Each year some 2400 trout are caught in the upper part of the Varzina river! Most of them are in the range of 20-26 inches (4-6 lb) Every year trophy trout of 28-30 inches in lenght (10-15 lb) are hooked and released.
For more information on Varzina trout contact Mr Dan Mella at dan@fishingnorth.com or phone +46 70 242 5940
The Varzina river measures in total approx. 30 miles with the first 6 miles boasting a second to none water for big brown trout. (Mind you, you will also find big salmon and arctic char). The secret behind the stock of trout lies in huge lake system of Enozero and it´s tributaries limitless food-supply. Add to that the fact that the fishing has been a strict no kill/catch and release policy since 25 years. Available statistics show an increase in both numbers and size over the last 10 years. On an average season some 2400 trout will be caught where the majority will be in the 20-26 inch range. Each year trophy trout over 28 inches are caught.
The camp , has to be said, is not a luxury facility, it is marked by weather and wind on the tundra. It has got that special Russian patina but everything works perfectly giving you a possibility of a warm shower and sauna, top quality food and a good night sleep, giving you the best chance to catch the trout of your dreams
The helicopter to Varzina river flies out from the town of Lovozero southeast of the main city Murmansk. It is possible to reach Murmansk with a flight via St Petersburg or Moscow and on to Lovozero with a minivan. Be advised that you will need a overnight in Murmansk on the way in and out. Fishingnorth can also arrange a bus or minivan transfer from the town of Lulea in Sweden directly to Lovozero for larger groups. It is about a 12 hour drive one-way.
Itinerary from Tuesday – Tuesday as follows:
Day 0: Arrival to Murmansk airport overnight and minibus to Lovozero +1. Or departure with minibus from Lulea to Lovozero and overnight.
Day 1: Departure to Varzina from Lovozero by helicopter, approx.. 45 min flight time. Arrival camp, meet and greet. Information, diner and evening fishing.
Day 2-7: Full fishing days on designated beat.
Day 8: Departure to Lovozero by heli at approx. 11.30. Transfer to Murmansk and overnight. Flight international +1. Or departure to Lulea by minivan, arrival in Lulea 01.00 +1.
The camp has during the season of 2018 changed from tents to wooden cabins with heating and two single beds. This will provide a comfortable place for rest and shelter. Bring your own sleeping kit if you like but the camp provides for that as well. Breakfast and dinner are served in a nearby cabin, shower and sauna is nearby. Ok, it´s not the Hilton but it works. A generator provides a possibility to charge whatever you need and there is a small hut for drying your waders overnight. Food is served 3 times daily (lunch as a takeaway from breakfast) and are surprisingly good. Robust Russian style soups, good fish and meat dishes and mouthwatering desserts are things to look forward to. A camp manager and 3-4 staff will look after you in a nice way. In the lodge there are also some lines, tippets and flies for sale..
It is possible to both sides of the Varzina river, upstream about 4,5 miles and downstream about 2,5 miles from the camp. The river is divided in to sections/beats and fished in groups of two anglers that rotate during the week. This ensures that everyone has the option to fish all the best spots. The beats are available for 24 hours for each group from 9.am each day. The river varies from slow flowing pools to faster rapids and there are an endless row of hotspots to fish! Be sure that you will be tested as an trout-angler!
It is also important to point out that fishing the Varzina involves a lot of walking, a lot! Be in reasonable good shape and bring wading-boots made for hiking. Normally you fish on your own but the camp-manager knows the river as the back of his hand and can point you in the right direction. Down- stream the camp the pools usually holds more salmon then trout (from late July) so bring a one hand # 8 rod or similar for some light salmon-fishing.
This time of the season it is even possible to fish salmon with a dryfly/hitchfly! One day during the week can be spent in a remote stream called Chilijokk , famous for trophy-trout! The camp will arrange a boat transport. At times there are plenty of rain-deer in the area, with them follow bear and wolverine… be advised!
Besides your personal clothing you will need a pair of high waders (a good idea to bring an extra pair). Be sure that your wading-boots are possible to walk long distances in. A rainproof wading jacket, a wading staff, a warm jacket, a mosquito-hat, some mosquito repellant and sunglasses. Rods in #6-7 and 9 ft. long are preferred for most of the fishing. As backup bring a #4-5 rod for delicate dryfly-fishing and a # 8 10-12 ft. for light salmon-fishing. Medium-sized reels with a 125 yards of 20 lb. backing will do. A slightly bigger reel is preferred for the salmon-fishing.
See below the PDF for all suggested equipment.
EQUIPMENT FOR VARZINA TROUT.pdf
Tippets/tippet-material from 0,16 mm – 0,45 mm. Depending on the fishing. Flies that normally will work fine are: Thinn green/black streamers like Golden Killer in Size 6-10. Black leech flies or Wolly Buggers in size 4-6. Floating mouse-imitations in size 2. Green Machine in size 6-8. Pupae in size 16-22. Caddis dryflies in size 8-10. Some tubeflies for slamon (Sunray shaddow, Phatakorva and Golden Killer) Also bring some floating flies for salmon (Bombers or foam-flies in size 4-6).
Season from approx. 1.th of July – 1. th. of September. Price: From 3145 + 300 (Campfee) Euro/person.
20-27. 07 2021 Dryflyweek 10 rods available. 3145 euro+300 (campfee)
27.07-3.08 2021 Streamer/dryfly - SOLD OUT!
9-16. 07 2022 Streamer/Dryfly 6 rods available- 3125 euro + 300 (campfee)
Included in the price: Transfer from Murmansk airport to hotel in Murmansk, Transfer from Muransk – Lovozero (round-trip), Helicopter transport to Varzina (round-trip), 7 nights in camp / 6,5 fishingdays. All meals and beverage (not incl. alcohol). Campfee/evacuation fee for helitransport in case of illness. Boat-transport to Chilijokk. Fishinglicense.
Not included in the price: International flight to Murmansk. Hotel in Murmansk. Travel insurance. Cost for Visa. Alcoholic beverage in camp.