Atlantic Salmon fishing in Varzuga River

The Sobachy Porog Lodges

"Sobachy Porog" means "Dog rapid". Two brand new, custom-designed lodges have 18 bedrooms in all, 12 of which are en-suite. Under floor heating, power showers and very comfortable beds make this a supremely luxurious camp. Large, tabled verandas, as well as the main dining room and sitting room with its large wood fire, look out onto the home pools of this wonderful beat.

After fishing you can have sauna in the brand new sauna or continue fishing just from the shore in front of the camp.
The meals are served in the cosy Bistro which has comfortable chairs, sofas and a fire place.

Supplies in the Varzuga Lodge: In the Lodge we have extra fishing equipment such as rods, reels, lines to rent, or to buy. We also have a selection of the best Kola flies, souvenirs and various tackles, like leaders, waders, wading staffs, jackets, T-shirts, caps, Russian made wooden fly boxes etc.

Fishing seasons of Varzuga River

At the end of April the ice on the river breaks and the fish start running in unprecedented numbers. Our season starts a week or two after the ice has broken in order to give the fish the best chance of filling the beats.

At the beginning of May the weather is changeable; some days can be cold whereas others will find us in shirtsleeves. Generally however, conditions tend to be mild as the Kola winter rapidly gives way to summer.

The first week of June is generally the cusp week, when we change from intermediate or sink tip lines to floaters. The weather is settled by now and, all things considered, the fishing is among its best. The following week we are definitely on floating lines with a great deal of water opening up for dry fly fishing, using bomber patterns or skated tubes. Wading is straightforward in most pools although a stick and a life vest are strongly encouraged.

July and August :During these warm months, the river is usually closed to Atlantic salmon fishing.

The late season on the Varzuga river is the time when the biggest salmon migrates to upper reaches of the river. This unique run of late salmon is extremely deep and powerful created by spending a full year in the river before the next year spawning. From the lodge you can see new fish coming into the Home Pool every day, jumping to challenge your flies. At the time one normally is fishing with sinking lines and big flies, we are doing better with small flies and slow intermediate or even floating lines. Although the days are shorter and the weather is more severe, the late season on the Varzuga river is unparalleled. By our knowledge, no other river on the Kola Peninsula can compete for the same numbers of truly big salmon as the Varzuga river in September and October.

This fishing program can be extended with the following optionals:

• Single- or double-entry invitations for Russian visa request.
• Murmansk:
  • Tickets for museums and museum excursions cost between RUB 25,-- and RUB 400,-- per person.
  • Entrance ticket to Atomic Icebreaker to join an excursion in Russian language: RUR 150 pp. Individual excursion to Atomic Icebreaker with a lecture in English language can be arranged.
  • City excursions in Hero city Murmansk.
  • Trip to Husky Farm close to Murmansk (year round).
  • Trip to Saami settlement close to Lovozero.
  • Trip to Teriberka and the Barents sea shore.
  • Trip to Husky Park close to Lovozero (only in winter).
  • Trip to Lovozero village; Capital of the Saami.
• Train/plane/bus tickets in or outside Russian Federation.
• Transfers from/to KuusamoIvalo/Rovaniemi and Kirkenes airports.