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Iceland, the Thvera/Kjarra

I have just got back from Iceland where I went to see the ThveraKjarra rivers for the first time. Having been to Iceland for over 20 years, it might strike you as odd that I… 

Russia – The Ponoi River – Ryabaga Camp – Filming, Photographing and Reflecting

It was a struggle to get news out from Ryabaga Camp last week because the internet was suffering. But, towards the end of the week, it was working much better and the promise of internet is now fulfilled.

A stunning night at Ryabaga – taken at about 1pm

Alan Maughan and I were there to build on the success of the film made at Ryabaga last year. Being in Nick’s shoes was interesting because it is only when one begins to focus on the details that one actually realises how much there is to the camp, the fishing and facilities. It was our mission to film ‘the meat on the bone’; to represent the detail of what was so beautifully covered last year.

Taken at the same time.

What Does Spring Fishing On Ponoi Mean?

Howard Strowman with a 16lbs fish

During the second week of the 2012 season, the tundra is starting to go green with tiny leaves on the birch trees.  The advancing spring always brings with it warmer temperatures, and the endless arctic days that allow anglers to fish the famed Ryabaga <http://www.ponoiriver.com/public/publicWrapper.php>  Home Pool through the midnight hours.  Spring in Ryabaga is the time when anglers are met with the pleasure of catching seemingly countless salmon on any given day, and it is a springtime rule that guides rarely lay down the net.  In addition to numbers this week, though, it was the size, strength, and shape of the fish that over-wintered under the ice that was a true testament to the quality of Spring fishing on Ponoi.

Helsinki – gateway to Russia…

Helsinki is a very happy place for me. It is a city I am very fond of and I always enjoy getting here in good time. Wish you were here! It is always an early start to catch the 07.20 flight from Heathrowi but you get here in time for lunch. I always hope for good weather because it is fun to sit out on the street outside the Kamp Hotel and enjoy their lunch menu and actually relax for a few minutes. The build up to a trip is always so intense and has been especially so this time around with so much travel ahead. Just the afternoon to relax in Helsinki and a chance to catch up with clients is much appreciated.

Enjoying the sun for lunch outside the Kamp Hotel, Helsinki

Pigeon Shooting and Photography – testing the new mast for unique shots

Taken from the mast, a pigeon comes straight in to the decoys.

Had an interesting time this weekend trying out the new stand or mast for the grouse season. The theory is to get above the butts and take some unique shots looking down on the butts and the action. My concern is that it will be difficult to see the grouse on the background of the moor but the view from above could be wonderful with the heather in bloom. The shots will certainly be unique.

Russia – Ponoi River – Ryabaga Camp – Season gets off to a superb start…

This is the news from Camp Manager Matt Breuer…

4th June 2012

RUSSIA – PONOI RIVER – RYABAGA CAMP – 1ST WEEK STARTS WITH 66 FISH PER ROD!

The Platinum Package

I know from ample experience that when traveling coach-class, jockeying for overhead compartment space and sufficient legroom can prove a maddening experience.  To add insult to injury, coach riders must peer forward as the Platinum, Elite, and VIP travellers stow overstuffed “fair share” wheelie bags, sip chilled champagne, and are tucked lovingly into their cushy seats by well-heeled stewards and stewardesses.  My time in the trenches, crammed into a coach seat while sniveling over my allotment of salted peanuts, affirms for me the fact that we should all at times be afforded the privilege of first class.  Which is why, in Ryabaga Camp, guests are treated as the elite travelers and anglers that they are.  The Platinum Package is what we serve up here on Ponoi.

Frontiers Salmon Fishing and Spey casting course on the Dee

 

As I drove north so the clouds cleared and finally the sun came out. There it has stayed. I have not seen a cloud since about half way up the motorway on the weekend! We have an excellent party of seven rods for the first part of the week, some new and some repeaters from last year. They have all been in good spirits even as the hope of actually catching fish has faded with the ever present sun.

The Raemoir House Hotel, Banchory, where guests stay 10 minutes from the fishing.

The good news is that they have done what they have come to do which is learn to spey cast better, to be able to cope with different situations on different sides of the river etc.

Lunch at the lodge on Little Blackhall.