 salmon. While Nico was able to drag his bright fresh 106cm 24-pounder into the net, it was a mighty16-pounder that certainly got the best of Sue, dragging her straight back into the river for a refreshing swim! And last, but not least, let's not forget about our good friends Henry and Owen. Taking his son on the trip of a lifetime, Owen will now have time to thank his father for introducing him to the Big Time with his new silver P.B. 25-pounder, which he landed by the way - on the very last day.
How sweet it was, two small private groups swapping rivers every other day. Besides the weather, what could be better? While the one group all had important meetings to get back to and had no choice but to disappear early with their 80 secret salmon, our Kharlovka House party happily carried on. Thawing out each evening around a crackling warm fire, we joyfully relived our triumphs along with those unmentionable moments that will never be forgotten. Considering that we had a few rods less than normal, along with those now very distant Saturday delays, plus the two nearly unfishable days early in the week, all our VIP's did exceptionally well locating a total of 175 salmon on the week.  Nothing quite like a 'Summer' in the Arctic, where at any moment things can instantly turn into Fall. The tundra continues to impress as everything has gone green. Bright yellow-purple and white flowers are now sprinkled nicely about our valleys. The birch must be in the peak of their glory. Little brown birds are flying in for a closer look with their mouths stuffed full of Mayflies. Anglers pause to catch their breath and observe the Ruff-Legged Buzzard nesting with her chicks across from the "James Bond Boulder" on the legendary walk down from Litza Falls. Stoneflies are blowing in on the warm afternoon air - those big brownies must be pleased.  With the Kharlovka still running several centimetres too high, along with a few degrees on the cool side, there are great numbers of salmon packed through the upper beats waiting for their time. While we have probably had enough rain for the moment, those cool gray skies are just what our Kharlovka Doctor ordered. We would not be going too far out onto that limb - predicting a Silvery - 200 for next week. Justin.
The Kharlovka Report: Week 27 Ending Friday, 04-Jul-08. With the bags stuffed full of the latest flies, along with their year's worth of big silver expectations, our boys arrived to Murmansk last weekend waving around some weather forecast declaring a promising week full of mild cloudy skies. Wanting to believe them, we simply smiled and nodded our heads as the one (and only) airport bus, transferred us across the bright clear Murmansk tarmac to our awaiting Russian chariot. Flying back along a thick wall of dense fog that covered the Barents Sea, it was plainly obvious, that once again, we would be on the front line of the Arctic's unpredictable conditions. Sandwiched between sunny skies with high pressures to the south and what appeared to be the first signs of Fall to the north, we all arrived back into camp pleasantly unsure what was going to happen next.  As usual, the excitement and anticipation was nearly boiling over as they reunited with their seemingly unforgettable guides. Will we be flying to the Litza on the first night? Do you have a spare rod for me - you mean we will each have our own room with a shower and Loo - I forgot my fly box - stick - vest - and all the rest of it. You should know by now that once the door slams and those big blades begin to turn, we switch off the cell phones and leave your other complicated worlds behind. Of course we will sort you all out, in fact, we are certainly capable of arming an entire team of naked anglers! Where-oh-where had all those fishy clouds gone? Mother Nature has obviously not been keeping up with the Internet. Instead, we were unfairly dealt another hand of bright sun, which blasted down on us most of the week for a good 18 hours a day. During our short nights, cold air in the high single digits would creep up our warm rivers as smoke appeared to lift from the water eventually turning everything but, our evening dinner parties - into mist. Towards the end, strong winds full of cool fresh air did manage to pull a bit of that fog up off the sea. Water temperatures remained constant for the duration at 14 degrees C, while the levels slowly dropped 4cm a day down to a current normal summer reading of 18cm on the home pool scale.  Thankfully, the mighty Kharlovka and the magical waters of the Eastern Litza never disappoint. Despite the odds being stacked against them without a cloud in the sky for the majority of the week, this team never stopped believing! From sneaky skaters, to those tiny flies with the coloured butts, to skilled sink-tip artists with their classy cascades and legendary Golden Killers - These boys seemed to have a bit of finesse under their wading belts - claiming a clean 75 salmon by the Monday supper. Nine of us had already snapped photographs of our 20+ers! What do you get when you put the American brothers together with a Big Alex, a helicopter and a river full of giant salmon? Everything turns simple "Awesome!" that's what. Like deer caught in the headlights, these boys didn't quite know which way to turn first. Team them up with another group of charming Russian oligarchs and you have a real situation on your hands. From Cheers to all the big Nazadrovias - ching-ching went the short glasses straight through the week. While it may have been Ted that got the ball rolling for America on the first night out, with his fresh 24-pound inspiration, it was the Russians however that had the last word, tempting in an impressive 28 salmon on the week.  And while it is certainly true that our grandest fish prefer those dark ugly days, Diego and Halldor's sunny Litza holiday couldn't have worked out better - returning back to camp with sunburns, big smiles, and 10 salmon on their overnight - including a few great salmon of 20, 22, 24 and 25 pounds. Just to put the icing on their fish cakes, we sent them back over again two days later (once their arms had rested) to tackle another 110cm - 32 pound Litza monster from the back of the Snowbank pool. And let's not forget about our good Icelandic friend Hilly, who after three weeks of being here will now have to return home for some serious making up with his loved ones. Thankfully the winters are long and dark here in the north so there should be plenty of time for everything including tying himself up another 100 Sneldas for the fly boxes next year. It should be noted that Hilly, along Gusti (his partner in crime) were responsible for educating 9 salmon one perfect day up at the Litza falls. For Hilly's last trick of the adventure, he decided to "rest up in camp on the final day", popping down to the Home pool for only a few hours to have another 5 salmon for the road. Unfortunately however, Hilly was unable to hold onto his final fish of a lifetime, which shot down the rapids never to be seen again.
One fine sunny morning, David and Victoria touched down in the Litza Dream pool without a care in the world. Possibly fantasizing about the possibilities that be, David began to swing his trusty Cascade deeply through the pool. Dreams quickly turned to reality as his fly stopped in front of that boulder, exactly where he had hoped. Reaching for his big fish whistle, David blew with all his might. For 20 memorable minutes the great silver beast jogged up and down the rapids. Any signs of humour were quickly fading away. Finally after missing out on the first attempt, Volodya griped his net tightly, lifting this time around with everything he had to keep the silver in bag. At last! After landing three honest 29-pounders here with us last season, David is now our newest member to the exclusive 30 club. Grinning ear to ear - with those rosy cheeks, he proudly hoisted his 110cm - 35-pounder up - for the snapping cameras.  From the very beginning we had our sights set on the 200 mark. While the vast majority of our last week's salmon were taken before lunch, we would have been well over the mark with a few more afternoon clouds about. All in all, we had tremendous amount of fun around here last week. In addition to the 195 salmon the team chased down, there was a wonderful mix of six nations scattered about socializing and exaggerating well into the night. And last but never the least, it is probably about time we introduced Ike. No, our big white fluffy friend is not a wolf. Having grown up along the banks of the Litza, this keen husky certainly knows where the big salmon lie. Also understands what the clicker on your reel means as he happily leads anglers down our rivers after their fish. Never far from the action and as you see - a total sucker for the camera, Ike obviously likes to give our salmon a good luck kiss before they are safely released back on their way.
Justin. P.S. While nearly everyone managed to pull in that salmon of a lifetime, there were a few of you (without mentioning any names) that should be ashamed of yourselves! You should not be braking off these great salmon. That, by the way, is what the kilometre of backing is for on your reels! If the opportunity ever does slide your way again, you must carefully, yet quickly, scramble for the bank. Then lock arms with your strong Russian guide and run like #%^$! You are mostly likely not going to land those 50+er where you hooked it..
The Kharlovka Report: Week 26 Ending Friday, 27-Jun-08. You could feel the excitement and anticipation brewing early on as we led our latest clan of fishing addicts across the sunny Murmansk tarmac and up to the improved VIP lounge. With just enough time to wet their whistles, check the passports for the third time and then swing by the free Loo, we were transferring through in no time. From the moment the massive blades on the Russian MI-8 helicopter began to turn, you could see a them all take a deep sigh, each wondering what this long awaited adventure back into big salmon paradise would bring to them. No turning back now, we all slid our red ear protectors' snuggly into place and sat glued to the windows fantasizing about our silver chances that surely lie ahead.  Our magical life here above the Arctic Circle often involves going from one extreme to another. After being held back for so long by our late season conditions, last week we enjoyed a variety of summer weather that was at times, almost too pleasant to be true. In fact, we might have been better off on several mornings tanning ourselves along the riverbanks as the baking sun and high temperatures in the upper 20's - made the fishing somewhat trickier. In between all the sunscreen, there was also plenty of unpredictable wind along with the odd afternoon thundershower upstream. Finally towards the end of the week, Mother Nature decided that the Russians were now burnt enough, covering us all back up once again with those low fishy clouds.  While all the nice weather did make for some very enjoyable days along the rivers, we continue to be challenged around here by our high water situation. Starting out at a mighty 70cm on the Kharlovka home pool scale, we slowly dropped an average of 3cm a day during the week, down to a current reading of 48cm. Although we must be catching up, we are still a good 20cm higher than we should normally be for this time of year. Only the bravest dared to battle the heavy flows on our upper rivers last week and were confined to their bank, as the sweeping currents made any thought of crossing the upper rivers next to impossible. Nevertheless, our salmon are arriving in great numbers, currently leaping their way straight through the lower beats to find plenty hiding places in the heavy waters further upstream. There are worse things in life than being surrounded by lots of promising water, beautiful weather, ridiculous Arctic comfort, and of course - massive multi sea winter salmon. Just ask our ol' friend Ian who has been fishing the Kola since it all began in 89. Although he has already had his 40+er here with us, along with many others in the 30's - Ian has obviously learned to never stop believing pulling in another dozen memories for his fishing log, including a stunningly fresh 24.5 pounder out of the Snowbank pool on a very first cast. Or how about Gordon who picked out a quick 10 salmon in two days before being swept away for another go over on the Rynda. And let's not forget about Neil, who fished up to the buzzer each session landing another 23 of our Northern Rivers salmon - including a trio of proper fish in their 20's to add to his running total of over 5000 salmon.
However the most obvious case of fishing addiction has to go out to our crazy Icelandic friend - Hilly. We may just have to add on another building to the Kharlovka village for this madman, as he will be fishing here with us again next week on his third visit already this season! We are starting to get concerned if he is going to have enough Sneldas to get him through after showing off his skills at both of our Waterfalls landing over a dozen salmon including a fine triplet of fresh 18 pounders. How many salmon does it take to have the time of your life? Considering that the next cast could bring the fish you have always dreamed of, it makes things all that more interesting around here! Although it took a bit of creativity to tempt the first 70 salmon out during the bright start, things got a lot more exciting for us once the clouds and mist came back around. On our final two days, all tuned up and casting like champions, the team made up for lost time by landing another 58 salmon, putting a nice silvery exclamation point on our week.  All the joys of summertime now seem to finally be arriving to our forgotten far northern coast. Passing over the longest days of the year, with the Arctic's 'white nights' currently at their brightest, we all watched on as the tundra suddenly burst into gear. Proud patches birch now wave green on the afternoon breeze. Bright yellow buttercups are popping up to greet us by the thousands. Ptarmigan are finally able to hide their chicks amongst the lush ferns and bush. A small brown bear has been protecting our interests along the high cliffs of the lower Litza. A giant white hare was spotted bouncing between the disappearing snow banks. Reindeer are now seen on almost every Litza flight, surely with the odd mozy not far behind.  Salmon are beginning to stuff their way into the large water pools below the falls, showing on the surface continuously throughout the day. With the odd small pocket of ice still dotting a few lochs upstream, along with all those snowdrifts that remain hidden among the northern faces, river temperatures continue to flow nicely around 13 degrees C. As soon as the water level drops another 20cm and we get a few more of those fishy clouds back, we are going to have a big silver Bonanza around here. So stand by our late season friends - Your time will soon be here! Justin.
The Kharlovka Report: Week 25 Ending Friday, 20-Jun-08. With the exception of a little late week fog that seemed to linger along the coast, reminding us where we were all at, there was actually no way that we could complain about the weather around here last week! At last, Mother Nature had decided that enough was enough, as the bright red - white wind socks finally swung around to the south, escorting our latest group of good friends back into big salmon paradise. From the moment they all sprung out of the helicopter to hug their guides, to the last raise of our shot glasses on the Friday evening, conditions remained very fishy throughout. In addition to all the bright blue, there were also plenty of soft high clouds, along with those encouraging warm breezes from the south which no doubt - helped us all to cast like champions. To top things off, there was even a bit of late night drizzle on our roofs, which surely made the team sleep sounder with their dark silver thoughts.
Literally overnight, we were stashing the balaclavas, gloves, and those extra layers, scrambling for someone who had remembered to bring the sunscreen! Air temperatures held on nicely straight through the week - ranging between 10 to 25 degrees. Although our pleasant warm days were long over due and most certainly welcomed, they triggered yet another spike in the spring runoff as once again, our mighty rivers began to swell - rising up 15cm on the first weekend, and then another 15 by midweek, before finally peaking at a massive 90cm on the home pool scale. Fortunately, while our precious few soft water pools were disappearing again before our eyes, at least the temperatures of our big spring rivers were now moving in the right direction. By the Wednesday, we were all laughing once more as the thermometers topped out in the home pool at 7+ degrees C and the water levels finally began to recede. At last! We were officially off to the Kharlovka races! While the team had accounted for a leisurely 40 fish by midweek, with nine of the boys already earning a good salmon over 20 pounds, it was Big Wednesday that really got things rolling for us. In spite of a long afternoon of shockingly bright sun and balmy temperatures in the mid 20's, the team returned that evening with plenty of rosy cheeks, all talking at once about the 25 salmon they had taken that lovely day along the lower beats. Three of these silver beauties were greater than 27 pounds. Wild Bill certainly knew better, and had to apologize to us all, for letting his 30+er slip out the back of the Military pool - never to be seen again.  However, the big story around here last week had to be the return of our glorious leader. He must be one of the luckiest men alive! Just to set the record straight, as you have probably all heard by now, Peter had a heart attack on the 5th of May. While his pulse had dropped to a mere 20 beats a minute, his loyal maid Norma was quick to notice the signs. An ambulance was there in no time. Thankfully, Peter was in and out of the Oxford emergency room in 1:45 minutes - sustaining absolutely no damage to his heart. With the valves completely overhauled, running like new again, in addition to some 45 and a half days now without a cigarette, Peter charged into camp last week noticeably fitter, stronger and for that matter - tanner, than we had seen him in a long time. He started out the week shocking us all again by waving off the helicopter, opting to hike down to the lower Kharlovka Sea pools for some fishing with his son.
Come Wednesday morning, after a brief meeting with his top brass, Peter looked down upon the inviting waters of the Kharlovka home pool and started to believe. Marching down the steps from his house on the hill, it was obviously time to take his deadly Temple dog for a stroll. Five casts later, he was looking back over his shoulder, "I told you there would be one right here!" as Peter's Bogdan began to scream with joy. Never one to mess about, the cameras were flashing less than five minutes later as he hoisted up his gleaming 21-pounder up for the gathered paparazzi. Before we could reload our batteries, he had tempted another one to the bank that was measuring off in the mid teens. Absolutely full of confidence, Peter waded straight back in pointing and mumbling about some boulders further down the stream. Knowing very well that when the boss is happy, we are all happy, several of us looked on and began to pray. To the surprise of everyone, except Peter that is, his line went stiff exactly on cue. His great fish wasted no time in blasting straight out into the strong current leaving Peter standing speechless. It was 250m away, at the tail of the home pool, before he was even out of the water. With few other options remaining, he applied a bit more pressure, eventually stopping the fish at the tail of the pool. For a good five minutes he cranked away on the reel, bringing his big bar of silver all the way back to within meters. Just when we thought that everything was going to be o.k. - Peter's reel began to sing once again. Ripping all the line back off - to the tail of the pool, Peter must have briefly considered handing the rod over to one of his staff to battle on. Five more minutes of hard cranking went by before the guide was finally able to chase the beast down with his net. Never quite sure who was more exhausted from all this, (61 pounds of salmon out of the home pool in an hour) Peter triumphantly grinned for the cameras, as he respectfully released his 104cm - 28 pound salmon back into the rivers - that he adores so much.
Peter certainly wasn't the only one celebrating along the river banks last week. A big Bonsai goes out to our good ol' friend Sugia, for his impressive silver brace of 23 and 27 pounds. Then on Thursday, it appeared to be an advantage to speak Russian on the lower Kharlovka as Victor and Ilya showed us all how it was done landing seven up to 20 pounds. And let's not forget about our new friend for life, Canadian Ron, who must have been doing everything right to find his 6 salmon averaging 22 pounds! With all those sneaky fly patterns, like the Eternal Optimist - black Dazzlers, Sun Rays and these deadly Temple Dogs, it is not surprising that the team was able to pull together to find a even 100 salmon on the week. It takes a lot of melt to feed the mighty Kharlovka drainage. Thankfully, last week's warm temperatures put a big dent into the ice which is just remaining on the lakes upstream. While we are still a few degrees cool and some 40cm high for this time of year - our late season situation is quickly catching up. First add plenty of water, then turn on the long arctic sun all day and most of the night and presto - Everything comes alive! Birch buds suddenly appeared overnight. Some of the sheltered willows already have their leaves. Fresh green grass was popping up across the tundra literally before our eyes. The little brown birds are once again all chirping for joy. Salmon are now up to the falls in both of our rivers. As you can probably see, spring has sprung here on the Kharlovka - let the big silver roll! Justin.
The Kharlovka Report: Week 24 Ending Friday, 13-Jun-08. Attempting to foretell the weather here along the arctic coast can be like guessing who will win the Grand National next year. Forecasts are often not worth the paper they get printed off on. Our skilled Russian pilots glance at those seven-day outlooks and simply chuckle knowing that most of the time it is impossible to predict anything up here beyond about 6 hours. Nevertheless, we keep up with these predictions religiously, as they give us all hope of the perfect day still yet to come. Flying out of Stockholm, with clear blue skies and warm summer temperatures of 29 degrees C, our latest group must have been somewhat shocked when they looked down out the small oval windows, only two hours and fifteen minutes later, to see ice still coving many of the lakes near Murmansk. Before everyone could charm their way past the customs lady, there was news of yet another snowstorm that was creeping down to greet us from the north. Weather radars, along with the current conditions, were carefully studied while we swiftly packed up the helicopter. Fortunate to have one of the best three man crews on the Kola, each of them having more than 23 years experience, along with the all important O.K. from the flight control, we wasted no time getting everyone safely back into camp. With high levels of anticipation and only two new faces on the team, everyone quickly scurried down the slippery duckboards to reclaim their long awaited rooms.  All knowing that the blizzard was surely not far behind us, we gathered the troops once again to make a game plan over a bowl of hot fish soup. Without time to spare, we deployed the boys to their beats just as the weather started to close in. Large snowflakes, along with the mercury on our thermometers, continued to fall through the night. Come Sunday morning, we awoke to a kind of winter's silence as several centimetres of fresh white snow blanketed the tundra. While we did see the only promising spot of sun, later that same afternoon, the flurries along with the low single digit temperatures would unfortunately remain with us straight through the week. Water levels dropped an average of 6cm a day, down nearly 40cm in total, to a current reading of 69cm on the home pool scale. Morning water temps started off over the weekend at a very chilly 0.9 degrees C, finally rising up by the Friday to just 2.4 C. While salmon are being taken along the lower beats on every incoming tide, our unseasonably cold rivers continue to be the barrier that holds the majority of the spring run back in the still warmer waters, down near the sea.
Early in the week, a few of us were walking up the right bank of the lower Kharlovka when suddenly - we heard 'Bolshoy Reeba' (Big Fish) come across the radios. With our cameras in hand, we all skipped our way across the boulders up to the Rock pool. We arrived to find our good Czech friend Vladimir, with his feet firmly planted, battling what would turn out to be the Kharlovka salmon of his life. Tense moments went by as his big ball of silver rolled around through the depths. Nobody dared to say a word. For ten long minutes the air seemed warmer, as he held on tight, not to let this precious moment slip away. Eventually, with a little help from the cold river, Vladimir's giant smile lit up, raising his hands high into the air, he slid his 110cm - 32-pound sea liced beauty into Vasiliy's large net. Not that we were ever worried that much about Vladimir, for as usual, he will be returning again for another go around later in the season. Although the going was challenging from start to finish, the cool conditions did not seem to slow our friend David down either. With several years of valuable Kharlovka experience already under his wading belt, David has obviously learned to keep his Willy Gunn in the water and never stop believing! Starting things off right, just after the snow flurries had pasted last Sunday, he landed a wonderful 23-pounder from Julian's pool. Two days later, David was at it again, tempting a couple more up to 22 pounds from the Kharlovka sea pools with his deadly Sun Ray Shadow. Then for his last trick of the week, we moved David over to the Litza where he worked his magic on the Snowbank pool, pulling out a couple more great salmon of 26 and 33 pounds that will surely never be forgotten. A last honourable mention must also go out a couple of real characters who kept us all entertained up to the last cast. Although Mark did well to find four nice spring salmon over 20 pounds, it was Rae, who not that surprisingly, had the last word with his three averaging 25 including the fat silver 31-pounder on the last afternoon, just to put the icing on his cake.
As you can see, it certainly wasn't all upstream winds and frozen fingers around here last week as thankfully, the big silver was spread quite nicely amongst our friends. In fact, nine of the boys here last week will be going home with memories of their 20+ pound victories. Including a couple more Kharlovka P.B.'s and a 'first-salmon-ever' for one of our Irish mates, this team came together making the best of our cool situation, going onto land a total of 42 salmon on the week.  Without much to chirp about around here yet, only the hardiest of the little brown birds remain hidden amongst the bare birch. As there are more lemmings this season than any of us can remember before, they continue to be an easy target for our camp huskies, along with the various birds of prey. And while the migratory geese continue to arrive, they must be finding it ever more difficult to claim an ice-free loch as their own. However, probably the most amazing observation around here last week was, despite our 24 hour days, there has been almost no new growth across the tundra. While winter sure doesn't seem to be giving up easy, after holding us back for a couple of extra weeks, one can now sense that the season must be on the verge of exploding - anything could happen next! Justin.
The Kharlovka Report: Week 23 Ending Friday, 6-Jun-08.  It all began last Saturday back in Murmansk, as good friends were reunited on the tarmac under promising clear blue skies and warm temperatures of 18C. Although the pleasant conditions did manage to follow us back across the frozen tundra and safely into camp, unfortunately we would be going on to face a much colder scenario for the remainder of the week. By Monday, the air temperatures had dropped back down into the single digits with a stiff arctic head wind coming straight upriver at us off the sea. In addition, to another 15cm of icy cold water that suddenly appeared over the warm weekend, river levels would continue to steadily rise throughout the week, finally peaking on the Friday with a current reading of 118cm on the scale. To put that into perspective, the river is now flowing over the large rock at the head of the home pool, where we now have to wader up just to see the gauge. Going down with several different thermometers, just to make sure, Kharlovka river temperatures started out for the first several mornings reading 0.1C - eventually rising up to mere 0.9 degree C by our final day. Hard to believe, but earlier in the week we even recorded a few negative readings over on the Litza. Thankfully however, this was another one of those veteran's weeks up here on the Kharlovka and it was going to take more than the massive cold rivers, a few floating icebergs or a bit a of late spring weather to beat this lot. Recognizing all the familiar faces around the dinning room table, we were pleased to see that we had nearly 70 seasons of Kharlovka experience here with us. In fact, this was the sixteenth adventure for one gentleman, who had first come to visit us back in 92. Sitting close to him was another couple good mates, each of them with nine more years of memories. Almost like a second home for the majority of them, silvery tales along with plenty of exaggerations from the good ol' days, circled the dinning room late into the night. Fortunately, they all knew what they were coming for - and how sweet it tasted. And without question, they had seen it all before. It appeared from the looks of this lot, that once you have tried the spring silver on the Kharlovka; you could very well become hopelessly addicted to it for life. With that kind of attitude, the boys spread out on the lower rivers and began their long awaited search. Each knowing that there would be new hope coming in on every tide and that each precious degree could make all the difference - gradually their persistence would begin to pay off. Let's make no bones about it, while we certainly had a great team here last week, each and every salmon was hard earned. Not surprisingly, it was Mikael that thankfully got things started early, with his fresh story of a bright 20-pounder caught slow and deep on his black-green helmet from Julian's pool. Norway was quick to answer back with a 16 and another 20-pounder for Stein and Anders off the chilly waters of the lower Litza. Next it was Scotland's turn as Allan and Jamie were ever so proud to report their silver braces, including a couple of beauties that weighed in at 18 and 20 pounds. Meanwhile, Big Julian wasn't just standing around twiddling his thumbs along the frozen riverbanks, coming up with yet another 20-pounder from his new favourite spot which happens to bare his name. Then, on a cold rainy Wednesday morning, with nobody saying much of anything at the breakfast table, one of the more experienced fisherman boldly predicted that the big silver run would actually begin today. Heads turned in hope, thinking maybe this crazy Swede could be right. Later that afternoon, the radios suddenly began to crackle as the Norwegians had found a hot spot along the lower Kharlovka - 26-pounder measuring 96 X 58 with sea lice! Next cast and Stein was into another 18-pounder that was fresh out of the sea. On a roll, pumped with adrenalin and of course right back into the same place again, Stein hooked into his third deep silver fish that somehow managed to buck her way back to freedom. The Norwegian then decided to step back and reload onto something even heavier, changing over to his 5/6. After breaking off two of his patented Green Parrot tubes on the rocky bottom, he was starting to consider switching back when on a last attempt, the bottom began to move slowly away with his line. Handing the rod to his guide Dima, for a quick heave himself, they both agreed that this was a seriously heavy fish. 50 meters then ripped of his reel and Stein was suddenly left standing off guard. While he might have only had a couple of seconds to react, his great salmon was at the head of the island in no time. With a last desperate pull on the rod, the nylon snapped as his fish shot down the rapids, surely on its way back to sea. Fortunately, results continued to improve into Thursday with the team pulling in another eight hard earned salmon. Without question, the highlight of the day had to be Arne's 24-pound sea liced fish, which was found fishing downstream on the late evening tide. We finished things off on the Friday with some of the worst weather any of us could remember. Thankfully, not all the salmon seemed to mind as Jamie was rewarded with a last 26-pound sea liced fish off the island. Big Dave also managed to score high on that last windy session down on the lower Litza, hauling in seven with an average weight of 17.5 pounds. All in all, we had a tremendous amount of fun here last week, tallying up a respectable 40 salmon along the way. Although it is probably fair to assume that our friends had hopes of equalling last season's catch 52 salmon - along with the five that were taken greater than 30 pounds, they all from knew from experience, that spring can go either way and that next season is just as likely to be early for them once again. While the coastal snow pack actually seems to be disappearing quite rapidly, it is a different story when you lift off in the helicopter and fly inland. With all the thick frozen ice still left covering the lake systems upstream, our rivers will likely remain unseasonably cold for many more days still yet to come. Keeping in mind, that the Barents Sea remains ice free year round with temps of three to four degrees C, it is not surprising that the main run is still just beginning to arrive.  On the nature front - The guide house was given an early wake up call one morning as an uninvited ptarmigan somehow found its way in. Birch buds are only just daring to appear. Little brown birds of all sorts scratch their way along the saturated tundra looking for seeds and the first signs of life. High upon the cliffs, above Julian's pool, an impressive sea eagle has taken up residence. All of a sudden there were fingers pointing down out the helicopter windows as a whale was recently spotted flying back low under the fog along the coast. With the signs of spring now starting to appear everywhere, and warmer temperatures forecasted for next week - we remain optimistic that the big silver numbers are just beginning to roll their way in. Justin.
The Kharlovka Web Report: Opening Week 22 ending Friday, 31-May-08  A long winter’s silence was broken this season as the telephones started ringing back in middle May with an early report of icy spring conditions that were still looming across the northern Kola Peninsula. Forecasts were carefully examined and then predictions had to be made. We felt obliged to call up our first hardy group leaders of the season to inform them that if the current cold snowy weather were to hold on - that we would most likely not have fishable rivers until the last half of their opening week. Sleeping on it for the night, the temptation of possibly finding that first silver Kharlovka giant of the season, even if they might only have a half week to do it in - was obviously to great to pass up. With one of those short ice fishing rods as a backup plan for everyone, plenty of extra clothing, and of course - all our big silver hopes still very much alive, we packed in the helicopter and started off across the frozen tundra. For the next hour, we all sat glancing down out the windows at the advancing snow swept tundra, each wondering - what this long awaited, first week of the season would bring to them. As we made our final approach up the still frozen valley of the lower Kharlovka, the reality of our icy situation began to quickly settle in. With only the Kharlovka Home pool, the Litza Tent area and a couple hundred meters of the estuary free of ice and safe enough to fish, our brave friends from Scotland and Iceland set out to make the best of what they had. Thankfully the weather forecasts were off the mark this time. Before the weekend was over, daytime temperatures were hovering in the low teens with partly sunny skies and only the occasional moment of rain-sleet or snow. Overnight the rivers quickly began to rise. By Monday morning, some of the team’s prayers had been answered, as 75% of the ice had broken free on both of the lower rivers. It was now time to spread out and start dogging icebergs. During the course of our first week, water levels were rising up to 15cms a day. By the time it was all said and done the mighty Kharlovka was up a total of 62cms on the week to a present reading of 76cm on the home pool scale. River temperatures have remained frosty since our first casts ranging from 1.3 to a mere 0.1 degrees C. We have always said that springtime up here on the far north coast was for believers only! If you like to gamble on the largest silver salmon, you have to be here early. That normally means cold hard conditions and a never give up attitude. Thankfully, although we basically had an arctic flood on our hands here last week, we also had our bright moments that made it all worthwhile. Apart from the roasting hot saunas that were prepared every night and the extra bottle or two of vodka that got drunk and those riverside fire breaks that came with a hot bowl of Russian soup to warm the fisherman’s spirits – There were also many meters of kelts, a few respectable brownies and a bright sea char - before it finally happened.
We could tell by Gudjon’s large silver Icelandic smile as he exited the helicopter Wednesday afternoon, that he had certainly tasted glory returning with bragging rights of his silver fresh 22 pounder from the Kharlovka falls. Equally pleased with his efforts, Gudjon’s friend Hilmar returned the same day with encouraging news of his 16-pounder off the lower river. While Thursday did produce a nice silver 15-pounder out of the home pool for Jamie and team Scotland, the big news was the three large salmon that got away. Young Elvar inspired us all that night with his story of how he danced about for an unforgettable five minutes with his giant silver fish in the Military pool before tragically loosing the beast to the passing icebergs. We finished things off on the Friday afternoon under cooling temperatures with another four hard earned fish for the book. While this team battled the raging rivers up to the very last call, working hard for the first 8 salmon of the season, our late spring conditions never really gave them much of a fighting chance. Last winter, the Kola Peninsula received limited snow pack before the Christmas holidays. While the New Year saw above average amounts of snowfall, overall the temperatures remained on the mild side. Come late April and early May, good amounts of snow continued to fall, as did the late season mercury on the thermometer. The result was more than normal levels of soft new snow with a small amount of ice left in the pack. Cold early spring temperatures along with a fresh blanket of clean reflecting snow led to a later than normal runoff. While we still have plenty of stubborn thin ice left lining the banks of the rivers, the snow pack is quickly disappearing before our eyes. We are predicting that the spring runoff will peak by early next week and then with any luck, the rivers should begin to take shape and warm up quite rapidly. After a week walking the tundra it is almost impossible not to go home without an adjusted perspective on life and its priorities. Without question, there is an unexplainable peace here in the arctic. It goes far beyond simply being out in the country away from the mainstream for a couple days. This is back to nature at its purest form. As the tundra awakes from another long winters sleep, spring has already begun to accelerate at an astonishing rate. Lemmings scurry quickly between the dwindling snow banks. Ptarmigan lie exposed, calling for their mates amongst the naked birch forests. Bean geese are arriving from far to the south. Songbirds can be heard chirping straight through the long white nights. But mostly it is the roar of the water as it pours down from all directions into the valleys that lets us know – spring has arrived. Justin.
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