The Ponoi River Co
January, 2012: PRC In The News
On January 11, 2012, Ilya Sherbovich, owner of Ponoi River Company and trustee of the Russian Salmon Fund, participated in a summit between 10 leading representatives of the Russian angling community and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The meeting was also attended by Andrey Krainy, who chairs the Russian Federal Fishing Agency. Russia is about to introduce a new fishing law that will regulate access to public and private fishing waters across the country. In 2011, an international body of Atlantic salmon conservation groups joined the Russian Salmon Fund in calling upon the Russian government to uphold regulated access to salmon rivers, in hopes of preserving fragile salmon stocks. These conservation efforts have been opposed by several groups of Russian anglers that continue to lobby for “free access” to all lakes and rivers. Both Andrey Krainy and Ilya Sherbovich raised the access issue at the meeting with Prime Minister Putin, reiterating the urgent need to protect Russian Atlantic salmon and other rear fish species. It is with great satisfaction that we can report Prime Minister Putin’s affirmation of measures to uphold the existing sport-fishing regulations for the Kola Peninsula, Kamchatka, and Khabarovsk regions. We hope that our joint efforts to support responsible amendments to Russian fishing legislation will yield a successful result in 2012.
Introducing the Ponoi Museum Project
To whom it may concern,
All great salmon rivers have great histories. Plying the hallowed waters of the world’s best salmon rivers is in many ways as much about taking part in their rich angling heritages as it is about catching fish. Rivers such as the Alta in Norway, the Vatnesdalsa in Iceland, the Cascapedia in Canada or the Tweed in Scotland, to name but a few, all have fascinating angling histories that greatly add to their allure. The Ponoi River in Russia, widely regarded as the best salmon river in the world today, is certainly no exception.
Despite its relatively brief presence among the world’s elite salmon rivers, the Ponoi has earned an incomparable reputation, and compiled an equally rich history over the years. Since intrepid fly fishermen first started exploring the Ponoi when the Kola Peninsula was opened to foreigners in the late 1980s, the photos and records have not all come under one roof. That is, until now. In order to preserve the history of the Ponoi for posterity, Ponoi River Company (PRC), together with Frontiers, is embarking on a comprehensive “Ponoi Museum Project,” that will document and present an in-depth history of the river. Our ambitious goal is to collect and organize twenty years worth of important events, catch statistics, scientific data, photographs, anecdotes, and memorabilia, and display this information in an on-site museum at Ryabaga camp, and online on the PRC website.
In order to accomplish this, we need your help. If you are a prior guest who has had the good fortune of experiencing this great fishery, it is our hope that you will take the opportunity to become an integral part of Ponoi’s growing history by contributing your personal photos, stories, miscellaneous memorabilia, etc. We aim to collect as much material as possible, so if you have something that you would like to submit, please contact our project manager, Barrett Mattison, at Barrett@Ponoiriver.com. Barrett has been guiding for PRC for the past two seasons, and his unique mix of technical skills and fishing fanaticism makes him well-qualified to spearhead this exciting venture.
If you have something that can’t be sent via email, such as old photos, hats, fishing licenses, flies etc., we will happily prepay for shipping, and if need be, return your item(s) after they have been documented. We may not be able to include absolutely everything that is submitted, but everything is of course highly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help in creating Ponoi History.
Tight Lines,
 |  |  |  |
| Ilya Sherbovich | Steve Estela | Tarquin Millington-Drake | Mollie Fitzgerald |
| PRC Owner | PRC CEO | Frontiers UK | Frontiers US |
2011 Season Review:
The 2011 salmon season on Ponoi has been a great season in every respect. Fishing started early, with great dry fly action accompanied by fine weather, and steady numbers continued through the Spring, Summer and Fall. The number of fish over ten pounds has dramatically risen, much to the pleasure of guests; fish size and quality elicited rave reviews.
June fishing was, as usual, highly productive, and was crowned by a magnificent fish landed by “Your Friend On The River” Bill “The Magician” Young. Bill’s performance was only the beginning, however, and guests managed to conjure powerful fish steadily throughout the summer run.
Late season fishing, which ranged from the end of September through early October, proved exceptional. The decision to begin Fall fishing a little later than in past seasons, and extending the fishing a bit longer, proved a tremendous success.
The Ryabaga Team, managed expertly by Matt Breuer, performed to perfection. Longstanding clients were quick to comment on camp upgrades, the phenomenal standard of cuisine, and the finest team of guides found at any destination in the world.
The visit of Russian Federation President Mr. Dimitry Medvedev for the second consecutive year was again a wonderful gesture of faith and support. It was a well-oiled machine that managed the logistics of getting the President into camp. Our staff again proved up to the logistical challenge, and it was a proud crew that welcomed Mr. Medvedev and his team to Ryabaga camp on Ponoi.
A new generation of fishermen has arrived on Ponoi! 2011 saw some of the biggest fish of the season landed by talented child anglers, not the least of which was Kostya Sherbovich (son of Ilya Sherbovich, Ponoi River Company Owner), who landed a 14 lb fresh salmon at the tender age of 5! Quite a start to an angling career…
Brevyeni camp re-opened after a big marketing effort, and it proved an excellent product and a great alternative to existing options on the Kola.
The tail of the season’s fishing took place in late September. Though the fishing was challenging, we learned a great deal about late-season tactics on Ponoi. The overall consensus was that that a late season trip to Ryabaga is an excellent option, and probably the best fishing value in Russia. Every guest raved about the experience, the camp, the food, the staff and the finest salmon fishery in the world.
2011 was a slow salmon year everywhere, and many northern rivers had the toughest season on record, Norway and Iceland being no exception. In light of these conditions, Ponoi once more showed that it delivers on its reputation as “The most reliable salmon river in the world”.
The Murmansk office has done a superb job supplying the two camps, Ryabaga & Brevyeni, plus guard posts in Kolmak, Ponoi Village, and Purnache. Meet and greet in the Murmansk airport was consistently warm, luggage handling and camp turnover days (coordinating up to 60 guests) were fast and precise.
For the 4th season in row, no guest missed the charter or connections going home. Thanks to the Murmansk team of Sveta, Peter, Sasha and Julia for their dedication and professionalism.
‘Frontiers’ has done a great job booking our camps and taking care of clients. Tarquin hosted a lovely group of sports in Brevyenni, with another on schedule for 2012. Both UK and US offices are working hard on the coming season, and we are certain to again fill the camps with a loyal client base. We made a huge marketing push during 2011, and the filmed material has finally come together; we will all enjoy it in late November. I had the chance to work with Gin Clear Productions and they have done a remarkable job! The addition of Isaias Miciu, our on-site Ryabaga photographer, has been a success. From a service standpoint, no other camp offers a photography service, and guests were very pleased to have professional photo documentation of their experience available. In total, we collected over 1000 images. Our website was updated every single day of the season with reports, images and news. The speed and consistency of updates allowed guests to stay abreast of what was going on in the river and camp, creating a sense of belonging both before and after visits. Our web editor Reid Bryant also had the chance to visit Ryabaga, which helped add valuable first-hand flavor to reports and web materials.
Tents are down, boats are on dry-docks, and the gear has been put to sleep. The river is resting along with the fish, building more fishing for our loyal clients to enjoy in the coming years.
I want to thank all of our past and future guests, Frontiers Staff, the Ponoi family, and office staff for another outstanding season. Ilya Sherbovich has, as always, been a remarkable source of guidance and unconditional support. I also want to thank my beloved family, Pata, Santi and Simon for their support and patience; all the credit goes to them for allowing me to keep doing what I love.
Best to all, happy winter, and see you soon!
Steve Estela
Ponoi River Co. CEO
October 10, 2011
Time To Go Home
This morning we awoke to a crisp -4 degrees, and there was a layer of frost blanketing the tundra, the Big Tent, and the pieces of Ryabaga that remain standing. The 2011 season has come to an end, proving itself a fine season indeed!
Week 19 was a success all the way around. Among the guests were 7 very keen Russian fly fishers from Murmansk and Moscow. Several of them have fished the Ponoi many times, and their evident pleasure on this last week indicates a sure return next summer. The fishing was nothing short of fantastic. Vladimir Vinogradov, under the professional guidance of Daniel Podolsky, landed a 22 pound thumper in Clough Creek as the Ponoi waters just kept giving up superb salmon fresh from of the salt. Orazio Gatti of Milano, Italy hosted six of his countrymen, and the group recounted their adventures on the river while enjoying the warm refuge of the wood stove on a cold dark autumnal eve. A Campari aperitif slowly whetted the appetite, as the group relaxed in anticipation of a fine meal. Orazio dutifully continues to have a knack for sussing out big salmon. He and Sergei Bistrov found a fine cock fish of 21 pounds in Kolovai, just as bright as can be, sea lice still clinging to his flanks.
When we first met on the banks of Ponoi, on May 29, 2011, the river was in such fine condition that anglers took to the water with both guns blazing, and the steady influx of hard-hitting fish did not slow down until temperatures forced anglers to quit on October 8. While most of Europe, and certainly the Kola Peninsula, suffered from low water conditions and less than ideal salmon conditions, Ponoi continued to produce a strong reward of both Spring and Fall run salmon. For this consistency and quality of fishing, we are truly grateful.
Ponoi is no doubt a special place, and each and every angler who has fished the water here will know this. And the regular Ryabaga attendees that join us each summer on Ponoi, are being joined by new anglers each year; Ryabaga was again pleased to host Russia’s number one, in his second visit to Ryabaga. At this rate, perhaps he too will become a “regular”. Another new member to the Ponoi experience was Kostya Sherbovich, son of PRC owner, Ilya Sherbovich. Ilya brought Kostya to Ponoi this summer, to see this special place and experience the richness of an important piece of his country. Kostya began his fishing career with his father, and, as so many of us have, embarked on an angling relationship that will no doubt last a lifetime. I suppose Kostya too has joined in the next generation of Ponoi regulars.
In order to get the Ryabaga story to more anglers, Steve Estela, CEO and Managing Director of PRC, invited Nick Reygaert of Gin Clear Media into camp to capture the essence of what it means to be an angler on the Ponoi. Nick immersed himself into our world; for more than three weeks in the Spring and the Autumn, Nick spared nothing in shooting every angle of the program, and at times he even hung out of the door of the Mi8, and it is our hope that by Christmas we will have a look at “The Incomparable Ponoi.” As if a movie about Ponoi was not sufficient, Steve also invited Isaias Miciu Nicolaevici, a remarkably talented young photographer from San Martin de los Andes, Argentina, to capture the Ponoi experience in still-image format. What resulted is an image bank of epic proportion. Many clients will now enjoy access to timeless Ponoi memories, as their week has been preserved so beautifully in Isa’s work. The Ponoi and Ryabaga is also likely to appear in several fly fishing publications, as photo journalist and professional fishing photographer Brian Grossenbacher shot the beginning of the autumn run with friends Carter and Heidi Andrews of Islas Secas, Panama. It is clear that the exposure of the 2011 season on Ponoi will have a lasting effect on the long and famous reputation of Ryabaga. We thank all of the talented artists who put their innovative ideas, hard work, creative vision, and dedication to the cause.
Yesterday we said a fond farewell to the last 14 anglers of the 2011 season, and today we bid farewell to the remaining guides, kitchen staff, and camp staff, and we begin to strike the camp. The tents are being stored, the boats pulled from the cold water, engines pickled and preserved, vehicles housed, firewood put up for the winter caretaker, Orehov, and we are finalizing preparations to “put the camp to bed”. It is with great appreciation that I thank all those behind the scenes in our Murmansk office for doing their jobs so well. To the staff in Ryabaga, the team of more than thirty individuals who pack the lunches, keep the home fires lit, repair the boats, wash the dishes, build the furniture, pilot the hovercraft, find the fish, weld the boats, guard our borders - I thank each and every one of you for the remarkable attention to detail that makes Ryabaga so unique.
Today I had a chance to make a few last casts with Boris Machnev and Vova, our chef, and we looked upon the waters of Ponoi and remembered the times we shared this season. We recounted the wonderful people we fished with and the remarkable fish we caught, and we all allowed ourselves the pride of a season well finished. We each caught our last Ponoi salmon of the year, and realized that we we were very tired; nothing feels quite as good as the fulfillment of a job well done. To all who made it possible, we at PRC humbly thank you, and anticipate another miraculous season with you in 2012. May your memories feed salmon dreams until we again meet on Ponoi.
Best,
Matt Breuer
“It’s been a helluva a day on the Ponoi!”
With a heavy clink of his dessert fork on glass, Hacker Caldwell brought the room to attention. The 2011 Ryabaga staff and Hacker’s party of 12 anglers all fell quiet. The group was composed of anglers who had come together from as far as South Africa, Kenya, USA, England and Scotland, and all were attentive as Hacker announced, “It’s been a helluva day on the Ponoi!” The group was further regaled with the day’s standings, notable catches, first encounters with Atlantic salmon, and all present reveled in the atmosphere of shared experience and a fine meal well earned. The high spirit of this meeting marked the reunion of a group of Ponoi’s favorite regulars, who come together each third week of September to experience one of the most special places on the planet. A testament to their approach is the “laid back” nature of the week’s rota. Hacker and Max met at the bar nightly with fish report in hand to find out whose spoils were notable and whose may have been a bit lean. After careful study of the day’s fishing, and careful consideration of where each member might find a suitable lunch site in which to enjoy a cocktail and a nice piece of salmon, the daily assignments were made. Beat boundaries spilled over as Hacker and Jeremy, Patrick and Randolph, Sam and Mike, Dudley and Ian, Giles and Charles, Henry and the ‘boys,’ found that fishing in close proximity afforded greater focus in locating salmon, and an opportunity to share the magic of Ponoi alongside friends. Rarely does a group seek such pleasure in camaraderie, both on and off the water.
The quality of the fishing this week continues to impress. With 31 fish of 15 pounds or greater, and a magnificent brace of 20 lb fish landed by Jeremy and James Green, there is no doubt that the genetic code remains strong in our great river. Each member of the party was rewarded with beautifully strong and deep Ponoi salmon.
Hacker Caldwell, chairman and “kingfish” of the Ryabaga Syndicate, served as MC for likely the most coveted week of the season. The tone of the close-knit group resonated throughout the week, and culminated at the ceremonial party held on Thursday night, during which anglers and staff from each represented country belted out their national anthem. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by delegates of the USA, with Randolph Harrison in full voice, followed by Jeremy Block and Henry Henley who crooned Kenya’s sacred song. Not to be outdone, the Russians showed great feeling, led in song by Sergei Zhurin. Pelle Tronde of Sweden, though beleaguered by a sore throat, did his nation proud, as did the Argentine contingent and several others. The Big Tent, awash in music and national pride, remained a warm and welcoming place deep into the evening.
Sadly, our good friend Keith Booker took ill this last year and was unable to attend. We all missed him very much, but we anticipate a full recovery, and require his dutiful attendance next year. Be well Keith, we are with you.
With the season easing gently to a close, it’s looking as though the fall run of 2011 will be one to remember. The fish we’ve seen these past weeks are of remarkable quality and strength, and with the recent pulse of heavy bright fish, we can only assume that our conservation efforts on Ponoi are proving successful. With groups of loyal anglers in attendance, we are reminded that it is in large part the careful stewardship of Ponoi anglers that not only maintains the quality of this fishery, but also steadily improves it. To fish a river for a week and tangle into a handful of salmon tipping towards 20 lbs. is truly a magical experience, and not one found anywhere else in the world. Fish of exceptional quality, guides of unsurpassed skill, and a camp experience without equal… these are the elements that define Ponoi and Ryabaga Camp. But in the end, it is the joy of the anglers that makes a fishing expedition something of lasting value, and of this we were richly reminded this week. We hope to see you all back next year, and we look forward to introducing new friends and new generations to this place in the coming seasons. Until then, best of luck!
Matt Breuer and the Ryabaga Team
September 19, 2011
The Breakfast Club
Just after 7 AM, several Ryabaga regulars congregated over coffee and tea, and eagerly awaited the porridge to come. The scene was reminiscent of an internet café; Peter Ryan perused the markets on his IPad, Jane composed another note to pass to her PA (me), and Nigel, eyeing the fruit plate, recounted the three cases of Scurvy he treated during his residency in Leeds. Incidentally, I mistook him to mean that he had Scurvy three times, and wondered to myself if he had been eating kippers out of tins whilst training for a lifetime of stamping out disease. Len sat by at careful attention, waiting for a hole in which to slip a crack or jibe at anything Nigel had said – all the while basking in the glow of the good angling fortune that he’d encountered when he landed an 18 pound fall run salmon with the first cast of Day 2. Wolfgang also attended this daily ritual of breakfast in the Big Tent, and on Thursday he too was aglow, beaming at the recollection of landing a 20 pound silver-sided salmon in Falls Creek on Wednesday afternoon. The buzz at breakfast amongst long-time Ryabaga anglers was alive with enthusiasm, camaraderie, laughter, and a certain air of ownership native to regulars who know the camp and river so well. I sometimes dream of one day having a place such as this, where I might congregate with old friends to enjoy the spoils of a magnificent and magical river.
Conditions on Ponoi remain stable. The river level after the rise in week 14 has been at slow drop since, and the “Max” fly selection is the order of late. Floating lines and intermediate tips are the appropriate lines at the moment, though the guides are slowly changing tactics to target fish in deeper lies, thus necessitating the use of sink tips and employing the S1 (hover) shooting head to tease out deep-holding salmon.
As is the cycle of salmon, so too does the cycle of anglers “overturn”. This was the case with a special group of new guests from the USA. Frans Jansen, owner of Martin Pescador Lodge in Chile, hosted six anglers: Steve and Sheila, Colton and Sue, and Scott and Bob. Sheila and Sue landed their first Atlantic salmon here on Ponoi, and with Sheila’s first salmon under her belt, she quickly moved up the scale with a 19 pound silver fish! Ryabaga veterans Wolfgang Neumann and Chris Agar each landed a 20 pound bright fish – Chris’s just after landing an 18 pound bright; impressive salmon angling to say the least. New guests and those of longstanding all found Ponoi autumn rich in silver.
As the autumn run presses on, the anticipation of anglers in Ryabaga continues to bubble over. Enthusiastic ladies and gents depart the moorage each morning, excited to discover what the Ponoi will yield. With baited breath, we wait for the next memorable take…
All the Best,
Matt Breuer and the Ryabaga Team
Week 16 : Brevyeni
It was a great week again in Brevyeni, as the weather was fine and the fishing was excellent. We were all happy to welcome a great fisherman back to Ponoi, namely Mr. Philip Walker. Phillip impressed me greatly with his fishing and casting skills, and he put both attributes on display during a fine day at Lapenyarka. Philip hooked 4 salmon just before lunch, and then his companion Rupert - another fine caster - landed a fat chrome fish that bent his rod for more than 24 minutes; just unbelievable!
Lapenyarka was our most productive beat, next to Hard Curve, but beautiful chrome fish were jumping throughout our waters this week. Wading conditions remain in peak shape, and we did a lot of wading with the guests this week. Bill, Chic, Robbie, Ian, Piggy… everybody was wading, and many fish were taken in shallow water. Gravel bars proved the most consistent place for fresh fish, and we were taking them mainly on small flies. The water was very clear and the river level good, and we are now using slow-sinking lines or intermediates. The weather this week was fine, so we took most of our lunches on the riverbank. Though the sun was not shining every day, it was not cold at all, and the median temperature for the week was 11º.
Our new Atlantic salmon angler Peter had an excellent start, as on the first day’s fishing he took 3 beautiful fish. Then, at mid-week he took a 14 lb dark fish that give him a 20 minute fight. Most of the anglers this week were impressed by the aggressive way the fish have been taking the fly, and the dynamic strength of the fight. One of the most experienced anglers we had this week, Mr.Charles, aka “Chic”, was convinced that Ponoi fish were among the hardest fighting game fish anywhere.
Night after night, all the camp gathered next to the fire in the dining room, where Scottish and English songs were happily sung and all enjoyed some fine Argentinean red wine. Guests thoroughly enjoyed the ring game and the tying bench; it was a pleasure to see Mr. Piggy inventing new salmon patterns by the handful. Now, with the week gone, what remains is the memory of fish taking the fly, and those big “pulls“ that stretch the line and bend the rod. This is the memory that draws us back, time and again, to Ponoi. It has been a great honor to work with such a united and pleasant group, and I want to thank and congratulate all Brevyeni staff and guests for a great 2011 season. Until we meet again next year, tight lines and good fishing!
All the Best,
Boris Mamontoff
A Very Special Guest:
Earlier this month, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev traveled to Kola Peninsula to once again visit Ryabaga Camp on Ponoi. At this point a veteran salmon angler, President Medvedev arrived in camp with every intention of catching a few fall run Ponoi salmon. His success was ensured over the course of a glorious autumn fishing day, during which the President landed several fish, the largest of which tipped the scales at more than 6 kilos!
This second visit to Ryabaga allowed the President and his company a more relaxed and tranquil opportunity to sample Ponoi’s finest. Though the conditions showcased the splendor of an advancing Kola autumn, they did not bode well for an abundant day of salmon fishing; an early river fog burned off by mid-morning to leave the Kola Peninsula ablaze under a clear blue sky and bright sun. Undaunted by the angling prospects, however, and encouraged by the prowess of Head Guide Max Mamaev, the President and his team enjoyed a bountiful angling session, with several bright salmon hooked and landed. Once again, Ponoi displayed its consistent ability to appease.
After the fishing session was complete, guests retired to the Guest House where PRC owner Ilya Sherbovich fielded numerous questions about the camp and the fishery. The President inquired about the organization here in Ryabaga, the history of the camp, scientific research conducted on Ponoi, and the state of sport fishing throughout Russia. Currently, the Government and Russian Parliament are considering a new draft fishing law that - among other important matters - would regulate access to Russian salmon rivers. We were very pleased to hear the President reaffirming the state commitment to support Ponoi River Company and its unique conservation project on one of the most remote salmon rivers in the world.
We are humbly grateful for the President’s generosity and willingness to experience and consider what is undoubtedly one of Russia’s most precious, and irreplaceable, resources.
September 11, 2011
In Remembrance:
To those who fell in the attacks of September 11, 2001, we respectfully remember you, your families, and loved ones.
September 12, 2011
Aurora Borealis:
With the sky ablaze with the greens, yellows, and blues of the Aurora Borealis, we at Ryabaga pause to remember just how far we are from the urban centers of this earth. We inhabit a place rich in amazing natural phenomena, not the least of which occurs within the very waters of the Ponoi. Therein we witness the genesis of thousands of Atlantic salmon, a species of fish so coveted by the sporting angler that he would drop everything in her pursuit, traveling countless hours, spending innumerable amounts of money; all of this to feel the pull of a mighty silver-sided fish.
Last week Ponoi anglers landed 436 salmon for 20 rods. Numerous fish in the high teens came to hand, and Graham Jones landed a beautiful 20 lb. specimen, which he will likely not soon best. The Tombas fished magnificently as the guides worked the seams and windows, plucking bright salmon from all of the likely spots.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Geoffrey Mitchell and Bernard Giboin in Gold Beach and Clough Creek, as we teased out several beautiful salmon. Geoffrey worked hard for the fish he caught… at one point I suggested that he wade just below the middle rapid in Gold Beach. He followed this suggestion for some 40 minutes with little return, until he covered a submerged stone with a last ditch effort that yielded a beautiful 10 pound bright salmon. Carefully stalked, engaged, overpowered, and landed, this fish, though not the largest in Geoffrey’s repertoire, will likely be one well-branded in the memory bank. Rarely taking two days out of the week’s administrative duties, I tested my abilities as a Ponoi River guide, and tried to keep pace with my hugely talented team of full-time guides. Always eager to pick up some trade secrets, I kept stride with Max, once again picking through the windows of “Good Water” with Robert and Giles Chapman of England, a pair of anglers I enjoy fishing with each season. We ended the day on par with the Head Guide, an achievement not many can boast, as Max is as skilled a salmon guide as has ever plied the waters of the Northern Hemisphere.
With the arrival of autumn, temperatures are dropping, and the fish are taking that aggressive attitude that makes for extraordinary fishing. Following the rains last week, water levels receded a bit, affording decent wade-fishing and violent shallow-water takes. Small “Max” tubes fished on tips of the slow-sink and intermediate variety allowed presentations at the necessary depth and pace to elicit interest from holding fish. Nothing can quite compare to the speed and power with which Salmo salar is inclined to split town once hooked.
As the season begins to wane, camp takes on that familiar momentum of a well-tuned machine, and the presence of friends old and new brings nostalgia to the Big Tent. Each day we continue to make memories and fulfill angling dreams, and perhaps nothing expresses the magic of this fishery more than the splendor of the Aurora. It’s quite a place, Ryabaga Camp, and a place we hope to share with you soon.
Best,
Matt Breuer and the Ryabaga Team
Week 15: Brevyeni
It was a beautiful week in Brevyeni, and due to the great weather and fine angling it seemed to pass very quickly. In reaction to the water level increase caused by last week’s rain, the fishing has improved and the Fall run has taken another big surge. We were more than happy this week to welcome a very experienced group of Russian anglers at Brevyeni, all top-tier fishermen who have practiced their sport across the globe.
Hard Curve was again our most productive beat, closely followed by Sunken Log. With the slow drop in water level, salmon are beginning to show more and more, and it is commonplace to see bright fish breaking throughout Brevyeni waters. Wading now is awesome. The banks are quite navigable and the dropping water level exposes banks that are just perfect for a good walk. Many fish were taken in shallow water this week, and many seem to be holding close to the banks. It is now easy to reach the main stream by wading on the numerous gravel bars throughout our stretch of river. As in past weeks, we continue to gather for lunches at the river tent at Sunken Log. Every lunch this week was memorable, and everybody enjoyed the pleasure of having a meal at one of the most productive and scenic spots on the entire Ponoi River - the Sunken Log Gravel Bar.
With regard to the actual fishing, we had a very experienced angler, the lovely Masha, who kicked off the week with a hot 15 lb bright fish, deftly netted by guide Daniel Shelekov (aka Big Dan). After a very hard fight, they managed to land the fish close to the bank. The salmon currently entering the system are proving very aggressive, and the fights are really something, requiring the utmost care and patience from the anglers and the guides. We are now using slow-sinking or intermediate lines, as most of our fish are being caught in shallow water. Due to low levels, we are not using heavy flies, and from a pattern standpoint, the favorite this week was a small “Max Special“, named of course in honor of our head Guide Max Mamaev up in Ryabaga. At midweek the top fish was taken by Genadiy, who, under the tutelage of guide Ruslan, hooked a fat 19 lb fresh salmon; just amazing.
It is worth mentioning a few words about the weather this past week. It is getting quite cold when the sun is low, but during lunch, and during most of our afternoon fishing, it remains fairly warm. Most of the trees are yellow now, and the water temperature is dropping. It is very common to start the day with some fog, and gloves and warm hats are necessary during morning sessions.
It was a great honor to have such a united and pleasant group in Brevyeni this week, and we all had an excellent time. We hope to see our Russian guests return for more fine Brevyeni angling in the weeks and seasons to come.
Best,
Boris Mamontoff and the Brevyeni Team
September 4, 2011
Team South Africa:
This week in camp, former Ryabaga head-guide Keith Rose-Innes hosted a group of experienced South African anglers. Though the group spends the bulk of their time in pursuit of Seychelles Giant Trevally and Zambezi River Tiger Fish, their deep understanding of the fly-fisher’s art made for a smooth transition into Spey angling. For 13 members of the group, the Ryabaga experience provided a first taste of Atlantic salmon fishing, and not one they’ll soon forget. Though heavy rains fell and the river rose in excess of 1.75 meters, Ponoi still showed her ability to allow anglers, both novice and expert, to share in the pleasure of taking silver Atlantic salmon.
Given water level and turbidity by Tuesday, anglers found the use of sink tips necessary, and in some cases full-sink shooting heads were employed. Large flies of the “Max” variety were very useful under the circumstances. I even witnessed guide Nick Sigov tying on what he dubbed a “sandwich”: two large tubes threaded together onto Girard Laubscher’s leader. Girard, new to Spey casting, performed quite well under Nick’s tutelage; he proceeded to land 5 salmon in a few short hours, casting the Snaelda-Flamethrower “sandwich” into an upstream wind with a perfectly executed Snap-T. Well done guys!
Nick Armstead of Gamefish Tackle Shop in Edinburgh, Scotland again joined us for a week on Ponoi. Keeping pace with the South Africans, Nick tested the limits of his tackle, and indeed exceeded the limits in some cases… we all remain ever thankful for the warranty process, as those rods(!) will again one day play and land salmon.
In and amongst my workaday life as manager of this great group of staff and guides, I seldom have the opportunity to get out on the river, and when I do it is quite a special event. On the Saturday evening draw, I chose Lower Tomba. Hence, when Steve Baddeley and Charlie Moses drew the vodka shot on top, they indeed drew the short straw, fishing with the manager in Lower Tomba. We managed 7 bright fish for the day and a total of 9 salmon… not a bad bit of guiding for a desk-jockey!
As the green retreats from the birch leaves and the tundra draws near another winter, the land is beginning to show its blanket of reds and yellows. The days are getting shorter and nights longer, but the glow of the big tent remains, as does the hum of anglers rejoicing in the beauty of Ponoi, as they await the following day’s exhibition of the Autumn run. Here in Ryabaga, we fight back the thoughts of the nearing season when Ponoi salmon will be entombed beneath arctic ice and sub-zero temperatures, and nary a cast will be made in this hemisphere for 7 arduous months. But for now we make good on our dreams of casting a fly for a salmon, and continue to experience the Fall run in full bloom.
Sincerely,
Matt Breuer and The Ryabaga Team
Week 14: Brevyeni
This last week we had several returning guests in camp, seasoned anglers who make their way back to Ponoi each season. Perhaps due to the experience of the group, we started the week with what turned out to be our best day: 38 salmon for 10 rods. Hard Curve was our most productive beat this week, though Lapenyarka, our topmost beat, played a very close second. On the first day I guided the Spence Boys, a father/son duo of exceptional anglers. We had to work the water a bit, but after the third drop “ Mr. S “ hooked a beautiful, 15 lb bright fall run… spectacular! Mr. Ross tangled into several bright fish on day 1 as well, and the hard-fighting fish of Ponoi were in strong evidence. Having so many times danced for the rain to come, it finally did, but this time with a bit too much gusto. The river rose more than 1.30 meters from the afternoon of day 1 to the following morning, and it also became quite discolored; this of course made me nervous about the angling prospects for the week. Nonetheless, even on the day that followed the rain we were again catching fish. In the end, the rise of water was a help to the river, and the water has cleared to again make for some exceptional fishing.
Within our group of guests this week we had the famous Tarquin Millington Drake, who showed off some fine driving skills around the Brevyeni pools. Tarquin and I shared with the group some fine river lunches in our riverside tents, and shared good laughs, relaxation, white wine and delicious food.
The river is now at a good level, and maneuvering from one pool to another is very easy. The riverbanks are stable and accessible, and we had several people wading this week. One of our guests, Dominic, particularly enjoyed wading and casting surrounded by nature and silence; it was an angler’s dream come true. At dinnertime, anglers were all talking and exchanging ideas: the best fly choice, best line, rods, etc. With regard to fly choice, the Cascade was among the favorites. All had a good time around the fire, relaxing and playing the ring game deep into night. Peter Barlow, aka “Lucky Peter“, had some very good catches this week, with several fish close to 14 lbs and a stunning 17 lb fresh fish that really put on a show! Please check out our pictures.
Autumn is in the air at Brevyeni too, and with it we welcome good water levels and a pulse of bright fish. While the river remains in top shape, we look forward to a fine September here on the tundra.
Hope to see you soon.
Boris Mamontoff and the Brevyeni Team
August 28, 2011
A Noble Tradition:
A bright sun shone over Ponoi this week, and the Gods of angling must have smiled too, as they witnessed tradition of Atlantic salmon angling passed tenderly through the generations. PRC owner Ilya Sherbovich was host to friends and family this week, and all were on hand to watch as Ilya’s son Kostya landed his first ever salmon on a fly. Ilya’s father Viktor was privy to the momentous event as well, and the Sherbovich men represented three generations of salmon anglers at work on Ponoi; what a remarkable gift to pass through the years! A beaming father and grandfather presented young Kostya with his first box of salmon patterns, and, for the very first, raised a glass at dinner in honor of the young Sherbovich’s 14 pound fall run fish; not bad for a boy of only 5!
In keeping with the theme of legacy, Sir Roger Jones played host to his son Heffin in Ryabaga. Roger, having fished the world’s salmon rivers, chose Ponoi as the most worthy river upon which to introduce his soon-married son to the finest of sporting traditions. Congratulations to Roger and Heffin on their successes, and we look forward to an ongoing Jones family legacy on the waters of Ponoi.
A bright sun shone literally as well this week, and, in keeping with Atlantic salmon lore, threatened to put fish off the take. Yet even the spookiest fish were no match for noted anglers Carter and Heidi Andrews, who brought with them to Ponoi several lifetimes of angling experience and a wily approach honed on the frontier streams of the American west. Ponoi was further honored to welcome famed sporting photojournalist Brian Grossenbacher, who spent a lovely week snapping photos of Heidi blithely fishing circles around her husband. We look forward to seeing Brian’s work in print, and the entire staff will miss the playful element the three brought to camp.
To round out the star-studded week, longtime Ponoi angler Jon Shakour returned for his second week of this 2011 season, and Frontiers staffers Ben and Stew also explored the magical Ponoi waters. The presence such devoted fisher-folk plying Ryabaga waters was more than Ponoi River Company CEO Steve Estela could bear, and he too left the office a time or two to throw a long line.
The fall run is in full effect at this point, with strong silver fish in evidence throughout the river. Several fish over 16 lbs were taken this week, as water levels continued to drop, and wading remained a safe and practical option. Small, bright tube flies turned the trick, with bigger patterns remaining a decent alternative throughout the misty mornings and patches of cloud cover. Temperatures were truly summer-like, and it was something to see slabs of Ponoi salmon glinting as the fish breached the surface. With the groups’ departure Saturday, a steady rain swept over the Ponoi system, raising water levels just enough to pulse another run of fresh, bright fish into the system. One more fall is descending over Ponoi, as the riverside birches go slightly to yellow, and the hard-hitting autumn salmon work their way back through Ryabaga and Brevyeni waters. Now is the time, my friends, now is the time…
Sincerely,
Matt Breuer and the PRC team
Week 13 Brevyeni:
It is always nice to get some anglers in Brevyeni who are new to salmon fishing. This past week, 2 Finnish guests began their stay never having fished for salmon, but left camp members of that devoted family of anglers who can’t get enough of Salmo salar. It was just incredible to see the joyful faces of our guests as they gathered around the dinner table to relate the tales of powerful Ponoi chrome attacking the fly. Numbers-wise, we had a good week with some strong catches, and dropping water made wading effective. Though the river is a bit low, we are still using some slow-sinking lines, and with regard to fly choice, the “Max Special “ remained the favorite.
Among our guests, we had the famous Finnish fishing machine Markku, who led the group in spectacular riverside lunches replete with good laughs, relaxation, white wine, and, with Markku’s help, gourmet fare.
The rain that we received at week’s end should bring a fresh surge of bright fish up from the sea. That said, the river banks are in excellent shape for walking from one end of our water to the other, as noted by the number of people wading this week… in fact, one of our first-timers, Thomas “The Pilot”, landed a very beautiful and strong chrome fish on the bank at “Sunken Log“, which incidentally proved our most productive beat this week. I should mention too the heroic efforts of Andreas, aka “The Naked Swim” who landed a beautiful fresh salmon on his very first day in camp… congratulations Andreas!
Over dinner, we had the pleasure of sharing some traditional Finnish songs; I felt it particularly special when this group united in song to honor a fishing camp as unique as Brevyeni.
Several fish tipped the scales above the 15 lb mark this week. Numerous fresh fish over 10 lbs were taken, and I must mention that some fine and heavy dark fish were landed as well. The 10 rods in camp landed nearly 100 salmon for the week, which, in the eyes of any Atlantic salmon angler, is some very good fishing.
Brevyeni really felt like a home this week, with a kind group of guests coming together in camp much like a family. Here goes a big “ Kiitos “ for my new Finnish friends. Hope to see you back on Ponoi very soon.
Kind Regards,
Boris Mamontoff and the Brevyeni Team
A Perfect Fishing Day:
In speaking with Phil Adams in the big tent at the end of Friday’s fishing, I learned that he had in fact experienced what he regarded as his ‘best day’s salmon fishing, ever’. He and his lovely wife Denise (who happened to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary this year in camp!) both agreed that everything that should have happened in a day’s salmon angling indeed did occur; an upstream wind turned downstream, bright sun turned to cloud, a white-tailed sea eagle appeared, and Phil landed a fish that he, and only he, spotted and cast over. Ever the doting wife, Denise limited her catch to 4 salmon, while allowing (!) Phil a catch of 6, though both Phil and Denise netted a big “croc” (dark fish), reminiscent of a beautifully kyped brown trout. Furthermore, guide Pat Brennan issued instructive guidance that resulted in flawless execution, and the day was void of long “dry spells” during which taking salmon were absent. To round out the ‘perfect day’, fish were waking on the surface, the guiding and meals were of exquisite quality, and the blissful experience that is a day’s fishing on Ponoi again cast it’s spell over the Adams and indeed over the Kola Peninsula.
The river remained in lovely condition this week, with cool mornings giving way to scattered sun and summer temperatures throughout the bulk of the day. Mist hovered over Home Pool for the delight of those intrepid anglers who braved the cool mornings for some pre-breakfast fishing, and fresh salmon breached the copper Ponoi waters far and wide. Bright fish were in abundance through the week, many with clinging sea lice, and that fighting spirit noted among the fall run fish. Home Pool and Lower Tomba were paramount this week, with colorful tube flies and the odd skated dry doing the bulk of the damage. In all, over 350 fish were landed, and nearly 20% of those landed tipped the scales beyond 10 lbs.; alas, just another glorious week in Ryabaga…
With the river at its current level, and the surge of fall runners into the system, the magic of autumn fishing on Ponoi is indeed upon us. Within the next weeks, we expect a plethora of bright fish following the birches’ turn to gold, and a glowing catch in keeping with the season tally thus far. Though autumn is indeed showing it’s face here above the Arctic Circle, it carries with it the abundance of salmon and a host of ‘perfect days’ yet to come. As angling dreams continue to be realized on Ponoi, we hope to have you fishing Ryabaga waters soon.
Until Then, Tight Lines…
Matt Breuer and the Ryabaga Staff
Week 12 Brevyeni: Freshhhhhhhhh Fish!
Brevyeni experienced another excellent week, replete with fall run salmon! It is always incredible to see these lovely fish again running in Ponoi. Good catches were had the week through, and wading proved a very effective way to access fish on slow-sinking lines. For anglers in favor of wade fishing, the river remains in peak condition.
The entire staff was excited to welcome so many Russian guests at the Brevyeni helicopter landing next to the river. Among the guests we had the famous Peter, who remains a favorite in camp for his riverside yoga sessions, and his knowledge of the different species of berry growing in the Ponoi watershed. We also had the pleasure of welcoming to camp Stephan Dombaj, the noted German photographer; indeed, his work as a photographer is in matched only by his skill as an angler.
This past week, guests enjoyed evenings at the Brevyeni fireside, listening to music and enjoying fine cognac and finer company. Once again, Anton Sidunov outdid himself with gourmet offerings without parallel on the Kola Peninsula.
We had several salmon this week in the 10 to 14 lb. range, and some big chromers and fat fall run fish. The average catch per rod was close to 20 salmon for the week, and the run continues to get better and better… there are certainly numerous fresh salmon showing. In addition to the salmon caught, silver grilse where taken too, fresh from the sea and full of sea lice.
At week’s end, Alexander landed a bright fish that pushed 18 lbs. The taken fly was a “golden ghost” that he himself tied on the night before fishing. This 18 lb. fall fish was clear silver and in the peak of health… ahh, there is nothing quite like catching a healthy, wild, and strong salmon.
With this glorious week at Brevyeni, I am reminded why autumn on Ponoi is so special: cold and foggy mornings give way to clear sky days and sunny afternoons, and salmon breach the Ponoi waters through the day. With the advancing autumn, the ‘silver-party’ is getting better and better, we wish so much for you to experience the magic, and we hope to see you soon.
Kind Regards,
Boris Mamontoff, Brevyeni Manager & Guide
August 14, 2011
Accordion to Illka:
During the first week after our brief summer interlude in Ryabaga, we were joined by Erkki Moisander and the group of friends and business associates that Erkki assembles each August. It was with no small amount of excitement that the Ryabaga team gathered to welcome these first guests, with the camp and gear in peak condition following the mid-season upgrades. The first wave of anglers arrived, as usual, on Saturday afternoon. Given the nature of the “half week” that these special guests attend, we feel it important to begin with a camp-wide instructional casting session on the Home Pool. All guides and anglers convene for an hour and a half before Saturday dinner to warm up their casting muscles. During this session two fortunate anglers, Pentti and Heikki, landed a salmon each. Come Wednesday the entire Ryabaga crew rose by 0600 for breakfast and an on-time helicopter departure at 0700; 17 anglers flew to MMK and our Mi8 touched down precisely according to schedule at 1200 with the second troop of eager anglers. By 1330 the guides and anglers were back at it, fishing tirelessly for hard-fighting Ponoi silver.
Each evening after dinner, the Big Tent transformed into a congregation of harmonious anglers, guides, and mechanics, and all on hand joined together in song. Illka’s accordion, beautifully adorned with mother of pearl inlay and powerful black and red bellows, emitted tunes both somber and jubilant. Supplied with a book of verses in Finnish and English, our Ryabaga choir drove the music on into the arctic night. Beautiful melodies in Finnish, Russian, and English were shared by amateurs and professionals alike, completing a unique and utterly joyful experience for a very enthusiastic group of men. These choral displays proved the fusion between friends and business associates, guides and anglers, and served to create a most successful company of salmon seekers. It was truly a week to remember.
The efforts of the group, who gather each year in the manner of a corporate retreat, were well rewarded with 35 autumn run salmon and a total of 222 salmon, up 10 percent from last year. In contrast to last year’s “Finnish Split Week,” during which guests met with very high temperatures and low-ish water conditions, the rains of 2011 arrived in time to cool the Ponoi system and increase flows. We now welcome the autumn condition as well as her salmon, for these special fish are beginning to ascend the river for their natal waters. In a season that began with low water due to an early spring, we are all pleased to see that the river has risen to a comfortable level for both angling and navigation alike, and this surge of life-giving water will undoubtedly carry waves of powerful autumn salmon. What awaits in the weeks to come also lies in our thoughts and dreams, to be realized in such a place as Ponoi. Let us always cherish this special place, as we head into this Autumn of 2011.
All The Best,
Matt Breuer and the Ryabaga Team
Week 11 Brevyeni: Fall Run At Last!
This week flew by as the fall run found its way to Brevyeni! Early in the week the river rose to a level that left no doubt that by week’s end our “silver friends” would make their glorious annual appearance. The first helicopter of the 2011 Autumn season landed easily beside Brevyeni Home Pool, giving a group of 6 Russian guests their first full impression of the Ponoi River. After a pleasant welcome, I showed the group around Camp, and we convened in the dining room. After a lovely dinner and a delicious dessert of "panna cotta" we found ourselves in conversation about the incredible diversity of fish that our river has to offer, notably Atlantic salmon, trout, and grayling. Ponoi is certainly a river full of surprises.
Apparently, my commitment to the “rain dance” paid off, as on the third day guests saw the river rise about 30 cm. Waters remain at an optimal level for fishing; the river banks are perfect and clear, and occasionally we see our silver friends leaping from the Ponoi waters. Moreover, the first fall runner of the Brevyeni season was caught this week by Dimitri Sergevich. The prize was a lovely silver grilse that left us all anxious for the fine fishing to come. Guests were not to be disappointed, as we averaged approximately 12 salmon per rod for the week.
We had among our guests the beautiful Ludmila in camp, proving yet again the special angling luck that women seem to bring to Brevyeni. We have certainly been graced with some remarkable female anglers this season. By week’s end, we had tallied bright fish up to 16 lbs, as silver and clear as crystal. Fine weather, few mosquitoes, hard-hitting salmon, and a host of wonderful guests made this week in camp an absolute pleasure.
All Brevyeni staff worked hard during the break to ensure a perfect experience for late season guests. Needless to say, we have started the second half with tremendous excitement and desire to please, and we anticipate a remarkable fall run. We look forward to having the opportunity to serve you!
Hope to see you all soon,
Boris Mamontoff, Brevyeni Manager & Guide
Second half great start!
Today August 7th, Ryabaga and Brevyenni camp Managers reported the successful landing and release of several fall run fish.
This anxiously awaited news is just the beginning of very exciting times on the banks of Ponoi.
Check your backing!
See you soon.
The Ponoi Team.
August 2, 2011
Autumn Arrival?
On July 29, temperatures on the east end of the Kola Peninsula took a dip into the low teens (celsius). The forecast from Kanevka Village, a reporting station located 46 km upstream, indicates that the coming week will see a high temperature of no more than 16 degrees, with the average temperature hovering around 10. This temperature drop, coupled with periods of heavy rain in the last weeks, has generated optimal fishing conditions on Ponoi, as confirmed by the frequent visits to the river by Ryabaga guides. The river level has been on the slow rise over the last week, and it is under these conditions that we anticipate the arrival of the autumn runners, as everything else this year, about two to three weeks early. This morning during breakfast, Daniila and Tommy reminisced about the first-caught autumn runners of years past. They recounted the arrival of the first fall run salmon occurring as early as August 2.
We at PRC long ago chose to set the highest standard for angling quality and hospitality, and we have again worked tirelessly through the July “break” to catch up on necessary projects and put a high polish on camp. In Ryabaga, staff has successfully added a fresh coat of paint to a few key areas, installed new pieces of furniture throughout camp, and repaired/painted guest tent stoves. We have raised three new guest tents, extended the moorage, and installed new cabin doors in the shower block. The fleet of John Deere tractors has been overhauled and painted, a new staff shower has been installed, and the floor in the new Banya has received another coat of finish. Keeping pace with Ryabaga’s improvements, Brevyeni has received no small bit of attention: all firewood floated to the Brevyeni bank has been processed (no small feat by any stretch), a new workshop has been constructed, and a new water storage system has been installed, as have additional fire prevention stations and a pipeline for fuel transport from the upper helicopter pad to the camp.
I have heard from various members of the PRC crew, who have taken the “break” to travel or regroup with family and friends in Murmansk and beyond. Though each reports a gratitude for some needed rest, autumn on the Kola is again luring the team back, and the chill in the air is stirring the anticipation of the whole team. Without exception, each staff member is keen to arrive back in Ryabaga and Brevyeni to begin the momentous work of finding fall run salmon, and sharing the apex of the salmon angler’s experience with all of you!
Best,
Matt Breuer and the PRC Team
July 18, 2011
First Half Success
To summarize the first half of the 2011 season in Ryabaga I will turn back to May 28; upon arrival, our first group of Ryabaga anglers found the river level to resemble that of the mid-summer. A light snow-pack and an early spring thaw brought ice out and the spring flood well before our opening day, thereby allowing anglers to experience the unprecedented circumstance of wading and fishing dry flies on floating lines in the first week of the season. Moving into the second week, the majority of fish landed fell prey to the skated fly, an angling experience most salmon fishers certainly envy. Summer weather prevailed; short pants and sandals were a common site as anglers wet-waded their way through unseasonably warm days. The Home Pool produced an unprecedented 110 salmon for Week 2 anglers. During Week 3 a ten-year-old boy and his father encountered the unparalleled angling on Ponoi, thus spawning a passion for salmon fishing for a new generation of angler. Production of a not-yet-titled motion picture about Ryabaga underwent a series of shots from many angles, including some bird’s eye footage from the perspective of the Mi8 helicopter. A most amazing image was captured: rather than taking the fly, a salmon turned and batted the skated dry fly with her tail, a territorial response to something that could invade the redd and compromise thousands of eggs. Week 4 saw Bill Young and his timeless fly, the “Bill Young Fly” in “The Windows” at Kolmac. With a bit of determination and great skill, Bill produced a large cock fish of 23 pounds, alongside guide Barrett Mattison. Ilya Sherbovich, owner of Ponoi River Company, also visited Ryabaga in Week 4 to greet guests and observe the general plant, all the while managing to fish for a few days, in order to again whet his appetite for salmon; the long wait until autumn is an absolute impossibility for an angler as keen as Ilya. Our tagging program, with combined efforts of PINRO, the guide team, and the anglers, provided fascinating data of a fish that was tagged in 2006, and returned this year to spawn again. This occurrence, though uncommon, is a true testament to the strength and fortitude of Salmo salar. On the final week of June we were joined by two of the Frontier’s team, Joe Linscott and Joe Codd. The two made the trek to camp to catch salmon and to “suss out” the Ryabaga scene, as they will join in promoting and booking Ryabaga and Brevyeni camps into the future. During a one-day visit to Brevyeni camp and the surrounding waters, Joe Codd landed a 21 pound summer run salmon with guide Sergei Bistrov. During Week 6 our delegation of regulars from Finland pushed through tough conditions and turned up a fantastic week of salmon fishing not to be equaled anywhere else in the world. Anglers from Scandinavia often raise the bar with regard to effort and enthusiasm…at least this is the case with Erkki’s group.
Last week, Week 7, we were joined by anglers from the USA, the UK, and France. Alan Maughan hosted three anglers from the UK. David, Duncan, and Sam all enjoyed the Atlantic salmon wilderness that is the Ponoi. Unlike any other salmon destination that the trio has fished, Ponoi exhibited the true potential of a river that has never been spoiled by development, crowds, limited access, out-of-reach exclusivity or cost, while always maintaining a notably high average catch rate per angler through the summer and into the autumn. Sloan Harris and his son Walker (17 years old), were a bit irresolute about joining the ranks of experienced fishers. Having cleverly prepared themselves for the trip by undergoing a few sessions of Spey casting instruction, they found themselves not as unprepared as they feared upon arrival in Ryabaga. Fishing through their trepidation, the father-son team nestled nicely into the joys of fly fishing under the tutelage of Ryabaga’s masterfully skilled, extremely enthusiastic, and highly articulate guide team. Steve Estela, CEO and Managing Director of Ponoi River Company arrived with his wife Pata and their two sons with the Week 7 anglers. It is always a pleasure to be joined by the Estela family for a week each season in Ryabaga. Santiago (8 years old) and Simon (6 years old) had a stab at a few salmon along the banks of Gold Beach with Steve and Pata. Exploring Ryabaga, swimming the Ponoi, and romping about in the tundra present a fantastic way to complement a fruitful upbringing. I even experienced the potency of Simon’s assorted Judo skills (not an experience I care to soon repeat).
With the initial 7 weeks of the season complete on Ponoi, Max, Lena, and the majority of the guide team, kitchen team, and camp staff have flown back to town to recharge the batteries, soak up some sunshine, and have bit of a holiday. The mechanic team and guides Anatoly, Tommy, and Daniila remain in Ryabaga, which is now undergoing a bit of renovation and re-tooling. Projects currently underway include the completion of wood floors in each of the river lunch tents, new tables, and firewood cribs. Installation of three new guest tents will give anglers the opportunity to enjoy single-occupancy accommodations. Genia Flidner has been charged with the task of building a new dining table for the great room at the Guest House. Genia is a semi-professional carpenter, and his ability to work with wood is unmatched by anyone in Ryabaga or Kola Peninsula. With a fresh coat of paint, a bit of renovation, and some small additions, Ryabaga will certainly meet and exceed the expectations of guests this coming autumn. On August 7, we will welcome to Ryabaga Erkki Moisander and a split week of Finns. A total of 38 anglers will descend upon the banks of Ponoi, truly a sight to behold. One of the lucky Finns will likely land the first autumn run salmon, as the average catch date for the first autumn run falls in the first days of August. With so much to look forward to, our daydreams remain full of hard-fighting salmon and the glorious descent of autumn over Ponoi!
Until Then, All the Best,
Matt Breuer
July Grand Finn-ale!
Initially, I assumed that the inundation of rodents (lemmings, mice, and voles) this year around Ryabaga could be attributed to the absence of Tanya Shemyakina’s cat, “Kyesha.” In an attempt to reduce the rodent population in camp I hired “Bonya,” and “Buddy,” two Bengal cats, to join the camp staff. They are doing a fine job of keeping the rodents at bay… such a good job in fact that Genia was forced to construct a large set of tongs for the removal of rodent carcasses from in front of the office door. Bonya and Buddy seem determined to impress me with the spoils of their assaults on the rodent population, and they, like most employees, seek reward and praise for a job well done. Now, I should clarify that the rodent population extends far beyond the boundaries of Ryabaga Camp. Periodic population booms cause the lemmings to disperse, when their carrying capacity is exceeded in a given area. In this case they will often swim rivers and lakes, and in exceeding their physical capabilities, they drown or are eaten by big, predatory trout. Recently, head guide Max witnessed several lemmings swimming the river, and in lower Tomba he watched as a sea-trout harassed a lemming to the point of exhaustion and eventually consumed it. Lemmings have been found in the stomachs of several large sea-trout this season, a most interesting point to be pondered by any fly fisher. Max even reported that one frantic lemming attempted to board his boat!
Erkki Moisander and his band of Finnish fly fishers joined us again in Ryabaga with great enthusiasm and passion for their sport. Seldom is a week in camp cherished with such celebratory fervor as it is by the likes of Erkki and Christian, their sons Klaus and Henrik, and the rest of the Finnish delegation. If allowed, these fellows would fish with the guides around the clock. Also in attendance for Week 6 were Robert Sturgis and Pat Butler (Pat for his second consecutive week). Robert and Turo Levanen landed their first Atlantic salmon on the fly this week, and succeeded in finding themselves fast to the incomparable need to catch Atlantic salmon in so fantastic an Atlantic salmon “theatre.” During the last evening’s dinner, Turo explained how he and many of his compatriots had spent many years fishing the Teno River, which forms the border between Finland and Norway. Turo noted that the sum total of salmon landed this week on Ponoi would far exceed the totals logged in 10 years of angling on Teno, and that for the entire group. Such accolades give great perspective to what a special place the Ponoi really is. We look forward to tagging up again with Erkki, and another group of Finns, after our mid-summer break.
The count for the week was nearly 350 salmon landed for the 12 rods, an excellent average of nearly 30 fish per rod. Floating lines with intermediate tips seemed to prevail, though hitched and skated dry flies were keenly fished at various times by most anglers; imagine the satisfaction that comes from raising a salmon from the depths, and enticing him to take a dry fly. The river condition this week was fantastic, as two days of rain on Saturday and Sunday freshened up the river nicely. Due to a very dry summer, much of the rain was absorbed by the tundra, but enough water percolated through to raise the river nearly 3 feet. The water remained uncolored, and with the drop in temperature, the salmon took on a more aggressive attitude through the week. Back by popular demand, the fly tying bench has risen again from the bowels of the lower container… thousands of saddle hackles, buck tails, Hungarian partridge capes, jungle cock, arctic fox, and pheasant fibbets have been craftily displayed in the big tent to give anglers the opportunity to land Ponoi salmon on their own “ties.”
With a week to go before the mid summer break Ryabaga guides and guests are still enjoying the phenomenal catches that Ponoi so reliably produces. Summer run fish continue to march into the system. Unaffected by bright sun and warm conditions, the river continues to impress the savviest of anglers. A truly blessed river is Ponoi!
All the best,
Matt Breuer
July 4, 2011
To the United States of America: Let us all commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence; Happy Independence Day!
Birch Broom Beating
A long-standing tradition in Russia is the use of the banya, or steam bath. Early examples of the banya are referenced in the Russian Primary Chronicle of 1113, and describe a small wood building in which a wood-burning stove served to generate a fantastic heat. Employed for bathing and a total cleanse of the pores, removing lactic acid from the muscles, and overall relaxation, the traditional banya remains widely in use throughout northern cultures. Ryabaga boasts two banyas; one vintage structure for the staff, and a newly-constructed sauna for the anglers. Needless to say, unwinding after a cold rainy fishing day is easily done within the blissful steam of either banya. Nonetheless, an even more sublime experience can be had in the banya, as I experienced last week, when I received a traditional “birch broom beating” in the 105° C heat. Big Dan was my compatriot in this traditional rite, and he pulled no punches in working me over with two brooms made of birch branches and juniper boughs, soaked in cool Ryabaga water. This time-honored practice of the birch broom beating releases tension, softens the skin, and aerates the room with the steamy aroma of birch and juniper. It is a truly worthwhile experience. Once covered in the detritus of the birch broom, the happy bather is left eager to cool down in the waters of the Ryabaga tributary. Cooling down and re-hydrating are key elements of the cleansing ritual.
Upon arrival in the camp, longtime Ryabaga angler Pat Butler submitted a small request to head guide Max; his request was not only to better his personal record of an 18 pound salmon, but to take a 20 pounder during the week. Of course, Max coolly shrugged off the request with a comment and a laugh, for any angler knows the realization of such a goal requires far more than even the ardent efforts of angler and guide alike. The landing of a 20 pound fish results when the weather, the river, the run, the boat, the guide, the angler, the line, the fly, and a bit of good karma all fall into a straight and direct line. It is only amidst these rarest of circumstances when the 20 pound salmon finds his way into the record book of an angler. And so did this composition of factors come into line last week for Mr. Butler. With a bit of luck, patience, and no small bit of skilled effort, Pat caught his 20 pound salmon. Congratulations Pat!
Another angler to join the ranks of the “20 pound salmon” club was Joe Codd. Joe joined us from Pennsylvania, USA where he represents Frontiers International as lead sales associate for saltwater destinations. Joe’s 21 pounder was landed within the boundaries of the Brevyeni waters, where Joe and his partner, Joe Linscott (also with Frontiers International) had descended in order to see if Brevyeni’s angling potential could indeed meet expectations, and they were, to say the least, not disappointed! Sergei Bistrov piloted the hovercraft to Brevyeni camp with the pair of Joe’s and anglers Hugh and Alex. Ryabaga guide Pat Brennan and the Brevyeni crew met the anglers, gave them a quick tour of the camp and then got them started on their fishing day.
Patrick Ovens and I had a quick chat over a smoke and glass of Merlot just before the first evening’s dinner in the big tent. He proceeded to tell me of his first night ever in Ryabaga Camp, back in 1992. Patrick explained, “I had a life-changing experience on August 14, 1992, meandering down to the Home Pool before breakfast on Day 1. I landed four salmon, each black as sin, looking a bit like kippers! I was very pleased with the abundance of salmon on the Ponoi. Long about three or four days later arrived the autumn runners, and I knew I would be back to Ponoi many times over.”
We welcomed back to camp this week Yana Tsukanova and Natasha Pshenichnikova. The two have just completed Baccalaureate degrees in Economics and Economics/Tourism Management, respectively. It is a pleasure to see their smiling faces back in Ryabaga, where both work tirelessly to provide excellent service in the Big Tent! All Sunday and into the night, rains fell on Ryabaga and the Ponoi, and over the watershed territory upstream. As expected, I noted an increase in water level by the large stone at the moorage. The temperature of the river fell from 18 degrees to 14 with this most welcome rainfall, and with more rain in the forecast, we anticipate a push of fresh summer run fish. Considering the current conditions and fickle weather, we are still experiencing good returns of landed salmon on Ponoi. Nonetheless, It is with great excitement that we await the arrival of large fresh fish in the system.
Until we meet again…
Matt Breuer
Week 5 Report: Brevyeni
This week, Brevyeni Camp welcomed a fine group of seven anglers, including a large group from the U.S. Again, we were proud to host two lovely fishing women, one of whom landed her first salmon (a 14 pounder), and who together managed to post the best catch numbers and even the biggest fish of the week.
Perhaps on account of my “rain dance”, we received some unexpected but much-welcomed rain during the week, and the river rose about 35 cm. Of course, as quickly as the rain came, so too did it depart, and it was not long before the water levels again dropped. In the meantime, however, the guides enjoyed driving from one pool to another without thinking a bit about the rocks. Changing water levels also changed the fishing, and we saw several summer run fish moving and jumping upstream.
Guides Ruslan, Eduard, and Patrick worked all week to bring dreams of catching salmon in the Russian tundra into reality. Throughout the week, we met for lunch in the tent at Sunken Log (one of the most precious Brevyeni beats), and enjoyed each other’s company, sharing tips and stories. Again, tackle was kept light, with floating and intermediate lines doing the bulk of the damage. Skated flies and lightweight double rigs were employed as well, and favored patterns included the Willi Gun, Green Highlander, and a fly invented by Ryabaga head guide Max Mamaev, the “Max Special”.
I had the distinct pleasure of guiding a very friendly and experienced English fisher-woman this week. Her skill with the Spey rod was amazing to behold. She landed a lovely 19 pound, fresh summer run fish with guide Patrick Brennan, who incidentally did a great job netting the fish. Anglers landed several fish around the 15 pound mark and many more over 10. Of note was a mighty chromer that pushed the needle over 20 lbs.
The catch rate this week was 12 salmon per rod. The river at this time of year begins to lessen its flow, and at lower levels the river takes on indescribable beauty for fishermen. It is an incredible time to explore Brevyeni, as low levels pose the potential that at any time a big fish will jump to take the fly. The riverbanks are very easy to wade and almost no obstacles impede the possibility of a few long overhead casts.
I can’t forget to mention that the week was composed of more than just fishing. We again enjoyed spectacular dinners, and the kitchen staff left us speechless in response to their delicacies. I really want to congratulate all the Brevyeni staff for their outstanding work and effort during these past weeks. It is a pleasure to share the beauty and serenity of Brevyeni with such a great group of co-workers.
Until Next Time,
Boris Mamontoff
June 26, 2011
The Windows
Any salmon river (and Ponoi is no exception) holds a place where the magical can happen. These magical places, be they specific beats, or runs, or even tiny seams of current, seem to hold for the angler that magical possibility of one great fish; this was the case last Saturday when Bill Young and guide Barrett Mattison found one such fish in “The Windows”. “The Windows” in Kolmac Beat are segments of water that resemble panes of glass. They are perfect holding glides formed by torrents of water breaking around large boulders that are distributed throughout the beat, and these boulders in turn interrupt and intensify the dramatic drop of rapid flow from the mouth of the Kolmac River. It is in these “Windows” that salmon find respite during their long journey from the White Sea to their natal spawning grounds. On the day in question, Barrett anchored the boat within easy striking distance of the current seam just opposite the largest oily pane of glass. Removing the “Bill Young” fly from the stripping guide on his rod, Bill stripped fly line from one of his Stan Bogdan reels, and began to present the fly across the edge of the current seam. A fine cast was followed by a solid take, and as the Bogdan sang the familiar “click out” whine, Barrett kept time with some quick footwork. At the river’s edge, guide and angler reveled in the glory of the fine 23-pound salmon that they held heaving in the net.
“El Disco” found its way to Falls Creek tent for lunch once again this week. A conglomeration of mushrooms, onions, and garlic were accompanied by pieces of beef tenderloin, masterfully prepared and seared to perfection over an open fire by Ponoi “Capitan” Steve Estela. Hailing from Argentina, Steve is no stranger to the finer points of presenting a perfect piece of beef “el disco” style. John, Cheryl, Art and John enjoyed a nice bottle of Red and reminisced about the days when they fished with a younger Steve Estela, the guide of the late 90’s. It is no wonder to me that the reputation, tone, and atmosphere of Ryabaga Camp continually serve to attract repeat attendance from guests and staff alike; no better testament to what a truly special place Ryabaga is.
On the artistic front, Nick of Gin Clear Productions donned a harness this week and proceeded to shoot aerial footage for our DVD production of Ponoi. Piloted by Nikolai Shelkovoi, our Mi8 maneuvered around the RYA airspace for a birds-eye view of the action. From the open door of the helo, many shots were taken while the helicopter was masterfully piloted in “slow-flight,” and with a “forward slip,” an angle by which the shot can be taken out of the personnel door on the helo at a slow air speed with a straight-ahead aspect. Various slow passing shots of anglers fishing from a boat, a boat running upriver, and anglers fishing the Home Pool should add to the action and adventure of the awaited production.
Weather for the week remained hot and fairly dry. The river level is slowly dropping, as rain has been scarce of late. Reports from other rivers on Kola indicate that water levels are low throughout the region, and we are fortunate to be enjoying a bountiful catch in the midst of such complicated conditions. Few rivers can claim such prolific numbers under the low-water circumstances. With summer run salmon continuing to enter the system, I have no doubt that Ponoi will continue to thrive through the midsummer weeks. Further evidence of this claim is a notable fish caught last week by Geir of Norway and guide Dan Podolsky. The ten-pound salmon was landed in Lower Tomba, a “recapture”, meaning previously caught and tagged. What is so special about this recapture is the fact that the fish was tagged by Sergei Prusov in 2006, indicating that this fish is returning to the river for a second time to spawn, an occurrence that is not commonplace in the breeding cycle of the Atlantic salmon.
All in all, we are once again excited to report an abundance of “taking” fish in the system, and an abundance of warmth and hospitality to be found in camp. The beauty of any fishing camp is that, by a few weeks into the season, most of the daily affairs have settled into a nice groove; staff is operating as a well-timed machine, the river is proving itself reliably productive, and guides are confidently putting anglers onto fish. But any camp, and Ryabaga more than most, can surprise throughout the season with a truly remarkable fish; be it a mighty 23 pound cock salmon, or a ‘second-spawn’ summer runner, this river just continues to throw excitement and new experience our way. In the weeks to come, we can be certain that anglers will find themselves enjoying an angling experience of incomparable quality… but so too can we rest assured that the week holds the potential of a truly once-in-a-lifetime salmon experience. With full expectations of the unexpected, we at Ponoi River Company bid you all a fine week!
Sincerely,
Matt Breuer
Week 4 Report: Brevyeni
There was quite an air of excitement about camp as we began to hear the approaching helicopter. From all corners of camp, staff and guides descended to make up the welcome party, and I spotted our mechanic Sasha Sinitsen driving the Polaris alongside Ruslan. In just seconds, everyone was gathered at a safe distance while the giant machine shut down its engines. Through the windows of the helicopter we could see the many faces peering and delighting in our Brevyeni Home Pool.
Brevyeni Camp was fully prepared for 8 guests. A tour of the surroundings lasted only minutes, and all in attendance landed finally at the bar, where Vodka was of course the drink of choice. A charming group of anglers comprised the group, not the least of which were two beautiful and talented spey-casting gals.
Each of the guests after dinner made a descent on Home Pool. By evening’s end the ice had been broken with 4 salmon in a row, several of them fresh, summer run fish. Over the course of the week I had the pleasure of guiding each of the guests in turn, and I must say it was quite an adventure.
Of particular note this week were the culinary delights prepared in the kitchen by our head Chef Anton Sidunov, and helpers Anton Plotnikov and Lena Karionova. The chefs delighted guests with every variety of delicacy, from salad to delicious dessert, and all of this in a remote salmon camp! The way to any fisherman’s heart is, after all, through his stomach, and of this we are continually reminded at Brevyeni. Furthermore, to dine and sleep within earshot of the relaxing sound of ‘river music’ is truly something special.
Every moment, the river changes. The level is currently low, but Brevyeni boasts the most experienced guides to direct anglers from one pool to another. There is no ice or snow to impede fishing, and the current is optimal for taking salmon. We had temperatures varying from 9 to 15 degrees during the week, though the water temperature was above 12 degrees and stream conditions remained optimal for dry and intermediate lines. Multiple summer run fish were caught with dry flies, and nearly 40 summer run fish were landed in all, with the catch per rod averaging 20 salmon.
All tolled, it was a memorable week. I feel personally lucky to have shared the pleasure of my guests both on the river and in camp each night. Each guest left in my memory an anecdote to tell. I really hope to see you all again in Brevyeni Camp!!
Best to All,
Boris Mamontoff and the Brevyeni Team
June 19, 2011
0500 Reveille
When I awoke, it was 0645, and my first words were “Oh, jeez”. I was up like a shot and out of bed, wriggling into my Carhartts. I pulled on a jacket and sprinted through the office door to tent 3, that of Ian Irvine. He rolled over and said, “good morning Matt, thank you.” It sounded as if Ian was a bit foggier than he’d been the previous morning, and with this just the third morning of the week, I wondered if Ian was showing the test of time or just the effects of late conversation and some wine in the Big Tent. I quickly saw to my work of laying a fire of fir kindling and well-seasoned rounds that crackled and popped as they swept a wave of smoke-scented warmth through tent. My morning was proceeding according to schedule as I rounded the camp, lighting a fire in each of the tent stoves. Then, as usual, I made my way to the kitchen where all was dark and devoid of human inhabitation… livid, I began to hunt down the tardy members of the chef team… only then did I decide to glance at my watch. With some confusion, I realized that I had managed to begin the day at 0445 hrs rather than 0645! In light of my error, the consensus among the guests at breakfast was that management should continue to light fires at 0500… an occurrence that will remain completely outside the realm of possibility!
Week three was a great success, particularly for one very special member of the party; Charles, age 10, and his father Francois enjoyed their first trip to Ryabaga. Any trip to Ponoi is the origin of lifelong memories, but I am sure Charles will never forget the ceremony given by Ian Irvine, commemorating the remarkable fact that he, Charles, was the top rod for the week! Having caught the 19 pound salmon, Charles bested anglers of innumerable years, and all of those seasoned salmon fishers. I can envision Charles addressing the clients in the Big Tent in the year 2035, glass raised, recounting the first trip he made with his father to Ponoi back in the year 2011, and the impact the experience had on his fly fishing career.
Conditions on Ponoi were back to usual for the second week in June, after the unusually hot days experienced during our second week. High temps for the week never exceeded 15° C, and water temps steadied in the high single to low double-digit range. Overcast skies were predominant through the week, affording light conditions preferred by experienced fishers. Moreover, the first summer run salmon appeared in the middle of week three of the 2011 season. Guests Paul and Pierre had confirmed catches of summer salmon, and Pierre landed 2 summer run fish in Home Pool on Thursday evening. Apparently, landing double-digit numbers of fish wasn’t enough for Pierre during his guided day, and feeling the need to press on and find a few more fish, he made his way down the Home Pool. He was casting with finesse, each methodical cast unfurling with a touch of aft wind that contributed a smooth rollover and consequential quiet presentation. With his line tight and true, tension overcame the entire system, and Pierre slowly raised his rod to play a fine fish (and one particularly incensed at having taken Pierre’s offering). Once subdued, the fine chrome specimen lay docile at the river’s edge, having conceded the fight as if aware of his captor’s intention of setting him free. The 13 pound fish, revived, snout up-current, was then released to make his way back to his lie.
In all, 611 salmon were landed this week, an average of nearly 42 fish per rod. On weeks such as this, at times with the help of young men such as Charles, I am reminded of the privilege of working and living alongside what remains the finest salmon river in the world. Only on such a magical piece of water can a ten-year-old boy make his debut and catch fish after fish, claiming top rod with a 19 pounder… what a special river.
This week we were joined by Nick Raygaert of Gin Clear Productions. Nick is making his way through Ryabaga and the Ponoi River with high-tech digital camera equipment with which he will produce a thrilling, high-quality DVD highlighting all that Ponoi River Company has to offer salmon anglers: guides, equipment, accommodations, and world class angling. It is our hope that this material will allow Ponoi anglers to see, in near-living color, the spectacular beauty of the river and the fish that lie therein. More to come on the project as production progresses!
Stay tuned for more reports of the summer runners…
All the Best,
Matt Breuer
Week 3 Report: Brevyeni
Having rested the Brevyeni beats for the past several seasons, PRC staff and guests alike have been fortunate this year to explore again this fabled fishery, and to great success! This past week brings more promising news from Brevyeni, where outstanding fishing continues to be the norm. Following the heat wave that swept over the tundra in early June, temperatures this week returned to a comfortable and seasonal 8-10 degrees, with beautiful skies providing glorious and picturesque fishing conditions. Sadly, 5 rods from the UK ran into last-minute complications and were unable to join the Brevyeni crew in camp, and the riches of the fishery were offered in full to only three anglers. Imagine, miles of unmatched salmon water, with more fishing opportunity than three individuals could ever fully sample in one week; well, that’s Brevyeni for you.
This week, floating lines, skated tubes, and bombers were the trick, and guests were able to tease most of the taking fish onto the surface. Top-water action resulted in an average of 42 fish per rod, and the bulk of those in the 15-18 pound class. Clearly, we are just beginning to survey all that this lower part of Ponoi has to offer. Furthermore, in light of the pristine nature of Brevyeni waters, there remains an element of pioneer spirit to the fishing, and every beat, break, and rock poses the possibility of another salmon. Brevyeni guides are relishing the opportunity to join guests in the adventure, and exemplary hospitality rounds out the whole experience. Nowhere in the world can a remote salmon camp combine this quality of fishing, food, camaraderie, and beauty. Brevyeni is truly a hidden jewel.
With the success of the week behind us, we are eagerly preparing for more guests and more exceptional fishing. Until we meet on the banks of Brevyeni, may we wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
The Brevyeni Team
June 16th, 2011
Summer run fish arrived!
Yesterday 2 summer run fish weighing 13 and 6 pounds were landed in home pool.
Our resident biologist, Artem Tkachenko, confirmed this great news, as one of these fish was bleeding and was brought in to be inspected.
Many more on the way, -great time to arrive in Ryabaga.
The Ponoi Team.
June 12, 2011
Summer in Spring?
This week, Ryabaga Camp was baked by sunshine and unseasonable temperatures reaching into the mid 30’s. Head Guide Max was unable to recall a season on Ponoi (68° North latitude) during which a river swim was possible by week two of the salmon season. Although temperatures and conditions were unusually warm, the Ponoi once more did not falter in giving up salmon as reward for a well presented fly.
A distinctive sound around camp is the mix of conversation, handshakes, and greetings that mark the reunion of Ryabaga staff with familiar anglers each Saturday afternoon at the helicopter pad. Guests are always ardently interested in hearing the tales of mischief and adventure had throughout the winter months by the staff, but perhaps a bit more interested in tearing into their suitcases to don waders, boots, and jackets; it always seems that within minutes of arrival, guests rig up a rod and hightail it to the Home Pool for first crack at the week’s salmon. Fully embodying this philosophy are our friends Dominic, Adrian, Peter, Howard, and Pat to name a few – these guys were knee-deep in the Home Pool before the helicopter rotors had fully stopped turning. Having found heaven beneath our canopy of birch leaves, these fellows were unwilling to let a stray moment slip past.
In an attempt to breach the edges of the unknown, and undaunted by the potential of a long and rigorous day, Peter and Ueli mandated Big Dan to take them up the Purnache for a bit of single-handed rod salmon angling. After a few hours of thrashing about and landing a few grilse and salmon, the two were drawn back to the Ponoi by its inspiring call; I suppose that any true angler knows that in Ponoi lays a salmon fishery that, once tasted, cannot be abandoned for long. With what Peter described as a “lean” day, he continued to press on with a small hitched-tube, casting with tenacity and concentration through the day’s far reaches. As his time waned and interest began to ebb, Big Dan turned to Peter, and told him to maintain tension and relax. A surge behind the waking tube drew the attention of both guide and angler. In one fell swoop the salmon fanned his mighty tail, took to the air, and descended on the fly with voracity. The fight was on! Peter held on to apply just the right amount of pressure. Big Dan freed his boat “Lada 4x4,” from the confining hold of the 60 pound anchor and 40 meters of scope in order to chase down and land the mighty salmon. Guide and angler joined together to forge a lifetime memory, as evidenced by a 21 pound salmon heaving in the net, perfect in every way.
I was greeted early Wednesday morning by Howard as he crossed the courtyard of the camp from tent 16 on his way to the office in very a sandy, squeaky set of “Crocs.” Grinning like the Cheshire cat, he reported the news of a 22 pound salmon landed moments before on the Home Pool. Of course the first question out of my mouth was, “Did you get a photo?” His reputation as a seasoned angler in Ryabaga lends credibility to his claim, and he has done battle with innumerable numbers of Ponoi salmon… he also explained that his calls for assistance went unheard, or perhaps ignored, by an understandably jealous downstream angler.
Ryabaga was serenaded at week’s end by Ueli and his hunting horn. The guests cordially accepted the invitation to the Guest House grounds where all toasted the successes of the week: 765 salmon landed in total, pleasant fishing conditions, fantastic top-water action, excellent dining, Howard’s unfaltering ability to recount hilarious jokes, yarns, and tall tales. Good times were had by all!
The Home Pool this week was just about as hot as the weather. 32 salmon were landed on the first night, with an overall count of 110 fish caught in Home Pool over the entirety of week 2. Simon and John along with Adrian and Pat spent countless hours working from the head at the Ryabaga mouth to the tail at the moorage… not in my tenure on Ponoi have I seen such results from the Home Pool.
Isaias Miciu, professional photographer joins us this year. His home, from early childhood, in Argentinean Patagonia, San Martin de Los Andes, provided the perfect canvas in which to hone his artistic bag of tricks. The images he produces are sharp, crisp, warm, descriptive, and each with pizzazz and flare. Isaias is producing fantastic compilations of photos on a daily basis. His work can be viewed weekly on the Ponoi website www.ponoiriver.com.
I managed this week to duck out for a short angling session with Managing Director Steve Estela. Landing several fish each, and Steve a 17 pounder, reaffirmed what we already know: the Ponoi is truly a special place, and cannot be equaled by any other angling locale in the world. With great anticipation of the summer run to come, I bid you all farewell. Until I see you on the Ponoi, be well, make good casts, and keep in touch.
All the Best,
Matt Breuer
June 5, 2011
First Week Pandemonium
For newcomers and veteran anglers alike, Ryabaga camp opened this week for another season of superb salmon angling. The buzz in the big tent at the first dinner could only hint at the excitement that lies in store for the beautiful months ahead. The laughter at the guide and mechanic’s table, the inquisitive tone of new clients, and the recollection of past trips shared by former Ryabaga attendees filled the air on this very special first evening. Victor Sherbovich and nephew Semyon added luster to the atmosphere as we all enjoyed the season’s first toasts with vodka and kharcho soup.
Tireless preparation for the first week of the 2011 salmon season merged with unseasonable conditions to yield a fine week of angling on Ponoi. The presence of birch leaves by May 31 promises great things for this summer’s angling. In a typical spring, water levels are such that it is rare to make an anchor drop without dragging some 30 meters downstream before “setting the hook”. Successful angling often relies upon a guide walking the boat down the precariously negotiated bank, whilst anglers cast toward the middle of the river for holdover fall runners. This year we began with water levels nearly 2 meters below seasonal average on Ponoi. From the very start, fish were taken with floating lines and dry flies. Rumors of a sea-liced fish flooded the camp on night 3 as a bar of silver was landed on the bank by angler Daryl Ewer. This led to great conversation and belief that an early arrival of summer run fish is imminent.
Our week of angling in Ryabaga went off “without a hitch”… well, not exactly; hitched flies and tubes were in order last week due to the low-ish river conditions and rising water temperatures. Floating lines and dry flies offered Ryabaga anglers superb action. Ferocious takes from aggressive, last-autumn brights were the norm for the week. In order to tie the riffle hitch, the angler can use whichever knot normally employed to secure the fly to the leader (i.e. the improved clinch, turle knot, etc). Then, a simple half hitch is dropped around the head of the fly, with the half hitch applied in such a way to ensure that the leader trails off the proper side of the head to make the fly “wake” head-first through the swing. Which side do I hitch? I face the river and hold the fly with eye upstream, then I place the hitch with the line coming off of the bank side. The fly then appears to be swimming out to mid-stream as it is swinging toward shore. This orientation is important because as a fish follows and takes the fly, he often turns back downstream in an attempt to return to his lie with the least energy expenditure. By turning downstream with the fly facing midstream, the salmon will be fairly hooked in the corner of the jaw. This technique also creates a fantastic “V,” generating a lot of “noise” through the swing, all of which has proven irresistible to Ponoi salmon under the current river conditions. Hitch tubes have been developed for this technique as well. The hitch tube has a hole in either side of the plastic tube just behind the head. Threading the tippet through the hole before securing the hook creates the same action for the tube fly as the aforementioned half hitch.
Our team of anglers last week included the Monro brothers, Joe and David, paired with Damian Smalley and Tony Alvarez. I couldn’t resist the urge to blast off from the office to join the quartet, and motor up to the Kolmac tent for lunch. Anitoly, Machnev, Barrett (guides) and Isaias (our new resident photographer) prepared a colossal “disco” steak lunch (an Argentine technique of using a disc from a cultivating harrow to roast meat and vegetables over an open fire). Having worked through a bottle of wine, the group was ready to once again cause top-water mayhem on Ponoi salmon… an experience not soon forgotten. Victor, our chief’s father, and Semyon found favorable early-season conditions and dutiful instruction by Ryabaga guides to be instrumental in a very successful first week. Figures for week 1, 2011 exceeded 780 salmon landed, 13 of which were over 15 pounds. Percentages continue to hold strong: an average of 46 salmon were landed per angler and we anticipate a strong summer run. With flora and fauna documenting the early advent of summer this year, Ponoi promises great results for 2011. Stay tuned for weekly reports throughout the season. If weekly reports are of interest, please subscribe for weekly updates at: www.ponoiriver.com.
All the best,
Matt Breuer
May 29th, 2011
Great 2011 Season Opening Day!
Ponoi guests had a very promising first day landing an average of 9 fish per rod. Top boat had 32 fish for 2 rods. Fish are in great condition and the river is in superb shape. Weather is very pleasant with temperatures in the mid 15C.
Home pool is performing up to its standards with 10+ fish landed the first night plus a couple before breakfast yesterday.
We are all very excited and looking forward to another successful season. More to come, stay tuned.
Best
Steve Estela.
May 19th, 2011
Dear Ponoi friends,
Please take a look at our 2011 Photo Gallery, this is an aerial view of Ryabaga Camp and the river taken on May 18th. Promising conditions for a great 2011 season!
Best,
The Ponoi Team.
Promising Conditions, Can’t Wait To Be In Ryabaga!
Last week Sergei Zhurin and the mechanic team flew the first Mi8 into Ryabaga to begin preparing the Camp for the coming season. I spoke with Sergei yesterday via satellite telephone, and he reported that the river looked like a “summer river,” resulting from little snow pack in the tundra. This year an early April thaw melted much of the snow pack on the Kola. Given these current conditions, the first weeks of our season should be without the high water challenges present under “spring flood” conditions. The first Salmon landed on May 29 will set off a chain reaction of frenzied Ponoi salmon fishing that will, no doubt, continue through the first week of October. In short, the Ponoi is in immaculate shape, a complete 180 degree opposite circumstance from the flood of 2010, which represented the highest spring-thaw water level witnessed in 21 years of operation at Ryabaga. Progress in Ryabaga is steady, as work completed includes the launch of three boats which will intercept rafts of Spruce and Fir floated down the Ponoi as supplemental firewood for Ryabaga and Brevyeni. The Big Tent is up and the new floor weathered very well through the winter. Delivery of a new FG Wilson 80 Kw generator from the UK is en route and ready to be installed in Ryabaga. Combined with the two existing 36 Kw generators, Ryabaga will have enough electrical power to meet the increasingly progressive energy needs of our bustling camp.
In Murmansk supply stocks are full and ready for the season. Big Dan, Ruslan, Nick, and I helped Peter and Sasha unload a 50’ semi trailer load of supplies just in from St. Petersburg: dry goods, non-perishables and frozen items for the season were unloaded and stored in Murmansk. Supply operations will take place in Murmansk this year, ending the need for weekly trips to Lovozero. An impressive freezing facility in Murmansk has been rented to house all frozen goods for the season. At -18 degrees Celsius, work in the freezing chamber must be completed quickly!
The guide team in Ryabaga will welcome new additions from Argentina, Scotland, and Russia. Sadly Mads Pedersen and Koyla Belyaev have moved onto other pursuits; we wish them luck. Look for details of the 2011 guide team in the guide bios section of the website.
With a full season booked in our lower river Brevyeni Camp, Ponoi’s potential will certainly explode. The fishing is sure to impress! Brevyeni has undergone renovations over the past several summers and will ultimately prove to offer one of the finest opportunities in Kola Peninsula salmon fishing. Moreover, nowhere else can a week of such sublime fishing and glorious setting be had for such a modest fee.
Artem Tkachenko, our resident fisheries research scientist has re-tooled the weekly presentation of the life cycle of the Atlantic salmon. Data-collection methods have been further refined, first by the Russian government, and now by PINRO and the guide team. This new format will add to the interest and excitement of the findings of this world-famous fishery. Presenting the slide show this year will be Ryabaga guide Barrett Mattison. Barrett has an affinity for the interpretation of data sets, graphs, and tables; he will eagerly field questions, queries, and interpretation of the existing data, and projections for the future of the fishery.
All of us here at PRC are chomping at the bit to wet a line, and I know that you are too. I am forcing myself to exhibit extreme restraint to not stow away on tomorrow’s supply helicopter to Ryabaga. Though I imagine I could make it to the Home Pool for a poke while the guys were unloading, and not be missed in Murmansk… yeah, I think perhaps I’ll have to!
Until We Meet On The Banks Of Ponoi…
Matt Breuer
End of Season Report: A Season in Review
Back in March, months of preparation came to an end as the winter started to fade and spring was again noticeable here in the Kola Peninsula. Trucks rumbled across frozen winter roads to deliver the equipment necessary for a smooth opening in camp. A steady flow of propane, diesel, benzene, and bulky building materials made their way across the tundra into a sleepy Ryabaga Camp. In early spring, Murmansk experienced temperatures in the mid 20’s C, and by May the Kola was immersed in a spring thaw the likes of which had never been heard of. This marked the beginning of the warmest summer in Russia in the last century. Ryabaga was ready and looking spotless by the time our first Mi8 helicopter touched ground on May 28th. As proof of how far ahead of schedule the fishing was this year on Ponoi, guides were landing fish regularly on dry flies during test fishing, still weeks before the first guests were scheduled to arrive! The first couple of weeks were pretty exciting with a large number of fish caught and lots of happy faces both on and off the water. The end of June produced a 24 lbs summer run fish landed in Purnache Beat by Geoffrey Mitchell.
In a very busy season, it is difficult to find time to finalize needed upgrades and pending new projects. The summer break was an ideal time to give the fish a rest and complete our new state-of-the-art Banya and walkways, to lay a new floor in the Big Tent, to add new docks, and to finalize all the necessary painting, tidying, and maintenance that camp requires. By August, arriving guests found Ryabaga in peak shape, with lovely warm temperatures pressing on. All were amazed to experience just how warm Russia can get 5 degrees above the Arctic Circle. Despite the heat, late-summer fishing remained quite good, and Ponoi kept performing above expectations, much to the delight of new and repeating guests.
Our always-anticipated Fall run arrived just on time, and guides and guests spent off-river hours at our newly updated bar, sharing exciting stories of strong fights, broken leaders, and acrobatic jumps. Weeks went by very smoothly and we soon found ourselves preparing for what has proven to be the most special visit Ryabaga can remember; we were honored to host the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, who took time out of his extremely busy agenda to try first-hand the art of catching and releasing Atlantic salmon on the most prolific salmon river in the world. Our Ponoi River Club friends had a great time as always, catching an average of 42 fish per rod for their week, this accomplished in spite of endless lunches in our river tents, all accompanied by lots of jokes and great wine.
It is now starting to cool down, the leaves are falling and things are looking yellowish again. A sad feeling is floating in the air as we all realize another season at Ryabaga is about to end. Nonetheless, we can leave the River with the satisfaction of having produced one of the most successful seasons in camp history. From this vantage point, we are already starting to work towards 2011. Months of paper work, shopping, and lots of planning lay ahead.
At the end of any wonderful season, a mighty debt of thanks is owed: I wish to thank all of our loyal guests, Frontiers staff, and our always “on duty” Murmansk office staff of Julia, Peter and Sasha. Of course, many thanks to Olga and Natasha for keeping all of our accounting and licenses in order. In addition, I’d like to thank Sveta and Matt for the unconditional support and help. I feel deepest gratitude for Ilya’s ongoing advice and guidance. To my beloved and always understanding family Pata, Santi and Simon, thanks for your patience and endless support.
Thanks to all who have worked in Camp: guides, mechanics, kitchen staff, and doctor. You have done an incredible job delivering the very best once again, ensuring that memories of Ryabaga Camp and Ponoi salmon remain with us forever.
Looking Forward To Seeing You All Soon,
Steve Estela
Ponoi River Co.
CEO & Managing Director
October 10, 2010
Final Week in Ryabaga:
Ryabaga is officially undergoing wintertime preparations; the last flights are bringing in benzene, kerosene, propane, and supplies for the winter caretakers, and returning the staff to their wintering grounds in Murmansk and the far reaches of the globe. The salmon are taking their place in the deepest reaches of the Ponoi for their long winter slumber under the ice. We are now at the point in the autumn when we strike the Camp, remove the boats and engines, and pack up to leave. It is time to say goodbye to Ryabaga Camp for the 2010 season, and look forward to the summer of 2011!It seems that the Ponoi River just kept offering more and more to us at Ryabaga, and this final week was no exception. We hosted a small group of keen anglers this week, gentlemen from Russia who have fished all over the Kola Peninsula and the world. Though new to Ponoi, this elite group sought the challenge of fishing through the first week of October, here above the Arctic Circle. A few guides remained for this effort, and the success, in light of the late season, was great; the Ponoi gave up a steady autumn average of four fish per rod per day. Conditions were nothing short of superb, as by day the sun shown throughout the beats, the temperatures ranged in the teens, and cool, clear nights opened up into warm sunny days. Nikolai Tikhonov, following his own adventurous plan took to wading a good bit of the Purnache tributary, landing ten salmon, five of which were bright, fall fish. Notable too was Nikolai’s 18 lb fall run beauty landed in Hourglass with guide Alexei Sokolov.
From the second week in May to the second week in October, Ryabaga Camp has buzzed with activity. Inhabited by pilots and guides, chefs and mechanics, inspectors and guards, caretakers, and builders, Ryabaga is a veritable village on the tundra, an oasis on the Kola Peninsula where some of the finest Atlantic salmon fishing in the world takes place. In Ryabaga, this Atlantic salmon stronghold is lovingly tended by a team that cares deeply for its preservation, and it is in Ryabaga that this masterpiece of nature and fine management is made accessible. With such steadfast attention, Ryabaga and the treasure that is Ponoi are sure to carry on through the ages. But perhaps it is the fishermen, the anglers themselves, that make Ryabaga so unique. Looking back on the season, it is truly remarkable to see the cast of characters that has experienced this sanctuary; world leaders and captains of industry, blue-blooded salmon fishers and first-time fly anglers… all of these and more have become friends and indeed members of the Ryabaga family. It is to all of you that we at PRC wish to bid a heartfelt thanks!
Until Next Year,
Matt Breuer and the PRC Team
October 3, 2010
Week 19: Ryabaga Under Fireworks
This past week marked the final week of our 2010 “regular” season at Ryabaga. As tradition dictates, Ponoi River Company owner Ilya Sherbovich hosted a party of his friends, who fished alongside a group of 9 anglers from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, and all savored this special week on Ponoi. Anglers found great success, not to be hampered by a difficult combination of river and weather conditions. Our low-water season was transformed with great rains during week 18. By the beginning of week 19, the Ponoi came back into shape with good clarity and steady flow. As the season wanes, so do the temperatures above the Arctic Circle, and water temperatures fell from 8 degrees C in the beginning of the week to 4 by week’s end, necessitating the use of larger, brighter fly patterns and heavier lines. Moderate to high winds mid-week gave the water a bit of color, though guides and anglers altered their strategies to search for fish near the tributaries of Alexeevsky, Purnache, and Ryabaga, while Home Pool was a savior for a few energetic, after-hours anglers. Throughout the week, a spirit of adventure was pervasive, and, in the capable hands of guide Zhurin, the group of Michael Cohrs, Len Smith, Vasily Tsepkov, Petr Federov, Arkady Zalevsky and guide Boris Machnev ventured downriver by hovercraft. Brevyeni, Ponoi Village, and Sand Island were points of interest on this venture, as were several sets of mighty rapids. Of particular note was the presence of Len Smith in the group who, despite 40 trips to camp, had his first voyage downriver to the White Sea.
In all, over 400 hundred fish were boated, a very impressive figure for the last days of September, in particular because, due to long lunches and several half-days of angling, the equivalent of 15 full-time anglers were responsible for the catch statistics. It was the lovely guest Phillip Walker who, having fished throughout the Kola, noted that the Ponoi, and indeed Ryabaga camp, never fail to impress.
The mid-day break in the fishing, the infamous “Russian” shore lunch, is always a spectacular event when augmented by the wild-crafted additions of Petr Federov, who changes the shape of a vodka libation with infusions of tundra roots and berries. And, not for the faint of heart, there is always the traditional Russian “Ukha” soup and Igor Pavlov’s special ceremony of enjoying the eye of a salmon with a bit of vodka. One cannot forget a lunch of this kind, as there is no other culinary experience that can match it. The variety of treats brought to the table by Ryabaga guests and guides are truly unforgettable.
Equally important as the efforts of the guides and anglers on the river by day are the hours spent in communal bliss inside the canvas walls of the “Big Tent.” It is here that a web of fish tales, stories, and jokes are spun over fantastic meals and, this week, a compliment of fine French wines provided by Ilya. The poker table became a central meeting place, frequented by Petr Federov, Ilya Sherbovich, Arkady Zalevsky, Dominic Quinlan, Markku Lamppu, Igor Pavlov, Steve Estela, and myself (not to be outdone by guides Sigov, Barrett, Big Dan)… all were jockeying for position as Ryabaga’s week 19 Poker Open Champion. During these hours of the evening, players and observers alike sipped from swirled snifters of 1945 Armangac from Ilya’s collection.
Blessed by the auspices of Mother Nature, we received the green light for a Saturday departure, and commenced upon a very fine “last supper.” Many spoke to the grandeur that is felt when one experiences a week’s fishing on Ponoi (perhaps none were as pleased as Dominic Quinlan who had the rare experience of landing the first and last salmon of the regular season). Special words of gratitude were shared by Michael Cohrs, who was able to spend the full week with us here, as he has finalized his retirement from Deutsche Bank (congratulations to Michael from all of us here at Ponoi River Company). Ilya kindly shared gestures of appreciation for guests and staff alike; he noted that Ryabaga staff, loyal to the camp these many years, allow the program to progress with a superb level of professionalism and attention to detail, ensuring that Ryabaga remain the finest camp on the Kola, and perhaps in the world. He went on to acknowledge that without the loyal and longstanding contingent of clientele who fish the Ponoi year after year it would be impossible to preserve the invaluable resource that is the Ponoi River system. He allowed that the presence and stewardship of all who share in the work of Ponoi River Company keep the river alive, and related “Not only are you investing in a quality fishing holiday, you are investing in the preservation of the future of the Ponoi”. As we continued to toast one another and revel in the moment, Sergei Zhurin took to the hill to commence the ignition of 1000 mortars, and there ensued an 8 minute fireworks display, a truly awesome sight over Ryabaga Camp.
It is a testament to the quality of the Ponoi River that we are now hosting a small group of very keen fly fishermen from Moscow. As we slowly put Ryabaga to bed for the winter, stay tuned for a final reporting from the Ponoi… we are all eager to see what the last group of anglers can conjure from depths of thje river, as they “cherry pick” all of the very best holding spots.
Until then, Best Regards
Matt Breuer
Week 18: Ponoi Continues to Impress
With wet, gray weather hanging over the Kola Peninsula this past week, the Ponoi river system once again revealed a silver lining. Heavy skies and cool temperatures did little to quell the eagerness of salmon on the take, and our guests, undaunted by the conditions, tallied a total catch of 402 fish. Not bad for a week in which the river rose a full meter, changing the structure of the fishing dramatically in the blink of an eye. But then again, isn’t this why we choose Ponoi over other rivers, for the resiliency of the river system and the strength of her fish? Even on the toughest days, the Ponoi shines bright for its anglers.
This week we welcomed back some longstanding guests, and noted once again the way in which salmon fishing at Ryabaga strengthens the bonds of friendship and family. Len Smith returned for his 40th week in camp, continuing a legacy that is truly remarkable. Over the years, Len has been able to watch the Camp and the Company mature into a world-class destination, and has, from the start, been a steadfast and vocal supporter of our work. Thanks so much, Len, for your years of commitment; you are, of course, a part of what makes Ryabaga so special.
Jane Stewart completed her second weeks’ fishing in Ryabaga, enjoying the company of the seven Finnish guests who comprised half of the angling group. I trust that Jane was as impressed as I with the Finn’s ability to casually soak up and maximize the Ponoi experience, enjoying leisurely three-hour lunches but still managing to stand 20 bright fish for the day (Carl and Heikki, you guys know how to enjoy life)! PRC owner Ilya Sherbovich welcomed his friend Anitoliy, who joined his (Anitoliy’s) father and son to compose a beautiful portrait of salmon angling as a way of life, as their group represented three generations of anglers landing Ponoi salmon. Perhaps these gestures of angling tradition do as much to ensure the future of Ponoi salmon fishing as do the fish themselves!
Notable this week was the size and quality of the fish in the system. The fall-run, bright fish continue to appear, resulting in several catches of 20 lbs and over, and several dozen fish over 15 lbs. A lovely and powerful 21 pounder was landed by Robert Blomstedt, who partnered with guide Christian Lindstrom for a memorable day. The appearance of such fish, and indeed their prevalence, indicates the ongoing strength of the fall run. Though our season is winding down, the run of fish on Ponoi is as strong as can be.
In the coming week, Ilya will host a group of regular friends, for what always proves to be a memorable week. With fish in the river and camp operations humming at the peak of efficiency, all are excited for the coming days. As the sun swings lower across our Northern sky, however, I am reminded that the season on Ponoi is nearing her end. To my way of thinking, it’s time to “go out with a bang” and tally some truly remarkable fishing for the last days of the season; not, I might add, an unpleasant goal to be working on…
Warmly,
Matt Breuer
Last Week: A Very Special Guest
We were honored last week to welcome a very special guest who took time away from his busy political schedule traveling the world and running his country to experience, for a moment, one of the great natural resources Russia is so blessed to have: the Kola Peninsula and the Ponoi River.
Despite terrible weather, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev landed and released 3 bright salmon, the first of 7.5 kilograms (17 lb). In doing so, he was able to experience first-hand the fishing philosophy and ethic taught and practiced by Ponoi River Company. It was quite an experience to see a man who spends his workaday life engaged in the interest of the Russian good to try his hand at the art of angling on Kola’s Ponoi River. Recreating for a few short hours, feeling the water flow underneath, the freshness of the autumn air, and the cold wet skin of a salmon as he released it back into the Ponoi… Though President’s stay was short, he was very pleased with the experience and promised to return.
We at Ponoi River Company would like to express gratitude for the efforts of the Presidential staff and Murmansk Region Governor, Dmitry Dmitrienko. The planning and execution of the program was as deliberately respectful of our Ponoi guests as anyone could have carried out. This logistically complicated endeavor had no material effect or disturbance on the fishing program presently underway on the Ponoi.
Many Thanks,
The Ponoi River Co. Team
September 19, 2010
Week 17: “It was a Hell of a day on the Ponoi! – A Hell of a day!”
The title of this week’s epistle is a quote with which Hacker Caldwell, of Tennessee, began his soliloquy each evening in the big tent, reporting the stats for the day: big fish caught, which new angler was no longer a salmon virgin, and so on. Last week was blistered with success as Hacker, Chairman of the “Ponoi River Club”, put the Ponoi to the test. Six of the 12 anglers, having never before caught Atlantic salmon, had incredible success with all facets of the game: Spey casting, stripping, hooking up, fighting, and landing a seemingly endless procession of bright fish. An astounding 90% of the salmon landed in the week were fresh fall run fish. The total for the week exceeded 500 salmon for the 12 rods. A 42 fish average per rod is particularly noteworthy given that the Friday fishing was cut short by an enormous low-pressure system situated over the entire Kola Peninsula.
With water levels maintaining an all-time low, it was still possible to use floating lines with not more than a slow sink tip, though an intermediate tip proved the more popular choice. The “Max Fly” is still a favored pattern, and due to the endless popularity of this fly our stock will certainly be depleted by season’s end. Max and I have both hoarded a sufficient quantity to (in all likelihood) dole out a ration of this delectable pattern to each of the remaining guests of the 2010 season, but no more than a necessary ration! This fiery beauty is just the ticket, owing to her lovely color, perfectly proportioned allocation of hackle, Golden Pheasant tips, crystal flash, and yellow deer hair… it’s a wonder this fly is just 8 dollars, US.
I had the rare opportunity this week to head down to the lowest accessible reaches of water, (for the current level). Max and I set out to fish the area known as “Good Water” which lies below “Falcons Nest” between Lower Tomba and Lapanyarka. En route we fished a short rapid where we found were hoards of fresh fish ascending the river, dancing their way through the shallow riffle and pockets of the existing rapids. Max and I then waded 800 meters of the tail of the lake below ‘Falcons Nest’. The fishing began straight away in the ‘slowish’ water, and I was into a salmon before my tenth cast. Fishing a Sink 1 shooting head by RIO, I was quite pleased to hook up on the strip, giving the fly increased movement in the relatively slow water. Our next experiment was to test the various “windows” in the rapid below good water. Our interest waned after we had landed nearly 17 bright fish, and it was beginning to get late. Everything had been perfect that afternoon… overcast, cool temps, beautiful autumn colors, and Max across the way, river right, landing fish after fish. Max even changed to a skated bomber, just to see how far he can push his angling prowess… he managed two fish in this way. Every fish we caught and released was as bright as a newly minted dime, and as feisty as it could possibly be, having just departed the White sea.
By mid-week preparations were underway to produce one of the biggest parties of the season on Ponoi. The Ponoi River Club enjoys a knock-down-drag-out party of biblical proportions, this year attended by nearly the entire Ponoi team from Ilya, Steve, and Sveta to all of the staff members of Ryabaga Camp. This was truly a gala event. Of particular note was the mandate by Hacker that citizens of each represented country join in a chorus of their Nation’s Anthem… an exclamation of patriotism in the truest sense of the word.
I would leave you with the notion of how lucky we are to experience both a place so abundant in the riches of the natural world, and the people who partake in fostering it. Ryabaga, and the Ponoi, are indeed places of magic.
Sincerely,
Matt Breuer
September 12, 2010
In Memory…
Yesterday, September 11, 2010, the mast in the center of Ryabaga Camp flew the flag of the United States of America, in honor of the people who fell in Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and New York City on September 11, 2001. I would like to recognize and express my deepest gratitude for the support shown for this honor by all of the members of Ponoi River Company. Thank you all very much.
Yet Again:
Here on Kola Peninsula the Rosebay Willowherb, more commonly known as Fireweed, has bloomed to the top of the stalk and shed all of the beautiful pink petals of her summertime flowers. Shift indicates the official emergence of Autumn, and reminds us that summer has finally come to a close. Leaves of birch and alder now blanket the tundra in magnificent golds, reds, and oranges. The crispness of the air is shown in the vapor of early morning breaths.
Jane Stewart started the week off right with an 18 pound fall run. By the end of Tuesday evening, day three of the week, our group of guests had landed 249 salmon, 176 (76%) of which were bright fish-very fine figures, very fine fishing. In point of fact, this figure represents a significant increase over the last 5 years’ “week 16 average”, with 80 more salmon brought to net. Warmer weather and a slow rise of water has kept conditions pleasant throughout the week. While the slow water strip has been pushed by the guides, many fish are still being taken with swung-fly presentation. Appropriate lines to use are still floaters with slow sink or intermediate tips.
The final tally of the week pushed 528, with 71% bright salmon! Yet again, another impressive week of fishing in Ryabaga. These figures represent an average of 30 salmon per angler… seldom does a salmon angler have the opportunity to claim such figures. Also noteworthy is the fact that Bernard Giboin and Paul Davidson each landed 20 pound fall run salmon on Friday, each closing out the week with a salmon of a lifetime (though Paul is sure he has landed a larger fish in Home Pool, without a witness, or a camera back in June). Falls Creek was the top-producing beat for the week, with 69 salmon landed in Falls – 56 bright.
I enjoyed one of very few days of my season on the water last week. In the end of August I received an email from Robert Chapman, and I was reminded of a promise made last season, to guide he and his son Giles. I was also charged with coaxing Max to create a few ‘special’ flies that worked wonders for the Chapman’s last year. The Chapmans and I spent a day, last year, on Gold Beach together and this year Purnache. The day began slowly, though we dispatched a nice sea trout for lunch, and after bit of wine were back to see what we could find anywhere between the ‘wheel’ and ‘lower Purnache’. We managed to turn up ten salmon for the day, a figure we were pleased with. Fellows, I hope we have a chance to do it again one day next year. The Chapmans really cleaned up on their final day in Falls Creek. Combined, the father-son team landed 19 salmon, 16 bright fish - quite a fine way to close the week.
In any case, with Season’s end in evidence throughout the Kola Peninsula, we are glad to find the Ponoi in magnificent shape. Wonderfully too, the camp looks great, the staff is strong, and spirits are at an all-time-high as we move into the weeks ahead. We can’t wait to get your lines on the water!
All the best.
Matt Breuer
September 5, 2010
Best ‘Week 15’ in Five Years!!! The Ponoi Is On Fire, Yet Again:
Ryabaga anglers attending Week 15 landed over 520 salmon for the week, a figure which exceeds the average of that of the previous five years’ ‘Week 15’ figures by 150 salmon. The river is at an all time low, affording excellent wading opportunities. The fall run is very strong and steady, which bodes well for next Spring and the future of Ponoi salmon stock altogether. Numerous fish over 10 pounds were landed daily, and numbers of bright fish landed exceeded 65 percent of the week’s total. Tony Cooper landed two 17 pound bright fish in a single day. Meade McCarthy’s first (ever) Atlantic salmon was a 14 pound bright fish, a specimen widely considered among the hardest-fighting freshwater, fly-caught fish. Herve Rodrigue took a 20 pound fresh cock fish to round out his week. Absolutely boiling with activity, the Home Pool produced 50 salmon, 40 of which were autumn run fish. Floating lines with intermediate tips were the most commonly employed, with the occasional implementation of a full intermediate, or ‘hover’ shooting head. Fly action proved more important than the line or fly selection, as current rates are slow in many places. Despite low water, fish remained eager to follow active presentations. Stripping the fly quickly triggered these fresh fish to chase and strike.
Ilya Sherbovich and a group of his colleagues arrived in Ryabaga on Wednesday. Though four of the seven were absolutely new to fly-fishing, the group caught and released 40 salmon for their two-and-a-half days’ fishing… quite a fine tally for the group’s efforts. At the conclusion of the Friday evening meal, Howard Strowman gave a heartfelt and moving recognition of the efforts of all of the staff in Ryabaga Camp. He also noted the importance of the entire experience of congregating in such a place to not only enjoy the spoils of our angling efforts, but also to pause to celebrate each other, great food, plentiful drink, and perhaps most important of all, a good laugh – which, incidentally, is what you get when you are seated within ear shot of Howard. In order to understand the breadth of this man’s sense of humor, I must relate a quick anecdote that he has now told me may times: while at an auction at Christie’s in London, Howard bid on (and won) a Purdey double gun. So doing, he managed to set a record for the highest price ever fetched at auction for such a fine firearm. When approached at the conclusion of the auction by a Christie’s representative who began to inquire about Mr Strowman’s obvious hobby of collecting fine sporting arms, Howard simply responded, “No, I’ve never bought a shotgun, I am taking up clay shooting next week!”
Martin Vainer, Tony Cooper, Alan Maughan, the clan McCarthy, and on and on… you all added something special to the air about the camp as you endured frigid nights and the temptation to stay in bed until the morning fires were lit. Early, late, and in-between, you fine anglers pressed onto the Home Pool for a poke, often finding your efforts rewarded by the take of another fine salmon. There is no question that Ponoi is the best of the best, and you 19 anglers got to experience it in full force!
Until we meet again…
Matt Breuer
September 1st, 2010
Great fishing!
I just returned from Ryabaga last night after a 5 days visit. The camp is looking great and all the staff is in great spirit. Despite the low water the fishing is great, while I was there 70-80 fish were landed every day with an average of 60-70% of them bright Fall run. This is a great opportunity for anglers looking for good wading, I heard great stories of people landing 10+ fish wading. We are expecting rain for the next days, fingers crossed!
Best regards,
Steve Estela
August 29, 2010
Ponoi Fall Run Is Heating Up:
Last week’s fishing verifies beyond any doubt that the Fall Run is heating up! On day “2” last week, anglers landed as many fall run fish as were tallied through the entirety of the week prior, and multiple fish in the 17 and 18 pound class were brought to net.
Weather conditions in Ryabaga continue to cool down. Crisp days and cold nights add to the sensation of fishing the fall run. In the early morning hours, the smell of wood-smoke emanates through the camp, and a few brave anglers don stiff waders in order to start their day in the Home Pool, in hopes of landing a salmon before breakfast. Still others stay snug in their sleeping bags as Sergei and I make the rounds, lighting the wood stove in each occupied canvas wall tent. Water levels on Ponoi remain quite low, and while this does not hinder the catch, it does test the boatmanship of each of the guides. In low-water conditions, the occasional crack gets knocked in the stern of our aluminum skiffs, in the vulnerable area that exists on the welded seam joining the transom to the hull. This section of the vessel sinks low in shallow waters as the boat “falls off step.” In any case, leaky boats are removed from the river, disassembled, engine removed, turned over, prepped, welded, re-assembled, and launched back into the Ponoi in under two hours – an obvious testament to the skill and ingenuity required in a camp in the far end of the Kola Peninsula.
The week started off a bit slowly for 16 anglers from Italy, Australia, Ireland, England, Finland, Argentina, and the United States. Team Ireland began the week by becoming separated from their luggage in Paris, an event that nearly broke guest Ken Tucker down. On the brink of deciding to turn back toward Ireland, Ivan picked him up by the boot straps, and reassured him that the folks in Ryabaga could and would provide absolutely everything necessary to enjoy a successful week of angling on Ponoi. By the end of the first day’s fishing of Week 14, Ryabaga anglers were wondering where the fall run fish were lurking and when they were going to start to appear. Though the first day 16 anglers landed seven fall run salmon of a total 29 salmon for the day, it was not enough to quench the thirst of the group. Having taken day one to “knock the rust off” the spey tackle, however, our group of anglers started to make things heat up. On day two, Alec Soldati of Argentina took four salmon, three of which were fall run salmon, with the biggest weighing in at 17 pounds! When I asked him how a 17 pound fall-run fights he replied: “boludo it is the best fight of any fish I have ever caught, I was crying, you wouldn’t believe!” Alec, my friend, I am glad you caught that fish! Steve Baddeley, long-time Ryabaga angler, brought along his friend Peter Hopton. Hopton, brand new to the sport, landed a 15 pound salmon, 3 fall run of 11 pounds each, and, to put the icing on the cake, a 17 pound fall run salmon… not too shabby for a first experience with fly fishing.
In all, 166 Fall Run fish were landed, a figure more than half of the total salmon landed for the week. Fish over ten pounds totaled 126, a fantastic amount of hard-fighting fall run fish! We are fortunate, and realize that no other river on the Kola Peninsula, or the world over, can boast such autumn statistics! Any angler given the chance to tangle with Ponoi salmon, particularly during the fall run, is one blessed angler indeed. At the rate we are going, this sublime fishing is here to stay!
Until We Meet On The River,
Matt Breuer
August 29th, 2010
Dear Friends,
Last night August 28th, we had a new group arriving at Ryabaga. Everyone was very anxious to experience our famous Home pool. It proved once more to be an outstanding piece of water producing 14 fish, 11 of them bright and 10 over 10 pounds. Check the images on the our updated Photo Gallery.
Best regards,
Steve Estela
Finland in Ryabaga:
Erkki Moisander has been a Ryabaga regular for many years, often fishing here with his son and various friends. This week Erkki hosted 36 friends in Ryabaga in what was a split week. Having a short meeting with Erkki in early July, we were able to hand-craft the perfect program for a split week with 36 new-to-fly-fishing attendees. Upon arrival, the first wave of Finns were welcomed, shown to their tents, and quickly refueled and briefed in the “big tent” by Erkki and myself. We carried out these formalities with military precision, as these 18 men were to be trained in the art of fly casting and prepared for a short 2.3 days of salmon angling on Ponoi. All members quickly dressed in Gore-Tex waders, jackets, and felt-soled boots. “All hands on deck” was the mandate for the guides, as everyone trekked down to the Home Pool. Two anglers, paired with one guide, dispersed along the length of Home Pool to begin a two-hour clinic on how to load the fly rod, perform some overhead casting, and eventually begin the double-spey cast. What ensued sounded more like a rodeo than a spey-clave, but everyone got the gist of the exercises.
Conditions this last week were cooler than the weeks just prior. Rains began to fall again on the Ponoi, freshening up the watershed and allowing the guides to rest a bit easier as they navigate her channels in search of salmon. Water temperatures dropped back into the teens, and the fish were all too happy to accept our double-hooked, smartly-dressed offerings. Slow rising water was the trend for the week as guides offered slightly larger, more densely dressed and brightly colored concoctions affixed to the end of the leader. In all, 200 salmon were landed, a greater number than what Erkki had expected based on conditions and abilities… a testament to the possibilities that are offered up on the Ponoi River. Moreover, several fall-run fish were taken, and fresh fish were spotted throughout the Home Pool… there is some spectacular fishing on the horizon!!
Remarkable is a river where a team of two anglers, never having held a fly rod, can land ten salmon for the day. I would guess that very few salmon anglers might claim such a feat. Each angler to land his first-ever salmon took the adipose fin with a shot of vodka, a long-standing tradition in salmon angling circles. The scene is much like “communion.” With this piece of the salmon consumed, the strength and spirit of this fish can live within the angler always.
The new Ryabaga Banya was put to the test by these men from Finland, who take the finer points of a sauna very seriously. Steaming inside the newly constructed banya is truly the way to end a fine day of angling on Ponoi.
I am sure that our guests from Finland will remember the experiences and stories, laughs and jokes, toasts and tributes, and the camaraderie of the group for years to come. Certainly, the guides and I will not soon forget these fellows and their jolly efforts within their first experience of fly-fishing. No doubt we will meet many of you again!
Until Then, Kippis!
Matt Breuer
August 8, 2010
Back on the Ponoi:
What a great feeling to back on the Ponoi! Our group of nine from Scotland, Ireland, The Isle of Man, and England brought with them the attitude and fortitude of fishers who stalk such fabled rivers as Dee, Test, Tweed, and Oykel. Our guests were used to rivers where, if a single salmon is taken in a week’s fishing, the memory of the event is relished and relived like a wedding anniversary or a child’s birthday. Yes, these gentlemen gave their all-attentive angling best under less than ideal salmon fishing conditions. The weather throughout Russia has been very hot and dry, with wild fires burning rampant throughout the Moscow region, and the scorching heat has not spared the Kola Peninsula. The river level is low and the water temperature has reached the twenty-degree mark at times. Such conditions threaten to slow any salmon fishery substantially, and forecasts of hot and dry can discourage the most optimistic salmon fisher. Despite these conditions, Ponoi once again proved itself an outstanding river, amazing our guests who took nearly 150 fish for 9 rods. As mentioned last week, Glenn Roze brought the first Autumn run salmon to the catch report, on August 5th. Glenn also had a tremendous single session featuring 7 salmon landed, and his angling success has him solidly hooked… we will see Glenn again, I am sure. Ken Hugget made the most of the Home Pool, landing many fine salmon in the off hours each day.
The Ryabaga Guide team looks prepared for stalking bones in the Seychelles, with guides protecting their necks and hands from the sun, and sporting light-weight Simms pants and shirts. In conditions such as these, wet wading is just the ticket, as is the use of floating lines. Successful flies are small doubles: silver doctor, long-tailed green highlander, and flame-thrower in red. Rubber legs tied on double hooks were also very successful flies this week.
The Ponoi, even under challenging conditions, continues to delight anglers with the strength and quality of its fish. Nonetheless, with each passing day we come closer to the full onslaught of the Autumn runners, and the abundance of late summer fishing. With rain in the immediate forecast, water and air temperatures dropping steadily, the promise of sublime salmon fishing looms ever closer. We are eagerly preparing for the bliss soon to come.
Best,
Matt Breuer
August 5, 2010
Fall Runners Are Coming!
Glenn Roze has joined us at Ryabaga for his first time fly-fishing for Atlantic salmon, and, on August 5th, he also landed the first fall run fish of 2010. If you ask any Ryabaga regular, they will tell you that the first fall run appears on the 6th of August. Good on you Glenn, can't wait to see what today's catch will include.
Best, Matt
August 1, 2010
Angling Has Resumed:
Yesterday we welcomed keen anglers back to Ryabaga as we “prime the pump” for what promises to be a fantastic second half of our 2010 season on the Ponoi River. In the absence of guests, the camp of course loses some of it’s magic, but the frenzied work that took place through the break kept life in camp vibrant. Around the edges of the work, however, I am pleased to report that test fishing revealed a steady stream of willing salmon up and down the river, and with the camp looking and running at its finest, we are all excited to serve up some remarkable angling experiences.
The camp has undergone some needed primping and preening; with the installation of a new guest banya (Russian sauna), it was necessary to bridge the gap between old banya (now the staff sauna), and the shower block, with a raised deck and banister addition. This refinement provides another area for congregation. One of the flush toilet buildings received new doors, trim, and paint. Installation of a new ventilation system in the kitchen will add to the ongoing productivity of Natasha Zhurina and her professional team of chefs, and we simply cannot wait to enjoy the culinary delights flowing forth from the improved kitchen. Genia Flidner produced some excellent pieces of furniture, including a table and some chairs in which one might enjoy a cold beer in the foyer of the new banya. In fact, so inspired by Genia’s gifted carpentry was I, that I managed to “get in his way” in the wood shop and produce a couple of pieces myself. Now all who work in the office have sturdy chairs on which to perch. A total overhaul of the big tent floor was accomplished by removing all old planking, installing new footers for the foundation and installing re-finished tongue and groove planking, completed with a thick coat of clear varnish. Tent 16 received the same floor treatment. Erected in the center of camp is a post of signs pointing in the direction of, and denoting distances in kilometers to, many of the great cities of the World. The addition of a new moorage finished out the carpentry projects during the break. The ability to produce such edifices and useful paraphernalia out of wood, from the fallen tree to finished product, here in Ryabaga is powerful verification of the old adage: “necessity is the mother of invention.”
Camp owner Ilya wonderfully presented the camp with a gift of professional weight lifting and workout equipment, to be installed upon its arrival next week. We look forward to providing guests and employees with the opportunity to maintain exercise regimes while far from home. An additional gift of a Polaris Ranger was also warmly received. Ilya’s ongoing generosity and commitment to camp improvements keep Ryabaga at the peak of remote salmon fishing destinations worldwide.
To all of the mechanics, builders, carpenters, painters, sawyers, welders, electricians, and technicians who sweated their way through three weeks of continuous labor to make this camp so strong and productive, my hat’s off to you! Seldom does such a group of people work so well together, in harmony and good stead. Ryabaga, both physically and tonally, continues to feel more and more like a home.
All The Best,
Matt Breuer
July 11, 2010
Sum Sum Summer Time:
Summer is here, along with very warm temperatures, especially considering our latitudinal positioning above the Arctic Circle. Water temperatures this week reached the low twenties, and these warm conditions forced the salmon to seek the refuge of deep lies, and the cooler water therein. Despite extremely hot weather, very warm water, and severe afternoon thunderstorms, wonderful fishing opportunities were nonetheless enjoyed by our anglers. The Home Pool, always a consistent producer, was no exception this week. Those with enough fortitude, perseverance, and a potent dousing of bug dope, had many great successes with the after-hours angling in Home Pool. Flies used this week tended to be small doubles, what with the water temperature quite warm and the water flowing at maximum clarity. Head Guide Max always has some sort of ace up his sleeve… this week was no exception – Max began using a variation of “the wonder bug”, a tie used on the Rio Grande in TDF. Max has pulled this trick before, but he had such success this go-around that other former TDF guides began trying “the wonder bug” as well. It seems that the small, lead-eyed critter, with black chenille body and yellow rubber legs, is just enough of an attractor to coax a tentative salmon out of his holding position. The count for the week was 312 salmon.
Long-time Ryabaga Fishers, our friends from Finland Erkki Moisander and the gang, all added a flair of North Atlantic salmon fishing tradition. Father-Son-Daughter, old friends, all keen anglers converged on Ryabaga to see what could be caught this year. Jenni Junnelius and Jukka Pitkanen both took their first Atlantic salmon on fly, and though they missed out on the old tradition of consuming the adipose fin with a swill of vodka, I am sure they will again pursue the pull of a salmon at the end of the line. We will see Jukka and Erkki again in August, in search of autumn chrome. Guys, I can’t wait.
Ian Bernard from Canada and Seth Harris from New Hampshire, USA, joined us for their first trip to Ponoi. Ian has fished for Atlantic salmon since the late 1960’s at a camp on the Miramichi. The camp, which has been in Ian’s family since the early 1900’s, was built by his grandfather, Dr. George Frederick Clark of New Brunswick, Canada. Ian was absolutely delighted when his friend Seth phoned him to tell him of the two rods he had procured for the trip to Ponoi. There was a frantic moment for guide Barrett Mattison as a salmon spooled Seth, under and around the boat, causing Seth to lose hold of his spey rod, and sending the rod floating downstream. With cat-like grace, Barrett threw the anchor rope and buoy, started the engine, maneuvered the boat 180 degrees, and rescued the rod. ‘Atta boy Barrett! Ian and Seth were both duly impressed with the experience that is Ryabaga, from evenings in the big tent with Single Malt Scotch, to the fishing, which, even at its slowest, is certainly (according to Ian) the finest to be had on any salmon river. In fact, one week here on Ponoi tops a whole season on the Miramichi, and in Ian’s last season on the Miramichi, he landed only 5 salmon.
Pat and Eamon Glennon of Ireland had an exceptional final day of fishing on Ponoi. Guide Tommy Sordelli positioned the “Bora Bora” off of Blind Man’s Point in Gold Beach, and did not let any anchor go until the 10th fish was landed, certain evidence of proper positioning. Patrick and Eamon landed an astounding 14 salmon at Blind Man’s Point which, added to the rest of the fish taken that day, totaled of 24 salmon.
Ryabaga is now closed to fishing for three weeks. We will give the river a rest, put a fresh “coat of paint” on various areas of the camp, and prepare for what is sure to be an excellent fall run of Ponoi salmon. Fifteen of us remain in camp. We are building, sanding, scraping, painting, constructing, mending, erecting, tuning, polishing, shining and waxing our summer home in the wilderness. Some of the projects underway are the finalization of the new banya, and the installation of a brand new floor in the Big Tent. It is always a great opportunity for us to polish up the entire Ryabaga machine, to ensure that visiting anglers always see the camp and the river at their level best.
The first half of the season has been wonderful, owing to great guests, cagey and diligent guides, and a river system that simply cannot be matched. I am grateful for this break to reflect on the beauty of this place, and the kindness of the friends I’ve made, both among co-workers, and among visiting anglers. And incidentally, I might just take these few weeks to indulge in a little fishing of my own…
Sincerely,
Matt Breuer
July 4, 2010
Summer Run Record in Ryabaga?
Greetings and Happy 4th of July to those of you from the United States of America. We have just rounded out the 6th week of the 2010 season with 16 anglers from South Africa, Scotland, Australia, Belgium, France, Canada, and the United States.
Weather conditions above the Arctic Circle, even in summer, can be tumultuous to say the least. Though temperatures remained comfortable we did have an interesting mix of wind, rain, even a thunder storm. In Russia there is an old adage: “Net plokhoi pagody, est plokhaya odezhda.” Translation: There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Again, steady north winds attempted to hamper nearly three days of our week’s fishing, and though showers wetted our caps, rain did not prevent Geoffrey Mitchell from taking a magnificent hen fish of 24 pounds from the Purnache beat. What’s more, this fish was likely the biggest summer run fish ever caught on Ponoi. Her size suggests that she is a three sea-winter fish. The presence of such a fine summer run fish triggered great curiosity about the event on the whole. Consultation with Dr. Sergey Prusov of “PINRO” (Knipovitch Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography), a former long-time Ryabaga guide, indicates that indeed it is very unlikely that this fish has spawned before, as evidenced by the lack of deep coloration about the head and gill plates. Another notable fish was that taken by Jonathan Aberdein, who landed a 20 pound salmon, the biggest of his storied angling career. Not bad for a young man of only 12 years.
Tomba and Gold Beach were the top producers this last week, and anglers tallied a week-long average of nearly 31 fish landed, with a total closing on 450 fish, and notably larger summer run fish are appearing in the system. The river is at prime level and temperature. Locating the perfect velocity holding water is easily achieved in virtually all areas of the river. Points, seams, rapid heads and tails, riffles, oily water, and windows are all holding salmon. Recent wind events throughout the watershed have the tended to ‘turn over’ the lakes at the headwaters of Ponoi, creating to cloudy water in the river. It is supposed that Ponoi salmon find it more difficult to “breathe” under these conditions and as a result need more coaxing to take a fly. In this case it is advisable to fish a bit deeper, with larger and more brightly colored flies. Several anglers in the week used single-handed rods, notably Serge Dompierre, who casts a single-handed rod with the energy, stamina, and accuracy of most 20-something fly-rodders. Serge never let up for a second, especially the afternoon where his fish count fell behind that of his partner, Louise (nice fishing, Louise).
It was my great pleasure to guide Hugo Marechal. I first guided Hugo on the Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego several years ago, and it seems we are now engaged in a tradition of fishing together one day a year. Hugo is the type of meticulous and thorough angler I truly enjoy fishing with. He and I picked apart the Alexaevsky beat under moderate wind conditions. Our efforts were not hindered as his persistence and patience with the spey rod paid off, and he succeeded in ‘snake-rolling’ from both sides of the boat to complete another successful day on Ponoi.
Sebastian Hope joined us this last week in Ryabaga. Sebastian is the author of Hotel Tiberias, the tale of his family’s storied ownership of a hotel located on the Sea of Galilee in the early part of the 20th century. Sebastian has written widely about his adventures, and will relate his love of travel and fishing in an article about his week in Ryabaga, slated for publication in the Financial Times. We look forward to re-living Sebastian’s Ponoi experience when the article makes its way to print.
All in all, this week was a standout for us at Ryabaga, most notably due to the presence of Geoffrey’s big salmon, but also due to the fine fishing found throughout the river. Though the sun does not always shine over Ponoi, it seems to always shine over Ponoi’s salmon, which proved eager and hard-fighting throughout the river this week. We look forward to the coming weeks, the pleasure of new guests and new friends, and the lingering possibility that in days to come, another record-breaker might be brought to net by a Ryabaga angler.
All The Best,
Matt Breuer
June 28, 2010
Exciting News: Summer Run fish are running strong and big!!!
Purnache beat produced a beautiful, 24 pound multiple-sea-winter, summer run fish, please check photos on the right. Fish like this are truly the fish of a lifetime. Congratulations to Geoffrey and Daniela Podolski!!!
June 27, 2010
More Summer Run Salmon
This week at Ryabaga, anglers saw the Ponoi continue the slow drop that moves the river into summer, and though heavy winds persisted, and two day’s efforts were dampened by colored water, the spirits of our guests remained strong. This discoloration of the river appears and disappears quickly, and though it can prove a bit unnerving, it never puts the fishing off completely. Indeed, a number of fine fish were taken this week, and all anglers were impressed by the quality of their sessions in various beats, though Gold Beach seemed to be a consistent provider, with Falls Creek, Upper Tomba, and Clough Creek not far behind. Ryabaga anglers averaged near 35 fish per rod for the week, with many more summer run fish than in the previous week. Nearly 500 salmon were taken overall. The shooting head craze is continuing to spread like wildfire. Many traditional spey line fishers are finding the distance and castability achieved with the use of boat-equipped spare rods, all outfitted with new Rio AFS shooting heads, to be astounding, and many are making the switch to these shorter, more user-friendly lines. Hot flies this week included Shumikov tubes and Max’s commissioned beauties from a local tyer in St. Petersburg.
All were pleased to notice that though the mosquitoes have begun to appear, they have yet to prove much of a distraction. As summer descends, we find ourselves at the point in the season when the weather is often quite warm. A cool rain shower no longer threatens to soaks one’s fingers to the point of useless numbness, as often occurs in late May or early October, but rather ensures a healthy water level that is the road home for the salmon. River level, after all, ensures the successful passage of Ponoi’s summer and fall runs of salmon. It is the summer run salmon, those currently in the system, that are destined to spawn this fall, giving rise to future stocks of hard-fighting Ponoi fish, and securing the enjoyment of generations of Ryabaga anglers.
It was our pleasure this week to host Jim and Paddy Rossbach. These two certainly know their fishing… from countless trips to all areas of the Rio Grande in Argentina to many weeks spent on Ponoi, their keenness for big sea-run fish never ebbs. Though the pair has experienced some fine weeks at Ryabaga, Jim will not likely forget this year’s tally of 52 fish for the week. Off the water, Jim kindly acted as dealer on two evening’s Texas Hold ‘Em tourneys. He’s obviously spent some time at the poker table, as he’s well schooled in the card shark’s rhetoric. Onlookers throughout the Big Tent were glued to the action as if it were the world series of Poker. Our own Big Dan threatened his favor as he slowly whittled down 3 members of the Amero family.
Though new to Ryabaga, it is clear that the Amero quartet has the Ponoi bug firmly planted. Scott and his father, brother and son spent their first week ever in Ryabaga, and they clearly had a ball from the poker table to the bar, the home pool and the river. Scott was top rod, landing 53 fish for the week, though his efforts were admirably rivaled by Jerry, who incidentally did not attend the poker tourney, as he had to rest from thousands of cast made through the day and on into the evening in the home pool. We look forward to the return of the Amero clan.
Len Smith has made somewhere in the area of 35 trips to Ryabaga. It is always a pleasure to have Len around… such a straight shooter I never have to wonder where I stand in Len’s book (thanks for that, Len). We cannot wait to see you for the Autumn run. We were further impressed by the angling feats of our two Russian guests, Vadim Gomzyakov and Marina Muchinskaya. All enjoyed the lovely cold smoked salmon that head guide Max provided. And who could forget Richard Mellish and Peter Ryan, who had the distinct pleasure of putting in 2 weeks on Ponoi. Those lucky devils certainly collected memories to last a lifetime.
So on goes the season, and the River continues to look lovely. It is weeks such as this that remind me how wonderful life at Ryabaga can be, not only because of the quality of the fishing… it is those nights around camp where friendships are built and stories are shared, all over a few drinks and a game of cards. That is what makes this place so special… then again, all those salmon might have something to do with it too!
Until Next Week,
Matt Breuer
June 20, 2010
First Summer Run Salmon Arrive!
It is the pleasure of a fisherman to arrange his calendar according to the changing seasons as they relate to angling. In my native New England, changes in the season correlate with certain mayfly hatches, runs of spawning trout, or with those times when the flesh of cold-water fish is at it’s sweetest. Here at Ryabaga, nothing quite denotes the onset of the finest summer fishing more than the arrival of the first summer-run fish.
Nearly a week ahead of schedule, anglers at Ryabaga have begun catching summer-run salmon. Many of these salmon have arrived in Ponoi with sea lice still clinging to their flanks, and as sea lice perish quickly in a freshwater environment, we can only assume that these first-run fish are moving up from the White Sea with blistering speed. As for the timing, it seems that the trend for the 2010 season is ‘early’; an early ice-out, followed by a rapid drop in the river to prime fishing level, and now, only week 4, the first summer-run salmon have arrived, eager to ascend the river as they position themselves for the autumn spawn.
The changing season, and certainly the arrival of these summer fish, cannot, however, ensure the incidence of fine summer weather. As far north as we are, conditions are mercurial at best, and it should come as no surprise to the travelling angler that mother nature can proffer the full spectrum of weather conditions, particularly on the remote reaches of the mighty Ponoi. Sloppy conditions were indeed the case on Sunday, the first day of angling Week 4 in Ryabaga. Wind, rain, and cold temperatures attempted to stifle the fervent efforts of our freshly-arrived anglers. Though dreary weather loomed, the team managed nearly 100 salmon for the first day, not a bad tally for what proved the lowest number day of the week. The rest of the week produced fantastic weather and fishing conditions, and the Ponoi held at a perfect rate of flow and level for the use of floating lines and medium-sized double flies. Anglers keen to catch Atlantic salmon with hitched plastic tubes or dry flies found success this last week. Salmon landed for the week totaled 753. Nearly twenty fish over fifteen pounds were taken, and the Kolmac and Tomba beats both fished beautifully. Moreover, the ‘quality’ of the fish taken was superb. These first summer-run fish, even the smaller of the lot, can really get the reels screaming, and many of the week’s sports were impressed by the sheer bravado of the fish taken.
Anglers from Scotland to New Zealand, Latvia to England, the USA to South Africa, combined to compose a pleasant group for our fourth week of the season, 2010. Notable as well were the group of lady fishers that completed the group. As Doreen Douglas put it, “Matt, what will you do when we ‘wags’ have gone?” Well Doreen, I don’t know if I will make it to next year without you and your troupe contributing to a very pleasant air about camp. It was my further pleasure to see that, with the World Cup raging in South Africa, anglers from our represented nations were able to find common ground both on the river and in camp… incidentally, the US side is making a fine showing, is it not?
With week five upon us, the River could not be looking better, and I am encouraged to think that this season at Ryabaga might be one to remember. For those who shared week four with us, it was indeed a pleasure, and for those who have yet to arrive, grease your reels and get your fish-fighting muscles loose… you are in for a treat!
Sincerely,
Matt Breuer
June 13, 2010The Green Bandana:
It seemed that Paul Styles was “green with envy” over the fact that Hugh Curry had enjoyed such success with sizeable fish by day four. Hugh started the week with a 19 pounder in Lower Tomba with Tommy Sordelli on Sunday, and he did not let up - each day Hugh had one or two fish over 15 pounds: two at 18, 3 at 16, a 15, a 14… incredible salmon fishing, no question. And Paul knew it. “Getting old is a real drag,” lamented Paul. It was Thursday night. We were all seated at the table, sipping Russian Standard, Gold Label; Hugh maintained that the taste is much smoother than that of Russian Standard, Original Label, though the others could not tell the difference. As I sat across from Paul, I was amused by the ongoing rhetoric regarding his envy of Hugh’s undying luck.
Paul raised his head in query, wondering about the official American-Canadian-English name for the paisley-patterned green cloth that adorned Hugh’s neck. With great confidence and pride Hugh educated Paul and the other attentive anglers within earshot that the garment was in fact called a “bandana.” As Hugh maintained, since the days of the American cowboy this small, yet useful, piece of cloth has been the salvation of many an outdoorsman. Bandanas, worn about the neck and face, have hidden the identity of cattle rustlers, have shielded the adventurer from the ravages of cold and sun, have soaked the sweat of many a weary traveler. Bandanas have been used, in a pinch, to sling wounded limbs, to sling stones in combat (as in David and Goliath), and to clean the barrels of a shotgun. And for many, the bandana has been worn as a stylish talisman, a totem of good luck. Though Paul’s inquiry was one meant for sake of conversation and light ribbing, it did seem as though Paul had reached the point in his week’s fishing that he was willing to do whatever it took to tie into a larger fish. He seemed to be acquiring a belief in superstition. I asked Paul if he would like a green bandana of his own. He nodded with some reluctance and hesitation. I popped up, stormed to my room, and appeared back at the table with a bandana identical to that of Hugh’s. I stood behind Paul and secured the bandana around his neck, just as my father did when he taught me to tie a Windsor knot. Once the bandana was in place Paul let out quite a loud, “yeeee-haaaww.” Several other cowboy references and jokes were passed, though I could see in Paul’s face that he was quite proud of his new accessory. The next day, Friday, as Paul turned up from his final day of fishing he was quite pleased to report that there might indeed be something magical about the green bandana; he had taken a 20 pound salmon, his largest Atlantic salmon to date.
Week 3, 2010 was indeed a great success with nearly 800 salmon landed, including two of 20 pounds. The variety of technique used last week was broad; many salmon were taken with the use of the S4 shooting heads and large tubes (ie. the Snaelda) in the colors of the German flag, fished deep – this method was a terrific producer. For those who didn’t prefer to fish sinking lines, smaller flies and floating lines were quite successful as well. Fishing on the surface with floating lines and small-ish “hitched” plastic tubes or dry flies skated through the swing was another technique that saw very favorable results. The most popular line used last week was the floating shooting head with a ten foot, medium sink poly-leader. The river is dropping steadily and there is more and more opportunity to fish lighter and closer to the surface. For near-surface work, some longer profiled “long-tailed” doubles worked fine (ie. Long-tailed green Highlander, Cascade, etc). Much of the week was quite cool and windy, though weather did not hamper the spirit and effort of our anglers from Quebec, France, Japan, the UK, the USA, and Russia. Memories of the week abound, from the culinary artistry of Francois Brocard, who produced a delicious salmon dish drizzled with a warm sauce of mustard, black tea, and butter, to the spirit and humor of our French-Canadian fishers, to the late nights sipping cognac by the fire with Sergei Alexeev and his friends. The spirit for which Ryabaga is known was steady and strong this past week. Head Guide, Max Mamaev joined the rotation mid-week, as he has been recovering from an ankle sprain sustained two weeks ago while searching for a frog in the pond outside the banya. Dubbed “Hop-a-long” by Ian Irvine, Max was much too eager to be held in camp any longer.
Ian Irvine’s thoughtful reflection about the great opportunity of fishing for salmon in Ryabaga gave everyone pause… Ian’s orations are always carefully articulated, and masterfully amusing. Ian spoke of the professionalism of the guides, the meticulousness of the house staff, and the engineer-ability of the mechanics. Especially noteworthy, however, was how he spoke of the strength of the Kitchen Staff this year, how the food is as good as it has ever been, and how Natasha and her team are able to accommodate even the trickiest of dietary needs. Thank you, Ian; we look forward to fishing with you, and indeed with each of our Week 3 guests, in the future. It was, to say the least, a memorable week!
Best,
Matt Breuer and the Ryabaga Crew
June 6th, 2010
An outstanding first week in Ryabaga:
Our first anglers were a keen group from the UK and Russia. The Mi8 rotor had hardly come to a stand-still before Dominic Quinlan had landed the first salmon of the season, taken in Home Pool. Notable as well is the fact that Dominic may in fact land the last fish of the season, as he will join us for the week of September 25 –October 2, 2010. Steffan Jones joined us from the UK branch of Frontiers International. Steffan and I first fished together in Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina, on the Rio Grande. He has an insatiable appetite for catching salmon and sea trout, and it is evident in his enthusiasm and skill. I am sure he is equally as single-minded when it comes to recruiting salmon anglers for the future seasons at Ryabaga. Thank you Steffan!
Howard Strowman proved once again to be an incredibly vibrant, active, and humorous member of the group. The staff were covetous of his quiver of electronics; everything from an “IPad” interactive racecar driving game to a state of the art digital, head-mounted HD video camera. Howard and son Max contributed greatly to the salmon count for the week. Max took fish of seventeen and sixteen pounds respectively. I understand that Howard worked very hard at beating his personal record of 150 fish landed for the week, and I’m certain we shall see him next year to reattempt this goal… good luck Howard.
And then there were Victor and his friends… Victor and Sasha ventured downriver into the waters of Lapanyarka and Brevyeni to make the first casts of the season in the lower river. Wonderfully, they encountered very good fishing and many fine salmon in the turbulent water. This experience marked the first run of the Hovercraft this year. Our Hovercraft, or ACV (air cushion vehicle), is unique in that it is a watercraft supported by a cushion of high-pressure air inside a “skirt.” The Hovercraft is unique in its ability to carry anglers to otherwise inaccessible parts of the river system, though the vehicle’s wilderness service makes access to parts and critical maintenance complex. Sergei Zhurin has spent countless hours repairing and replacing systems of the craft to ensure safe and reliable use throughout the season.
At Ryabaga Camp, May 29 to June 5, 2010, the total of salmon landed for the week was 903. Of these, several dozen fish weighed in the high teens. The weather conditions were quite favorable as cool mornings turned into easy days with little wind and rain. The river continued to drop, and water levels were as low as late June levels last year – all in all, the river is in very fine shape. It seems the number of kelts in the system is far lower than in previous years; this is likely due to the record high river level we experienced at ice-out. Water levels reached waist -deep inside our engine storage container, meters above the ordinary riverbank.
All tolled, the first week Ryabaga was one for the books; guests and guides were impressed with both the number and quality of fish caught, and the general feeling about camp was one of great excitement. As we move into the coming week, it is exciting to consider the number of old friends who will be joining us in camp. Perhaps more exciting, however, is the thought of introducing new anglers to this tremendous fishery. The coming months promise more and bigger fish to be enjoyed by all who are lucky enough to join us in Ryabaga. Until we meet on the water, take care!
Sincerely,
Matt Breuer and the PRC Team
May 24, 2010
Can you imagine the feel of the first pull?
I can imagine the feel of the first tug as I trudge down toward the river with Max. As we speak, my mind wanders away from our conversation, and I find myself daydreaming of that familiar feeling, the long-awaited pull of the season’s first salmon. I quickly snap out of it as I realize that Max is talking to me about early-season salmon fishing on Ponoi, a subject that he is truly an expert on. He explains how the first few fish he landed, two nights before, he took with a full-sink shooting head, and how he is now determined to take a salmon closer to the surface. He adds that, in his view, the water speed and level are such that surface fishing might not be such a peculiar idea.
Max turns the key on the 40 hp Mercury jet drive, and the smell of two stroke exhaust fills my nostrils. We back out of the boat ramp at Ryabaga, as the moorage has not yet been secured in place for the season. Max turns open the throttle on an upriver course. We run for a minute or two and then abruptly power down. I turn back to see Max waving his hand at me, as he has the idea sooner than the words, he shouts over the rumble of the cylinders and flywheel,
“Matt you drive, I want to change lines on one rod.”
I quickly take position and apply power, motoring ahead, full-steam toward the mouth of the Purnache River. Max spools his entire shooting head off the reel and out through the end of the rod into the river behind the powerful wash of the Mercury engine. He then extracts a full floating head from his pocket fixed with a fast-sink, 10-foot leader. Once the line is looped in place and wound back on the reel he threads the 20lb Maxima leader material through the head of one of his beautiful orange and yellow tube flies. The fly is thoughtfully crafted, with a bit of palmered hackle in front of the cone-head and a long tail of bucktail and stripped hackle stalks. The fly looks to be one part traditional salmon tube, one part Hakan Norling influence, and one part Max-Mamaev-deadly-effective. The salmon hook is a size 8 Michael Frodin Salar Double, a hook Max describes as one that seldom “lets go.”
We approach the bank, river right, anchor the boat and take up our rods. Max tells me to move downstream, allowing him adequate space to begin fishing behind me. As I strip line from my reel and prepare to make my first cast I turn to look upstream… Max is standing on the stern deck of the boat, his salmon rod fully flexed and a salmon taking line. Max never ceases to amaze; he is truly a professional angler and guide. It is not long before I pull myself together enough to get my fly just 5 or 6 meters into the current, just into the glide where the salmon surely lay off the drop of the bank. I am receiving little plucks and takes, probably from grayling, trout, and sea trout. A few more casts and I have the distinctive feel of that first good salmon take, where line is pulled through my rod hand’s index and middle fingers, and just as quickly the fish is off and the line goes limp. I know that my next pull will hold. Max shouts down to me that he is going to try a dry fly. I know this will work, not because I know the conditions, or because I know these fish, but because I know Max. Once he has changed tips and flies, he is back in the water and I hear, close behind me, the noise of boils and slashes, followed by Max’s cheers, and curses at fish that have offered but have not taken hold. I begin to feel that expectation that hums inside every angler: When am I going to connect? I patiently press on, varying my technique from a slow retrieve to an erratic strip to just letting the fly swing in the current. I then make another long straight cast well into the current. The fly begins to swing, I mend downstream to give the fly a bit more velocity and angle. Just as I am about to strip in for the next cast I connect. The take is such that I have no time to react, I just come tight with a raise of the rod and the fish begins taking line. After a moderate fight Max winds in to come take a look at what I have at my knees in the water in front of me. We admire the beautiful cock fish, snap a picture to submit to the higher-ups as proof of our pre-season test-fishing efforts, and release him so that he may procreate this autumn.
In my mind I think I can imagine the first pull, but after I release my first Ponoi salmon, I know that nothing can quite compare to the real thing!
Matt Breuer
Current Conditions in Ryabaga:
Date: Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
Time: 1300 local time
Snow Pack (in RYA): No Snow
Temperature: 20 celsius
Skies: Clear and Sunny
River Condition: Free Flowing
The Ryabaga mechanic team departed on May 11 for camp. Upon arrival Sergei Zhurin reported significantly less snow than last year, and broken ice floes gliding freely along the banks of the swollen Ponoi. This bodes well for our first spring week, beginning on May 29.
Murmansk has been enjoying sunny days with temperatures reaching the low to mid twenties, Celsius. Unseasonably warm temperatures give cause for the local citizenry to turn up at day’s end in the streets, sipping from cold bottles of beer, driving around without a bit of glass between their vehicles and the balmy outside air. This vision throughout Murmansk gives us the strong feeling that we will soon experience the sensation of Ponoi salmon at the end of our lines… Just as the winter was fierce, spring has sprung a bit earlier than average.
It is impossible to ignore the sun, blue skies, and warm temperatures any longer.
See you on May 29!!
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Operations Manager
March 30th, 2010.
Spring is rapidly approaching ...
As I sit here at my desk in Montpelier, Vermont, it is hard to suppress the agony of a fishless winter. I miss the days when I'd wade the Ponoi, stripping line from my reel, letting fly with the big 13 footer to swing a long cast through the current. In my memory, a red cone head "flamethrower" turns over, sinks gently, and twitches to life as the current takes the line. I am sure to raise a salmon from the dark water. It occurs to me on these winter mornings how powerful my Ponoi memories are, and how they differ from the memories of my home rivers of Vermont. The swing of a fly through the Ponoi's cold water carries with it unlimited possibility, the hope of a bright salmon on the take. Far different was my optimism as I waded my local Winooski river in March, knowing, as I slapped the ice from my guides, that I'd be hard pressed to stir one of the trout that hung at the riverbed. Nor was I blind to the irony that no salmon would see my swung streamer, as the Winooski had long been dammed, and the native salmon who'd navigated her waters had disappeared into distant memory.
I must admit that these daydreams of the Ponoi threaten to keep me from the array of responsibilities that make the coming season possible. This winter I've been moving at "full-tilt-boogy", juggling the demands of phone calls, e-mails, packing, shipping, coordinating, and speculating that, in the end, allow me to spend my summer months in the finest salmon fishery in the world. Nonetheless, as I stand at the brink of embarking on my second season as Ryabaga Camp Manager, I am barely able to suppress my excitement. The Kola beckons me, and deep in my heart I cannot wait to get back to Russia.
Preparations in Murmansk have been underway since the close of the 2009 season. Steve, Sveta, Sasha, Julia, Sergei, Peter, Olga and Natasha have all been continuously communicating through various modalities; phone, skype, e-mail, IM, and so on, coordinating the acquisition of fuel, food, supplies, employees, work visas, and on and on. The efforts of this team will ensure that not one detail is overlooked.
Living and working in Murmansk is not without its challenges. The commute to work in this city, above the arctic circle, is not easy during the dead of winter. Darkness consumes the midwinter, and only in late March does the prospect of another spring rise above the horizon. Temperatures reach levels that freeze un-covered skin, and in order to walk or drive outdoors it is compulsory to dig, push, pull, shovel, and tunnel through the frozen city. The 2010 winter was no exception, and Murmansk was buried under a colossal amount of snow, purportedly one of the heaviest snowfalls since the late 1800's!!
As preparations for the season buzz back and forth between the US and Russia, the Ponoi creeps quietly through another winter. Sergei Zhurin journeyed to Ryabaga on March 6 (check the pics on our photo gallery) traveling in a post WWII armored vehicle over some 400 kilometers of frozen tundra to deliver fuel to the camp. Upon arrival to Ryabaga he found a squinty-eyed Orehov (the winter caretaker) and his friendly canine companions, who have meticulously cared for and protected Ryabaga from all that a Russian winter at the end of the Kola may dole out.
Soon, Northern Russia will shake itself free of ice, and the water of the Ponoi will again whisper promises of salmon. The Ryabaga crew is ready to convene once again. From Argentina and Murmansk, the USA and Denmark, St. Petersburg and Umba, Moscow and Krashnochelye, Lovozero and Appaitity, these men and women are all eagerly awaiting the end of May when they will shovel off the paths, dig out tent platforms, run water pipes, un-board buildings, raise the "big" tent, stoke the sauna, and completely prepare Ryabaga for what promises to be another great season of salmon fishing on Ponoi. We fully intend to make the 2010 season at Ryabaga one for the record books.
All the best,
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
October 12, 2009
Another end to a great season!
What a season it has been at Ponoi Ryabaga Camp! With 2008 being an exceptional season we knew we had to work hard to raise our standards for 2009, and we did!
The world turmoil turned this season into one of the most challenging seasons we have had since 2001 just after the 9/11 events. We knew what we were facing and we reacted accordingly, in full cooperation with Frontiers, listening to every guest expectations.
The new season brought along new blood to Ryabaga Camp. Matthew Breuer from the US took the role of Camp Manager together with Annie Binning also from the US, as his right hand. The new members had a challenging position and a hard learning curve, but all this was made easier by the time and dedication put in to this process by PRC Senior Advisor, Tarquin Millington Drake. Both Matt and Annie were great additions to the already excellent existing team; both of their performances have been outstanding since they set foot in camp.
With a mild winter the fishing kicked off steady and strong, nice temperatures and good river height made things look great. June came along with lots of well-known Ponoi friends and with them big numbers. The 900+ fish a week was right up to Ponoi’s reputation.
Days became longer and temperatures started rising to welcome our strong summer
run. At this time our guests could enjoy catching lots of fish but also fresh sea lice fish.
Camp was very busy and things were going well.
In order to bring Ryabaga to the next level of service we needed to upgrade some of our facilities and this was accomplished during late July and early August. A newly renovated kitchen, storage and washing area were completed and ready by the time guests started arriving again in August. The staff and guests alike enjoyed the new facilities for the rest of the season. Head Chef Denis Dmitrovsky and his outstanding kitchen staff especially enjoyed creating their fantastic meals in the renovated kitchen. River tents were upgraded with wooden floors and stairs to make it easier to access. Ryabaga buildings went through a full renovation and facelift, staff facilities to serve the Guest House were completed and the foundation for the new sauna “Russian Banya” started.
August is always exciting and anxiously awaited; this is the time when our fall run makes it to the river. In 2009 we promoted a week to bring new guests to the sport and to enjoy the privilege of landing an Atlantic Salmon. The Salmon Academy Week was a big success and we believe we have created some crazy-keen Salmon fishermen. We are delighted to be able to run it again in 2010. Late August was the time for the big ones to show up and they did not disappoint! Our big fish guide Sergey Bistrov netted a chrome 28 lbs, and many others followed the lead and pushed the scale to 25, 22 and several other times over 20. The season ended with excellent fishing, good weather conditions and fresh fish running strong. Even on the last hours of the season, 17, 18 and 21 pound fresh fish were landed just minutes from camp.
Many weeks, many speeches from our new and old Ponoi friends, rotations, fires and reports went by and the time came again for the 2009 season to come to a close. But most importantly many enjoyable moments with friends were had, and isn’t this the real meaning of a fishing trip? It is now time to let our fish rest, recover and make more fish for 2010.
I would like to give special thanks to all members of the Ponoi family, friends, parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, wives, husbands, sons, daughters, Ilya Sherbovich for his permanent guidance, all of our Murmansk office staff, Sveta, Olga, Natasha, Julia, Peter and Sasha, without whom this successful season would have not been possible. Thank you to all Frontiers staff, UK and US offices and to everyone that supports us in this lifestyle we have chosen, and for allowing us to enjoy the best job in the world. I would also like to thank all of our loyal and devoted guests for their unconditional support. Thank you.
My very best to all of you and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2010,
Steve Estela.
PRC CEO
October 11, 2009
UNTIL 2010…
I have had the good fortune of working in a few of the finest fishing camps in the world and Ryabaga Camp is no exception. In fact, I feel as though I have reached the top in my career in the fly fishing industry. My first season at Ponoi has been a blur of fervent activity. From the time I arrived in camp mid-May to the last days of my time there on the 7th of October, I have learned an enormous amount about how duties are carried out in this salmon camp above the Arctic Circle. Taking the reins of this team was not an easy task… being charged with leading a staff that has devoted their lives to the production of this pursuit of salmon, one might think it can run itself. I continue to be impressed with the staff of Ryabaga who are all so motivated to produce the best results possible in any task they tackle; whether running a saw mill, tending bar, repairing cylinders on an outboard, refurbishing a refueling station, preparing a guest’s tent, setting a table, cleaning a fish and preparing a shore lunch, or producing a meal for more than 50 people, the list goes on and on. These staff members of Ryabaga obviously understand what it means to put their best foot forward and take on a job without hesitation. The infrastructure required to produce the quality of experience had by guests of PRC is almost unfathomable. The PRC team is a veritable army of people all working to continue the traditions built here on the right bank of the Ponoi River, just below the Ryabaga –The finest Atlantic salmon camp in the world.
One very crucial branch of the Ponoi River Co. must be recognized. The crew who work “behind the scenes” –these are the people who contribute so much of their workday lives to ensure that every aspect of Ponoi’s Ryabaga Camp is properly booked, staffed, equipped, outfitted, accounted for, managed, and working like the well-oiled machine that indeed it is. In the Murmansk office there are two key fellows whose responsibilities are to supply Ryabaga with an inordinate amount of supplies. Sasha and Peter receive an order from the camp every Sunday by midday. They then begin the task of assembling some 4000 different items compiled on the Ryabaga order form. By Thursday, every item is purchased, counted out, packaged, moved and loaded onto the MI8 helicopter in Lovozoro, then delivered to Ryabaga by 1900 hrs on Thursday evening. Their work is monumental, without their organization and diligence Ryabaga would not work the way it does. Other very important positions in our Murmansk office are that of Olga our chief accountant, Julia our very prudent office administrator, and Natasha equally detail oriented in the production of permits, licenses, visas, and other mandatory documentation. Thank you all very much for all the hard work you do.
CEO and Managing Director Steve Estela watches over the entire team. His some 15 years experience in the industry, infallible ability to track information and details, and exceptional interest in Ponoi River Company’s success, makes him the perfect match for his position. General Director, Sveta Kudrina, is a tireless force in Murmansk, her duties never seem to end as she coordinates a seemingly insurmountable amount of details bridging the gap between Russian and western relationships involved with the many aspects of running such an intricate operation. Rest assured if there is a mistake somewhere, Sveta would find it. On behalf of the entire team here at Ryabaga, I would like to thank you both very much for your hard work and support.
For those of you who have followed along this season we wish you good fishing wherever you choose to cast your fly for sport fishes. It is now time to say goodbye to another amazing season on the Ponoi. Cheers, and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
September 27, 2009
Week 18 September 19 - 26, 2009
LAST WEEK of 2009 SEASON
Ryabaga Camp was enjoyed by Ponoi River Co. owner Ilya Sherbovich and a group of Ponoi friends from Russia, the UK and the USA. The group enjoyed every aspect of our magical corner of the Kola Peninsula. In addition to salmon fishing they enjoyed mushroom, and berry picking, long lunches and even wildlife viewing. A few of the guests even spotted a brown bear crossing the mouth of the Purnache River. We also witnessed a bull moose foraging on speckled alder bark, and our friend vulpes, vulpes (the red fox) searching the territory for any small fur-bearing morsel. While all these critters prepared for winter, we enjoyed unseasonably warm weather adding further to our enjoyment of this untrammeled river. Sergei Zhurin piloted our hovercraft with several anglers who opted to give the spey rod a rest for the day. To the White Sea they ventured for an expedition exploring historical sites along the Ponoi. They visited the Ponoi Village cemetery and museum of collected artifacts of Alex Niederezov, our village caretaker. The crew then ventured another 14 km to the confluence of the Ponoi and the White Sea, truly a sight to behold.
The success of the fishing this week raises the question: Should we add another week to the season? Michael Cohrs fished 4 hours on Wednesday, all day Thursday and Friday, and 3 hours on Saturday, to bring 35 fish to the boat, masterfully demonstrating to the Russian anglers just how it is done. Michael's Friday fishing session was with Steve Estela, PRC CEO and Managing Director. They tied with 17 bright fish each for the day, and an overall score of 34 fish on the 25th of September. One hundred percent of these fish were fall run fish, many having sea lice, remarkable to say the least. Very strong fishing lasted to the very end. In the last hours of the week on Saturday morning, Peter Fedorov caught and released a 21 pound cock fish, his partner Sergei also landed a beauty of a salmon weighing in at 17 pounds. Earlier in the week, Katya and Dima Chekalkin both landed phenomenal fish each, Dima with a 21 pound cock and Katya an 18 pound fish. Our commander in chief, Ilya, fulfilled a longtime dream of landing a nice fall run fish in late September on a floating line and a dry fly. He accomplished this by landing a 13 pound salmon. Over the course of this week 14 anglers collectively landed nearly 60 fish in the 13 - 18 pound range. This is as fantastic as Atlantic salmon fishing can get. No angler will find the amount of fresh fish of such great size this late in the season, on any other river in the world.
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
September 20, 2009
Week 17 September 12 - 19, 2009
THE GRAND FINALE
Well, the Ponoi has done it again! John MacMillan of the USA landed his personal best Ponoi Salmon on September 17, 2009. The fish took John's very own, hand tied "Gary Dog," a predominately orange patterned fly tied on a 1.5 inch brass tube. The 25 pound fresh autumn run cock fish took the fly in a depth of water not more than two feet, made several blistering runs, and never broke the surface of the water until it was lifted to the net of guide Koyla Balyaev. This is, yet one more fresh fish exceeding 21 lbs over the course of the 2009 season. Is Ponoi harboring the genetics of more and more of these large Atlantic Salmon?
John took the reins during our Friday night recognition of gratitude of our diligent staff. His kind words paid homage to the efforts of the kitchen, mechanic team, pilots and guides. He then proceeded to tell us of the importance of the entire experience our guests have, not just caching fish. As easily as his perspective on the matter may have been skewed by his recent extraordinary catch, I believe that his more than 23 trips to the Ponoi gives him the right to take a stand on any issue dealing with salmon fishing, be it technique, theory, or numbers. Thank you very much for your perspective John. You truly are a salmon fisher of note.
One of the many favorite guests of Ryabaga is a man called Ian Irvine. This week was Ian's second week at Ryabaga this season. I met Ian in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina several years ago, and since have quietly been amused by his personal rule in regard to his fishing preferences he festooned upon me in his quiet english accent, those years ago. "Matt, my rule is simple: Each of the elements begins with the letter ‘W', they are as follows, I don't like walking, I don't like wading, and I don't like wind." Much to my chagrin, this week I had to pull over in the Hallway beat, on my return from a trip upriver, to see if my eyes were deceiving me. What I thought I had seen was Mr. Irvine wading over his knees in water. I hadn't yet set the anchor when Ian had tied into a salmon... so I suppose there are exceptions to the rules. For some reason the Ponoi has a reputation as an unfriendly wading river, when in fact the river level at this time is very good for wading many places such as the famous Tomba Beach, Hourglass Beach, Gold Beach, etc. There are also numerous shallow bars, shoals, and islands existing mid river, with small gravel that are very suitable for wade fishing. Many fish have been taken in the weeks past while wading the Ponoi.
Ryabaga Camp was pleased to welcome back Senior Advisor, Tarquin Millington-Drake. This week Tarquin hosted a group of long-time clients of Frontiers and Ryabaga Camp. These are guests who enjoy fishing the Ponoi year after year, summer and autumn, for salmon fishing that is unmatched by any other river in the world. His work in Frontier's UK office has been very influential in reserving the majority of rods fished here at Ryabaga with Ponoi River Co. I would like to thank Tarquin, Mollie Fitzgerald, Mr. Cooper, Mark Hewetson-Brown, Justin Staal, and all of the other staff in Frontier's US and UK offices, for all the work they produce at Frontiers. All of us here at Ryabaga are indebted to the exceptional service you bestow upon our guests. This past week marked the final week of Frontier's clientele for 2009, in Ryabaga - we all look forward to the next season. Members of the Ryabaga team also bid a sad farewell to Annie Binning, our Assistant Manager. Annie did an excellent job working with the camp staff in the production of all aspects of the Ryabaga program - Thank you Annie!
The standings for Week 17 are as follows: 532 Salmon landed, 332 autumn run fish, average of 27 fish per rod. The first three days were quite difficult, attributed to high winds toward the end of the previous week. As a result we experienced murky waters and troublesome fishing. As the river cleared over the middle of Week 17, our catches for the last three days exceeded 100 fish per day. What a high note on which to finish the week!
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
September 13, 2009
Week 16, September 5-September 12, 2009
PONOI LEGENDS ARRIVE
Ryabaga Camp had the good fortune of welcoming many old friends this week. Len Smith of Scotland and Jane Stewart of England have fished Ryabaga since the beginning, it is a pleasure to host these two vivacious anglers for two consecutive weeks. Paul Davidson was back for a second week as well. Evidently Paul’s salmon fishing does not stop with just an early summer week on the Ponoi. It takes some fall run silver to quench his piscatorial thirst. Giles Chapman and father Robert might possibly be the most gracious duo I have encountered in all my years in the industry. I suppose the extra birthday party may have been a contributing factor! I cannot wait to fish with you again next year.
Alex Kojaev, former guide and manager at Ryabaga, paid us a one night visit while on his way down river for his autumn moose hunt. Alex is now retired from serving as Head of Hunting District I in the Saint Petersburg region. He is a monumental player in the history of Ryabaga Camp, as he attended a fishing show in the United States some years ago (circa 1990) where he was introduced to Tim Rajeff and Gary Loomis. This meeting spawned Alex’s idea to locate a camp at the confluence of the Ryabaga and Ponoi Rivers. Prior to this innovation the camp was located at the confluence of the Pacha and Ponoi Rivers. This change of venue gave PRC the most strategic positioning on the greatest salmon river in the world.
It was my very great pleasure to share some time with Victor Sherbovich, Ilya’s father, both on and off the river. Victor and I were first introduced on the Rio Grande in Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina, during the winter of 2005. This week brought another great ten days with Victor here on the Ponoi. Victor, we all await fishing with you again next spring. Thank you for your great company.
We also welcomed back Boris Machnev. It is amazing to see how delighted people are when this guy steps off the MI8. Boris is a reserve guide and our indispensible Yamaha and Mercury engine specialist. Andrei Federov was also re-incarnated from the archives of “Ponoi Greats”. We threw him head first into the fire of the guide pool, having not seen the river since 2003, and well, he has not failed to produce the type of day on the river that he was formerly known for so well, by so many guests here at Ryabaga.
The weather this week was particularly windy, though it did not seem to dampen our catch rates significantly. It is also a warmer-than-usual autumn. We have not yet experienced a hard frost in the morning, though I imagine it is rapidly approaching. The fishing was excellent! For the week: 585 fish landed, 382 bright fish landed (65% of the total are bright fish!), and 18 fish of 15 pounds or greater. On Friday, Andrea Salsi landed a beautiful bright cock fish of 18 pounds with guide, “Big Fish” Bistrov. Sergei, keep them coming. It is important to note that the 18 lb fresh fish was taken in “Kolmac,” our furthest upstream beat. Many anglers have the idea that they must be very close to the sea in order to round up the fresh runners, however, this is not the case. The top beats for the week were “Hourglass”-one third of the way from Ryabaga to the sea, and “Kolmac”- our furthest upstream beat.
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
September 6, 2009
Week 15, August 29-Sept 5, 2009
YOU SPOT ‘EM, YOU GOT ‘EM!
The strength and pulling power of an Atlantic salmon is extraordinary! As I was fortunate enough to make a few casts alongside Richard Ackerman, I joined Richard and his Argentine friends Beto Cordero and Federico Zapata, for a day of fishing. We fished hard until lunch, witnessing countless numbers of fresh fish moving upstream. The action, though seemingly slow, was thrilling when a fish took the fly.
The fish appear to be moving upriver at a blistering pace. While Max and Sergei Bistrov found favorable results in the furthest downstream beats last week (Hard Curve and Lapanyarka), the most productive beats this week were further upstream (Kolovai and Purnache). We caught good numbers of salmon in these beats, a large percentage of which were fresh, autumn run fish. Fish with sea lice were caught this week with great regularity in Kolmac, some 100 km upstream of the sea. These fish are obviously on a mission. The stats for the week are as follows: 390 salmon landed for the week, 233 of which were fall run or bright fish. Eighty one fish over ten pounds were caught, and seven over 15 pounds. Stats for the week this year have exceeded the stats for last year. This year: Week 15 average catch per rod was nearly 25 salmon, that is four more than 2008. The average weight is up as well.
I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to make my living in the company of Salmon fishers. How many people get to wake up each day at the helm of a ship that provides luxurious accommodation, fine food and drink, and, most notably, the finest Atlantic salmon fishing in the world? The reward is the company of the kind of angler that ventures to Ponoi to experience the sheer strength of an Atlantic salmon, while learning the secrets, spots, and techniques unique to the exceptional Ponoi. Sure, this is work, but to be able to prepare steaks, cork a bottle of wine, and converse on the clock beside a fire among friends seems almost too good to be true.
Ian and Alan Muir, two brothers, kept catch statistics for the group quite high this week. While this was Ian's fourth trip to Ponoi, Alan was new to the river. Both attribute their success a lucky draw in the beat rotation. I disagree. These two fished with prodigious fervor, enthusiasm and skill. The Ponoi is currently boiling with bright salmon just entering the river. Each drop of the anchor lays witness to fish splashing, rolling, jumping, and running. Though the fish are not always willing to take the fly, persistence certainly pays dividends. Ian frequented the home pool through the week, and each time--morning and evening--he turned up salmon. I admire his persistence.
E. Richard Nightingale of New Jersey, author of Atlantic Salmon Chronicles, Also joined us this week with his son Rick from Iowa. Rick progressed rapidly into the art of casting and catching salmon with a spey rod. No doubt his father's book was an invaluable reference prior to Rick picking up a spey rod. Not only is Richard's book a complete reference on techniques and tactics for catching Atlantic salmon, it also an important channel of information and education of a critical, though sadly diminishing resource. Opposite the title page of Atlantic Salmon Chronicles, the dedication reads: "This book is dedicated to my grandsons, Joseph, Peter, Keenan, and Connor. The Atlantic salmon crisis is but a small window on the future of our planet. It's your planet now, boys. Husband it well."
Richard, thank you for your work and contribution to the conservation of these glorious fish we all gather to catch, admire, respect, and release. It was an honor to fish with you, and every other guest this week.
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
August 30, 2009
Week of August 22-29, 2009
HOW ABOUT SOME GREAT FISHING?
There is no doubt about the satisfaction felt by the anglers who travel to the Kola Peninsula every year to fish the Ponoi River. As fall approaches we are now beginning to find out that a medium or fast sink tip affixed to a floating shooting head, fished with a 2 inch or slightly larger tube fly is working wonders on these fall run beauties. The fresh salmon are quite keen on taking a fly swung fast or stripped a bit. When you hook up you’d better hang on!
As many of you know already, last week two notably fine fish were landed on the Ponoi. The first was a 28 pound fall run cock fish. This fish was landed in Lapinyarka beat by Orazio Gatti of Italy. Guide Sergei Bistrov masterfully maneuvered his boat to the bank, river right, where they were able to land the fish with greater ease and chance of success; rather than trying to land such a fish while the vessel is on the anchor, thereby requiring the angler to fight the fish to near exhaustion and lift the fish through heavy current to the guide’s net. Once on the bank the fish was carefully landed, photographed, and released to continue on to his home water, where he will pass on the incredible genetic map that contributed to his being such a creature of incredible strength. The second remarkable fish for the week was another very fresh, very powerful, bright fall run fish of 22 pounds, landed by Caroline Taylor of New Brunswick, Canada. Caroline, an accomplished and experienced salmon fisher, was able to push her tackle to the limit as she quickly and effectively fought the fish to the net of guide Sergei Bistrov. Fall Run fish appeared throughout the beats this week. These fall run fish are generally moving very fast through the river. Many sea-liced fish were caught in our furthest upstream beats.
The sixteen anglers of the group, primarily repeat Ponoi anglers, enjoyed the thrill of catching a sum total of 160 fall run fish. Total catch for the week was 364 salmon, 75 fish over ten pounds, 12 fish of 15 pounds or greater, and 2 fish over 20 pounds.
I would like to express a warm “Thank you,” to Scott and Sunny Boley who so gracefully facilitated the ground breaking celebration of Max and Lena’s wedding to be held in October. Scott pulled me aside on Wednesday evening and requested that I have 3 cases of champagne flown in on the following day’s supply helicopter. Friday evening we toasted to the official union of one of Ryabaga’s favorite couples… Max and Lena, Congratulations!
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
August 26, 2009
Mid week report, excellent news!!!
After a tough week due to heavy rain and a rising river, conditions are improving by the day. The fresh fall run fish are now running steady in good numbers and size.
Take a look at this 28 lbs. beauty landed by our guest Orazio Gatti from Italy.
Check your leaders!!!
See you soon,
Steve Estela.
Week 13
Week of August 15-22, 2009
Forging Traditions and Friendships
During our final supper this past week at Ryabaga, Ken so eloquently affirmed that new friendships were forged during this past week of fishing. The usual gratitude was applied to the professionally attentive group of guides, talented team of mechanics, chefs and of course the ever-present appreciation for the full group of anglers that keep us all gainfully employed during this tense economic climate. However, until Ken played a spoon against his wine glass, taking a stand to address the group, nothing had been mentioned about the new friendships that were taking hold between this fantastically vibrant group of men.
Ten of the twenty anglers came from Argentina, where the majority of their fishing is performed with a single-handed fly rod. These fellows embarked on a journey half way around the world to join the ranks of the Atlantic salmon anglers of Western Europe. The other half of the week’s composition of anglers did not have to travel as far, as they came from the UK and Ireland. The European team, all quite well practiced in the art of casting and fishing with a double handed rod, showed no quarter to the count of fish taken in this manner of angling in comparison to the persistent efforts of our southern hemisphere team and their mode of taking fish with a single handed rod. These 20 men shared fantastic repartee in such areas relative to sports of football, fishing with fly on single handed rod or double, shooting, be it for dove or driven grouse, or the production of beef, Hereford or Aberdeen Angus, or even the origin of a sea-run brown trout. Regardless of the banter, whichever the argument, we here in Ryabaga are sure to find members of both parties united again for many years to come.
Though conditions were difficult, as we experienced nearly three days of steady rain just before and during the Saturday arrival of our week, all anglers eagerly took to the river with the hope of taking a fall run salmon. Perhaps we did not break any records this week, but the immeasurable degree of success was felt throughout the camp as digital cameras were passed back and forth to illustrate what is so special about the Ponoi River. The stats for the week: 270 fish for the week, 44 bright fish, 42 fish of ten pounds or greater and five fish of 15 pounds or greater.
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
Monday 17th, August
2009 First Fall run....!!!!
We are very happy to announce Ryabaga Camp anglers are now enjoying the thrill of the fall run coming strong throughout the river.
On Sunday August 16th Hard Curve beat produced a beauty of 14 lbs together with 4 more chrome fish.
Excellent news for the days and weeks to come!!!
Please take a look at the picture of this perfect example of a bright fall run salmon.
Tight lines, see you soon
Steve Estela & Matt Breuer
Friday, August 14th
Lets get going !!!!!
Ryabaga has undergone a major overhaul during the last three and a half weeks. The kitchen received a complete renovation of the floor, added and replaced floor timbers, including re-leveling and resurfacing. A new addition was erected off of the kitchen for the dishwashing, and storage of dry goods, chill and freeze goods. New laundry and bathroom facilities have also been installed. The entire project has been masterfully crafted by our team of builders Sasha, Sergei, and Boris, and our mechanic team, equally. Remarkably, all of the lumber for the construction has been expertly milled on site by our team of skilled mechanics. For three weeks, nearly all hours of the day, Sergei Suriadov and Sergei Shemyakin operated two chainsaw mills. The transformation of pine and fir saw logs into usable lumber is quite an impressive process to witness.
Koyla Balyaev, PRC guide, put the finishing touches on the Brevyeni Camp facilities. Brevyeni’s dining tent has been transformed into a permanent free-standing structure with a visually interesting surrounding deck and sky lit windows that wash the room in natural light. New quarters have been built to house the guide team and kitchen staff. 2010 will see Brevyeni operating up to Ponoi River Company’s uncompromising standards.
On Wednesday night the silence our camp has experienced in these weeks of late was broken by the bite of the MI8 rotor blades as it slowly descended on the Ryabaga helipad. The rest of the staff has returned, refreshed, from a holiday of camping, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. The kitchen, camp staff and the guide team are all primed for the second half of the 2009 season, all very well rested and excited to be back in camp. It is excellent to see such eagerness in the faces of our trusted team.
Above the arctic circle, 68 degrees North Latitude, round-the-clock light is beginning to wane. Colder temperatures will soon thwart the efforts of the ever persistent mosquitoes. Soon the banks of the Ponoi will be blanketed with the golden beauty of the paper birch leaves as they are transformed from their summer greenery. This is the period when our strongest, most consistent run of salmon ascend the Ponoi. The Ryabaga Guide Team is “chomping at the bit” to introduce our second-half lineup of anglers to the hard fighting antics of the fall run Salmon.
See You Soon,
Steve Estela & Matt Breuer
PD: At the time this note was been posted a good number of fresh fish have been spotted running strong up river!!!!!!!!
July 19, 2009
Super 7!!!!
7 Super weeks are coming to an end.
Running a fishing lodge the size and caliber of Ryabaga in the wild Russian Tundra is a big challenge and 2009 was no exception. Matt and Annie had outstanding performances as new Manager and Assistant Manager, both learning and accomplishing a lot in a very little amount of time. They have raised Ryabaga’s standards to a new level of service and attention to detail.
The fishing has been superb! More than 4,500 Atlantic Salmon have been landed in this period with the help of our skillful guests and expert advice from our unique team of guides. This makes an astonishing average of 42 fish per rod! This has also made our scientific program another big success by tagging 1,000 fish in just weeks. Thank you to our guide staff for a great job! We have also had success with our 2 guard outposts situated in the mouth of the Ponoi and Kolmac tributary. The guards continue to enforce regulations by making our boundaries trouble free.
During this first part of the season, the Ryabaga Guest House hosted two groups, one of top local authorities and another one of old time friends combined with new Ponoi legends. Evenings around the Guest House fireplace were a bonus to exceptional fishing days. As quoted by Ilya Sherbovich, Ponoi owner, “Steve!! I don’t want to leave, this is too good to be true….”
July brought good news together with a strong summer run giving our anglers the joy of catching sea lice fish. Soon, August will be here and with it our strong fall run fish, lots of screaming reels and busy guides. Certainly something to look forward to!
Now it is time to give our river a little rest and catch up with some important building projects to keep improving the Ryabaga experience.
See you soon.
Best,
Steve Estela
Week 8
Week of July 11 to July 18, 2009
What a River!!
The week started out a bit slow in comparison with the past weeks of the 2009 season, in Ryabaga. However, this week turned out to be a good week by our standards here on the Ponoi, and a by far a much higher than average week as far as any Atlantic Salmon angler is concerned, anywhere in the world. Weather conditions were fickle at the beginning of the week; ever-changing air temperatures from very warm to cool, skies overcast to sunny. Water temperatures followed suit, up and down over a short period of time, spanning from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. These rapidly changing conditions tend to exacerbate the challenge of Atlantic salmon. Water level dropped slowly at the beginning of the week, slowing even more with the onset of intermittent rain showers through the rest of the week.
Salmon landed for week 8: 374 for 14 Rods, an average of 27 salmon per rod.
It is something else to see what two long time members of the Ponoi Family can add to atmosphere of the big tent. By far our best bar patrons, Paul and Michael of Ireland are a real testament to the joy of friendship combined with a longstanding fishing tradition. It is to these two gentleman’s credit that we started the week off with a Saturday night party that nearly eliminated one day of fishing. The entire camp was motivated by the antics of these two. Thank you gentlemen. If nothing else you have earned-- with honors-- an “Accommodation of Spirit”.
The group of eight anglers from France was a pleasure; they fished hard through the week, cheerfully accepting less than favourable conditions and results during their first three days of fishing. By the end of the week, the numbers had shaped up enough to call it excellent. It is with great enthusiasm that I would like to congratulate David for taking advantage of all that the home pool has to offer. Purportedly one of the greatest spots on the river, Ryabaga Camp home pool is a prime stretch of the Ponoi spanning approximately 1000 meters from the downstream moorage of the camp to the mouth of the Ryabaga River upstream. The site was chosen as the Ponoi River Company’s oldest and largest camp in 1991 by Gary Loomis, the now famous producer of fine graphite single handed and Spey rods. The Ryabaga Camp Home Pool is ideal habitat for holding and spawning salmon due to the water velocity and temperature which is regulated by two nearby tributaries: Purnache and Ryabaga.
Jonathan, from the UK, experienced his first trip to Ryabaga Camp, a trip, I am sure he will remember for a long time to come. Jonathan fished with Pete, father of Steve and Jon. The trio live in the US. Pete has been to the Ponoi many times, his sons experienced the first of, possibly, many visits. Jon and Steve each landed many fine salmon, proving their first experience with a Spey rod quite successful.
Joining the Ryabaga team has been a very exciting transition from working many years as full time guide to very part-time guide, full-time manager of Ryabaga Camp. The guides, staff, mechanics, builders, assistant manager, office crew in Murmansk, and booking agents are all so very loyal, professional, hard working, competent, cheerful, experienced, and capable toward their work of producing one of the finest fly-fishing experiences for any given angler in the industry. I have much to be thankful for. I cannot wait to get rolling again on August 15, 2009!!
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
July 12, 2009
I LOVE PONOI!!
Week of July 4 to July 11, 2009
Where else in the world would you find a river teaming with such an incredible run of salmon? Again, Ryabaga anglers experienced a very high week with 43 fish per rod and several fish over 15 pounds. Ryan and Knud boat saw three very good fish: Knud took a 17-pound fish and Ryan took 17 and 18 pound fish.
The weather this week saw intermittent showers throughout the week, which contributed to dropping water, however slowly. Water temperatures spanned the idyllic 11 to 15 degrees. Air temperatures were mild.
Current conditions necessitate the use of nothing too fancy. A floating line and your favourite Atlantic salmon pattern, tied on a 1-inch tube or shorter; or a double hook 2x long will generate riveting slashes, raised fish from the depths, boils, and various other voracious attempts, at your fly. A Ponoi salmon will rise from the bottom of the river, six feet through the water column, to take a fly on a very rapidly swinging line...this is heavenly fishing.
It was a great pleasure to see Andrea again in fine form with his friends, all enthusiastically fishing Home Pool most evenings throughout the week. Giampietro, Gianmario, Renato and Andrea shared stories of their fishing exploits in the far reaches of the planet. Renato gave us a reminiscent account of his time fishing the Ungalikthluk and Togiak Rivers of southwest Alaska with Bristol Bay Lodge. I was reminded of my early days of guiding in Alaska for BBL. Experiences in other destinations around the world are difficult to compare to the quality of fishing here on the Ponoi. I am learning very quickly what it means to be a part of such a special place. The four Italian gentlemen were very pleased to share a bottle of Grappa offered by PRC CEO and Managing Director, Steve Estela. Thank you Steve for that.
Knud from Denmark and Ryan, of The Fly Shop in Redding, California, were a whimsical pairing, as one hails from the Western US and the other from Denmark. One in his early 30’s and the other mid 70’s, one of old school trout, salmon Spey type angling and the other of new school northwest, steelhead, pacific salmon influence. It was interesting to contemplate the history of fly fishing, where we have been in tradition and style of angling and where we will go as this younger generation “comes on” in the world of fly fishing. Although pairings of this nature often work out just fine, it is often a question of whether or not the pairing will prove to hinder one another’s experience. The following is an example of this notion: It was said by Knud to Ryan “If I died tomorrow, I would be happy. I’ve had lots of great experiences over the course of my life. Well, that would ruin your trip. I’ll wait until I get home.”
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
July 5, 2009
Ponoi on Fire!!
Week of June 27-July 4, 2009
What a week!! The Ponoi is on fire, the numbers this week were incredible for the 16 rods here at Ryabaga. Salmon landed totalled 740, while 184 of those were bright summer-run salmon. We landed 102 fish greater than ten pounds each and eight greater than 15 pounds. Average catch per rod was nearly 50 fish!
Overall it was a cool week and so far it looks like the summer is shaping up to be cooler than previous years, according to mechanic and part-time weather correspondent, Genia Flidner. Air temperatures spanned from 8 to 18 degrees Celsius during the day. Water temperatures spanned from 10 to 14 degrees Celsius. Despite cooler temperatures through the week, Ponoi salmon continued to aggressively charge to the surface for smaller flies presented on floating and intermediate lines. Successful patterns this week included the Alley's Shrimp and Cascade. Intermittent showers throughout the week contributed to a steady river level, only losing a few centimetres of height.
Guests this week joined us from the USA, England, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Holland, Australia, South Africa and Russia. As always, such a diverse group really adds to the mixture of conversation at the dining table.
Martin, who graced us with his company for two weeks, was rewarded with a wonderful fish during his saturday bonus session with guide Heather. Ken's fervent efforts with his spey rod and gifted casting ability gave him the fortune of hooking and landing a beautiful 17 pound salmon, the largest fish of the week.
For three members of the party this week marked their first atlantic salmon caught on fly. Twelve-year-old Fernando Jr., 11-year-old Jonathan and his father Chris took to casting, hooking, fighting, and landing salmon after salmon. Fernando and Fernando Jr. arrived at the dock after their first day of fishing absolutely beaming about their time spent with guide Daniel in the Clough Creek beat. Fernando Jr. landed nine salmon on his first day of using a spey rod, while Chris and Jonathan each took a 14 pound salmon. Well done gents!
It was a particular pleasure to see the familiar faces of Jim, Rob and Hugo. Assistant manager, Annie, and I hosted a shore lunch for the group of filet mignon, sautéed vegetables and freshly baked bread. Guide Tommy's influence from Argentina aided in the production of the meal over an open fire with his disco.
After having had a week so prolific with the presence of our "finned friends" Salmo Salar, let us pause for just a moment to reflect on why we venture to such far off places, in our case, north of the arctic circle. We are not only in search of fish, but the ever-so important need to re-create our souls, commune in wild places and with wild things, and share in the camaraderie of our fellow man.
With great appreciation, I hope we cross paths again.
Matt Breuer
Ryabaga Camp Manager
June 28, 2009
Good News! Summer run is here and the big guys are starting to take!
Week of June 20 to June 27, 2009
During the fifth week of the season numerous hard fighting fish were caught. The total of bright fish for the week was 733. Igor and Mark landed 26 six fish coaxed to the surface with dry flies, very exciting action!! Many more fish rose to the fly but did not commit to taking.
Early in the week it was reported by one guide that finding fish near or off of structure including breaks, bars and tail-outs, was not as productive. These structure areas are typically where salmon tend to hold this time of season and at the current water level. He reported catching many fish in very fast water, more mid-river. Other anglers had great success wading or fishing from a guide-waded boat.
Ken and Betsy, first-time Atlantic Salmon anglers, were met with huge success throughout the entire week. Astonishingly in the final moments of the Friday evening session, while in the lowest beat Tomba with guide Ruslan, Ken’s fly was struck hard by an amazingly shouldered 21-pound cock fish. This is great news! The big fish are starting to move towards the fly making a great fight for anglers.
Jon has fished the Ponoi River many, many years always with the White Muddler Minnow, his confidence fly. The success of fishing this fly reaffirms the theory that fly choice is not the most important factor in taking Atlantic Salmon.
Jim and Paddy also long time visitors to Ryabaga Camp, obviously enjoyed their fishing, but were also quite lively conversationalists at the dining table and bar. Paddy in particular was a real presence during the hill party on Thursday night.
Home Pool really put the icing on the cake this week. All anglers who spent time at Home Pool experienced exciting top water action, as 71 fish were taken. Bruce alone landed seven late into the final evening. Rumor has it, Bruce even landed one just a moment before the helicopter departed and appeared at the helicopter pad only when Genya drug him from the waters of Home Pool. This is certainly quite a testament to the devotion and productivity of these waters known as the Ponoi.
Guests and staff alike had a great week. Many great fish, stories and times were had by all. We look forward to fishing with everyone again and looking forward to the coming week.
June 21, 2009
Wind, heat, cold rain - still a great week for all- Fishing Report for 13-20 June 2009
The Ponoi river conditions fluctuated moderately through the early part of the week. The steady water drop trend continued until a significant thunderstorm streamed through the area on Monday afternoon. It was an incredible sight and plenty of video was taken, which we are trying to process to put on the website for you. Sheets of heavy rain contributed nearly a six-inch rise of the river by Tuesday. Rain showers continued through Thursday and Friday, again, adding to the level of the river, though having no significant negative affect on our catch rates. Water temperatures did not vary greatly; at the beginning of the week (10 C) and warmer toward the end of the week (14 C). The most significant factor was very heavy wind felt on Sunday and Tuesday particularly, which resulted in dirty water for the rest of the week. The sum total of salmon landed for the week was 885 or 45 fish per rod, an excellent figure given the conditions.
The fantastic group of 13 returning anglers and seven first-time Ryabaga Camp guests, included wonderful characters from the UK, France, Australia and the USA which made for an excellent social week. I should like to mention John and Cheryl Dale, John MacMillan, Fred Middleton and Bernard Giboin, all of who have been coming to Ryabaga for countless years. We love having you back and you are so much a part of the Ryabaga history. Guests and crew alike enjoyed the first official ‘party on the hill’ on Wednesday evening. A vibrant sunset added to the stunning scenery overlooking the Ryabaga tributary, which was even more enhanced with a late night rainbow. This gathering is always an enjoyable time to let loose, have a drink, and jibe and jive with one another after having fished and worked hard together throughout the week. Guests were shuttled back to camp only when a light rain arrived at 1 a.m.
The Home Pool this week was absolutely wonderful. It really came in to its own from top to bottom producing nearly 100 fish for the week. Except in the morning and evenings this incredible piece of water is left untouched. Combined with the wonderful sunsets, a night on Home Pool is perhaps one of the most magical experiences at Ponoi. The good news is, once it starts to fish, it does not stop until the light runs out towards the end of the season.
In closing, we at Ponoi River Co would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the guests that have made this past week truly memorable.
June 14, 2009
Skated flies, sunset evenings at Home Pool, 900+ fish and 20 great guests – a perfect week.
The first highlight of the new week was our new VIP or diplomatic room. Excellent comfortable seating, plenty of fine sandwiches for hungry travelling guests, drinks on the house. We did have a small weather delay but everyone was relaxed and comfortable. The room also has its own private entrance where the bus can pull up so none of the check-in hassle to board the helicopter that is suffered in the main airport.
Our week began a little cold but soon the fine weather came and with it the floating lines and skated flies. It is hard to describe such a wonderful week – everything was fantastic made just perfect by a superb group of guests mostly from the UK and USA, the majority of whom have enjoyed Ryabaga on numerous occasions (18 years for some) and are truly old friends.
The river dropped in to excellent height at –8 on the gauge, lots of structure showing, tons and tons of perfect fishable water – at this height there is no way the beats can be covered in a day. Water temperatures rose nicely from about 5 degrees C, to 10. We also explored new beats and began to expand our choice of water opening up Laponyarka and Hard Curve for adventurous guests who were well rewarded. Two groups also walked up the Purnache river and enjoyed breathtaking scenery though the fish have not made it up there yet in numbers. Kostia and Gerald were resolute in their pursuit of using the skated fly for most of the time and had huge success with 25 fish for Kostia on the dry including 6 in a row at Home Pool one magical night.
This leads me to the highlight of the week. We had the first Home Pool drinks party which was attended by most guests and guides until late into the night – past 1AM to be precise! It was while we enjoyed the sunset over Home Pool over a drink round the fire that Kostia enjoyed his magical night. Charlie, a very welcome addition to the guest list and was very generous with his whiskey that night though it did lead him to stray off piste a little himself!
Our total for the week was 963 salmon – a statistic which does not really reflect the quality of fishing because of the amount of time guests took off to skate flies, walk up the Purnache and of course the long fine dining on the river enjoyed by so many. Guests such as Francois bring their own ginger, mirrin, wasabi and chopsticks for sashimi which he spent considerable time preparing beautifully on the river bank!! Our guests enthusiasm for river side cooking was almost equal to that of the fishing!!
Thanks so much to all guests for their great enthusiasm and sense of humour which made for a very special week for all.
June 7, 2009
May 30th - June 6th, First week, great news !!!!!!
The story of the first week of each season is so often about the pre-season and this year was no exception. About a week out, we were still trudging around in heavy snow, up to 2-feet outside our rooms with parts of the river still frozen. But as is so often the case, it all changed. The sun came out and some warm weather set in for the hole of the first week. so much so that by the time our first guests arrived the river was very high and warm and all ice cleared from the banks. there was one unique difference this year though...warm water. We have started with higher water in years gone by but it is usually cold water then and although we often end the week with catching fish on skated flies we usually begin with sinking lines. This season, we had high water but warm and it presented a different challenge to our experienced guide team. The fish were close to the bank but they were also in faster water but not prepared to burst the surface just yet so getting to them was perhaps more difficult. After a slow first day of finding our feet, guides and rods settled in to a good routine with the best day at 144 fish to 14 rods, four of which had never caught an atlantic salmon before. the week's tally was 672 to 14 rods which is an average of about 48 fish per rod. This is almost double the same time last year in those very cold conditions at the start of the 2008 season.
The weather was pretty good for the first four days out of the six, towards the end of the week some cold weather blew through with some snow on the saturday departure. The river dropped a good six feet (two meters) and ended in good shape with the swollen look of the beginning of the week gone. As is so often the case by the end of the week, fish were being risen and caught on the dry which, despite happening almost every year, is always amazing. The hovercraft was up and running well too with the warm, comfortable journey appreciated by all.
We sadly missed six friends who were unable to come through a leg injury to one of the party - we wish them well. However, those that came were on top form - guests came from across the world as far as Darwin, Australia with great ponoi friend Steve Baddeley who brought his other son Rupert for the first time. We enjoyed eight guests from Moscow - one of those a resident of Moscow but from the US, the other seven, the Popov group, who fascinated us with all their card games long into the night. It was an excellent social week of mixed cultures combined with great fishing.
In summary, a great start with wonderful guests and many thanks to all of them.
Matt Breuer & Tarquin Millington Drake
June 2, 2009
The 2009 Season has begun!
The 2009 Ponoi Season has begun with happy clients and cheerful staff. The weather has been very pleasant with temperatures reaching 21 Celsius. The river is a bit high, but is continuing to drop quickly. The staff is all very happy to see clients and fish! Guides are in top form and ready to start the season strong! In addition to our staff, we have Mollie Fitzgerald in camp showing our new hostess Annie all the secrets of camp. The ladies are doing an excellent job keeping the camp in good form, thanks Mollie! We also have Tarquin sharing his time in camp and on the river assuring a smooth transition with Matt Breuer, Ryabaga camp manager. This is a very exciting time for everyone in camp!
We had an excellent opening day with 115 fish landed and 85 bright... and the conditions keep getting better! Check out the new photos of the first fish of the season. We are looking forward to a great first week!
Update from Ponoi
Preparations are in full swing at Ryabaga. The camp is looking great and the staff is in good spirits and anxiously awaiting the first group of clients. The river is completely open and the ice is gone! The weather has also been shaping up nicely, lots of sun and temperatures reaching 16 degrees Celsius…let’s keep our fingers crossed that it continues!
Ponoi has been able to make arrangements with the Murmansk Airport, which will allow us to enjoy the new Official Delegations room, a nice upgrade to our previous VIP room. Check out the pictures of the new lounge!
Stay tuned as we post more updates as clients start to arrive and the fishing begins!
Ponoi Update
Steve Estela, Matt Breuer and Tarquin Millington-Drake have been very busy in the Murmansk office working on pre-season preparations to ensure camp is ready to go when guests start to arrive. The third trip into camp is scheduled for Tuesday May 19th, which will deliver guides and camp staff who will quickly be put to work getting camp set up. The mechanics have been very busy assembling several of the guests’ tents and the big tent is already up!
There is still some ice up river, but the good news is the river has broke! The snow is nearly all gone and it is starting to feel like spring in camp with temperatures ranging from +7 degrees Celsius to -5 degrees Celsius at night.
This is a very exciting time of year for camp staff and guides! These are all signs of a very promising season! We look forward to seeing all of you very soon. Keep checking back as we will be updating the site with more reports of the opening of camp!
A quick weather update from Ponoi
Weather in Murmansk is beginning to show some nice conditions. The sun is shining in Murmansk with 18 hours of light and temperatures in the +7 - +10 degrees Celsius. The forecast for the next few days is expected to be nice and we are looking forward to a warm spring.
The first group of mechanics will fly into camp on Tuesday May 12 to begin working on assembling the tents, preparing camp and putting the boats in the water. Western staff will begin to arrive late next week and supplies are coming in heavy.
The Murmansk office is working hard putting all things in order to ensure camp is ready for clients this spring.
All the staff is ready for the new season in good spirits, confident that guests will again enjoy a unique experience when visiting the Ponoi.
Keep watching for updates – the crew are in camp this week!
Pre-season at Ponoi
Spring has sprung for most of you around the world and Ponoi River Co, is busy gearing up for the 2009 season. We have some exciting changes happening at Ponoi this season. First, we would like to introduce Matthew Breuer as our new Ryabaga Camp Manager. Matt has over a decade’s worth of experience in the American West, Alaska and Argentina. He has been the fishing manager at Kau Tapen Lodge for the past three years. Matt will fit right in with the Ponoi crew as he has worked with Max, Tommy and Pelle Tronde for many years. We look forward to Matt joining the team and welcome his experience and passion for fishing! On another note, Heather Ready, end of last season manageress will not be able to return to camp this season, however, she will be keeping a close eye on camp as she will be our Web Editor for the 2009 season. If you have any questions, comments or photos to share, please email Heather Ready or Steve Estela at heather.ready@ponoiriver.com or sestela@ponoiriver.com.
The Murmansk office is also busy working on all pre-season issues and preparations, while the guides and staff are busy getting their visas and suitcases packed! The weather is starting to warm up and we are looking forward to a great spring!
Just a few weeks ago Sergei Zurin braved the winter conditions and delivered 18 tons of propane to camp through the winter road! The trip is 350km at an average speed of 10km an hour! Thank you Sergei for your hard work and dedication to camp! For those of you curious about what camp looks like in the winter, pictures are posted of Sergei’s trip.
The first flight to camp is scheduled for May 12, which will deliver some staff and supplies for camp. The Ponoi team is anxious to get back to camp and prepare for the upcoming season. Denis Dimitrovsky, head chef, is returning for another season and is anxious to begin his next bear hunt, Matthew Breuer will be joining the camp this year as Camp Manager, guide Heather Sietz will be returning to reclaim her title with the record fish of the season in her boat and everyone’s favorite Argentines Tommy and Boris will be returning as well as all our familiar Russian guides and camp staff. Murmansk Airport has also gone under renovation over the winter, giving returning guests a pleasant surprise when they land in Russia!
We look forward to a great 2009 season and delivering once more a unique Salmon fishing experience! We hope to see you all soon.
Best Regards,
Steve Estela
Heather Ready
Dear Ponoi Friends,
It is with great regret that we announce that Will Casella is retiring from his role as Operations Manager with Ponoi River Co and will therefore not be joining the Ponoi Team in 2009.
Will's contribution to the development of Ponoi River Co, specifically Ryabaga Camp and the full refurbishment of the Brevyeni Camp was enormous. not only did he have the vision to oversee the big projects but he also had the attention to detail for the day-to-day minutiae that makes the Ponoi experience so special. After five fabulous years of hard work and dedication Will has decided to move on to the next stage in his career. We thank Will for all his efforts over these years and wish him the best of luck for the future. He will always be a friend of the Ponoi.
From an impressive list of qualified candidates Matthew Breuer has been selected to take over as Ryabaga Camp Manager. With over a decade's experience in the American West, Alaska and currently Argentina where he has been the Fishing Manager at the reknown Kau Tapen Lodge for the past three years, Matt comes with very high recommendations. He already knows some of the Ponoi crew having worked with Ponoi Head Guide Max Mamaev and veteren guides Tommy Sordelli and Pelle Tronde for many years. besides his passion for fishing, Matt is a certified Professional pilot, which brings a trained eye for attention to safety detail. We know that Matt will be an excellent choice and popular with our guests and we wish him well this season.
In order to guarantee a smooth transition, Frontiers London Office Managing Director and Senior Advisor for PRC Tarquin Millington-Drake together with Ponoi River Co. CEO Steve Estela will assist Matt all through the training process. Tarquin Millington-Drake will be in camp with Matt through the pre-season and the first few weeks of June.
On behalf of the whole Ponoi team, we look forward to seeing you on the river this season which all our indicators point to being a spectacular one!
Best Regards,
The Ponoi Team
Please Ask Frontiers about our Specialist Weeks for 2009We are running two special weeks next season.
Father and Son Week
One is a Father and Son week which does not have to be father and son but can be daughter, nephews, nieces etc. This week is designed for young or inexperienced rods who wish to try salmon fishing with a more experienced member of the family and enjoy an adventure. They will enjoy some of the finest tuition from expert guides and casters. They will have the opportunity to learn about the country of Russia, meet its people, understand how to read a river, handle fish taking a fly, during the fight and releasing, study the conservation of Atlantic salmon and our tagging programme, see real tundra and appreciate its vulnerability and much more. This is great floating line fishing when a skated fly should be working well and attracting numerous rises. This week in 2008 caught a record 37 fish per rod of which nearly 60% were mint fresh summer run fish. Across 15 years of camp records the average catch per rod for this week is 21 fish. There is minimal need to buy and bring equipment – we can fully outfit young rods of 5ft tall and upwards and can equip everyone with rods, reels etc at no extra charge.
Salmon Academy
If you were not a ‘born and bred’ salmon fisherman and began your career attending a course of some description pounding away on the Tay or Spey in the off-season, how often did you find yourself wishing you had a real laboratory where all that casting and theory about reading the water, mending the line and ‘why do salmon take’ etc could be put to a real test, a test where there were real fish in real lies that will react to what you are doing and trying. The Ponoi is the ultimate salmon laboratory, it is by no means a fish every cast but the size of the run of fish is such that you can expect a reaction to things you try and places you decide look good. You will learn from real experience and adventure on the water, fish showing at the fly, follows, boils, slow long draw takes and fast hard grabs – it all happens on the Ponoi in a week of fishing and more can be learned by being there and doing it than anything else. On this week, you will be supported and guided by a highly qualified team of guides plus well-known salmon and sea trout expert Steffen Jones but also have the chance to be entirely alone on the water.
For details contact either Mark Hewetson-Brown or Steffen Jones on 01285 741 340 or at mhb@frontierstrvl.co.uk or sj@frontierstrvl.co.uk.
Ponoi River 2008 Recap
It is always sad when good things come to an end…the 2008 season is over and will be remembered as one of the best.
In 1998 I learned what a special place Ponoi is, when I was invited to join the world-class team of guides. It was a dream, come true. Those years have lived in my memories for years as my best days on a river and as being a part of the most professional team I've ever worked with. For different reasons my professional life got very busy in Argentina and even though I kept in touch with many of the Ponoi guides, it wasn't until 2007 that I got the opportunity to return.
One of the best things about living and working in the outdoors in these special and unique destinations is the diversity of people you meet. While in Argentina I was lucky to meet a very nice, enthusiastic fly fisherman with whom I experienced wild fishing trips to Siberia among many other incredible places. In 2006 he became the Ponoi River Co's new owner.
Life spins in many directions and 10 years later I was invited to join Ponoi again. I felt extremely honoured and could not refuse such an offer. This position was now a more challenging and difficult position to take on, it was no longer guiding. The commitment is strong and the responsibility even more, but I am determined to keep raising the standards and working to improve the already best salmon river in the world. I am committed to providing our guests with an unforgettable experience; just like the one I had many years ago.
This season I was reminded again what a truly special place Ponoi. The season started tough, a long winter made opening camp very hard, resulting in moving the opening week back by a week. But after a tough opener, every aspect of camp and fishing started off in perfect shape. A good height and clear water made things even better.
The June weeks produced good numbers, but the summer months were amazing and up from previous years, taking catches up to 50 percent higher with an even higher percentage of bright fish. Our guests were enjoying the Ponoi at its very best. Warmer days slowly began to move in and leaves started budding making the fishing good and the riverbanks very picturesque. July followed with incredible catches, making 2008 the best ever summer run, both in number and quality of sea-lice fish. Before we could realize summer was fading, the river produced the first strong fresh fall run fish. The fish were running early, strong and in very good numbers, in fact the third best fall run ever.
Fifteen years ago we started a serious scientific study, which is paying back, making the Ponoi a prolific Atlantic salmon heaven. The anti-poaching policy is continuing to be enforced by having full time river guard camps in both the mouth to prevent small netting activities and in Kolmac tributary to stop fishing beyond our boundaries. 2008 also welcomed the new Hovercraft, which delivered guests dry and warm down river. This was a very welcomed improvement for the programme at Ponoi.
After hot showers, delicious appetizers were awaiting hungry guests as Denis Dimitrovsky, our five-star camp chef, prepared for dinner. The bar turned into a true meeting point where guests gathered after fishing hours to enjoy a cold draft beer and chat about their daily fishing battles. Some didn’t even make it out of their waders before they were sipping on coffee or enjoying a drink.
Our down river, 8 rod exclusive camp Brevyeni, also had a dream start and records were broken on a daily basis, making 2008 their best season yet. Our guests were amazed at the comfort and hospitality of the staff. Brevyeni waters are truly incredible making the Ponoi River an even more unique experience. Guest are looking forward to returning to every rock, break and riffle to catch those elusive salmon that once rose to their flies, before turning and heading back to sea.
Once again, the Ponoi performed up to its reputation and is a promise for a new, more exciting 2009 season. Expectations are very high following the fantastic Fall run. The Ponoi is now working hard in all post and pre-season aspects to ensure once again, a more unique experience to all our new and always, loyal rods.
Looking forward to your visit, tight lines,
Steve Estela
Managing Director
Ponoi River Co.
With 17 years experience fishing and operating the Ponoi, Tarquin Millington-Drake reflects on this past season and what the river might mean to different levels of fisherman.
Those that selected the Ponoi as the river of choice in 1990 had to make a quick decision with minimal knowledge of any Kola river but their choice turned out to be a masterful judgement. The river enjoys fresh fish belonging to one run or another from the day we start fishing to the day we leave, and well beyond. It is extraordinarily resilient to all conditions and weather. Fish are caught no matter what. Furthermore, for a river this size, it has been impressively responsive to the conservation measures put in place in 1994 when the ‘rus’ or ‘counting fence’ was removed from the mouth of the river, and catch and release with tagging was introduced as an alternative method of population measurement.
As the years went by, the parr densities increased and Russian and US scientists began to predict that numbers of fish caught would increase to something none of us imagined were possible. 2000 fish in a week was even mentioned. In 2003, they were proved right when over 1800 fish were caught to twenty rods. A memorable week but that was not the only crazy week during those years. This was also the time when the bigger fish, including the 31 lb record, were caught.To bring the story full circle, what goes up, must come down and natural cycles still exist at the Ponoi as much as any other Atlantic salmon river. We are told that the averages of the upwards and downwards trends will be higher. In other words, the highs will be higher and the lows will be less low. This too seems to be taking its course. We have seen a trend downwards which now appears to be over but we have not seen the lows anything like those before the millenium and we were all pretty impressed back then!
The 2008 season appears to have been the turning point from the recent downward trend. The key is the upturn in numbers of fish this summer (which broke all records) and the much-improved autumn run which is the third best since 2000. I remember clearly guiding the autumn weeks in 1999 and 2000 listening to camp scientist Sergei Prusov predicting vast numbers of fish as the removal of the net at the mouth of the river in 1994 took effect. During those seasons, there was also a very clear trend of larger fish which Sergei also said was typical and in keeping with less fish. The less fish, we were catching about 5500 a season then) the bigger they are in the autumn, the more there are, the more uniform the size at 10 – 12 lbs. In 2000, one week, we caught 25 fish over 20lbs.
Whether there were correct explanations or not, in terms of fish arriving late as speculated, the fact is that by 2002, the runs of salmon were huge and in 2003, the predictions of extreme numbers came true with that week of over 1800 fish and autumn weeks of close to 1000 fish. Everyone went crazy but the scientist was there in the background quietly reminding us that the cycles will still occur. Sure enough, in 2004, the indicator was there and the fish-per-rod average for the season went down from 47 to 33. It went down further to 25 fish per rod for the season in 2005 but recent years have shown a stable level from 32 – 38 fish per rod so the lowest of this low period was 25, all the other averages of the low period were over 30 fish per rod per week. The clearest trend of all is the fact that if a good autumn is had then the spring has a better than average chance of being good. The average ratio is that the first six weeks of the next season produce 1.88 times that of the last six weeks of the previous autumn. Of course there are variables, such as the very late spring this year, but the trend is there and if it is right, spring 2009 will be the second best spring since 2000 and therefore the second best ever.
Having the amount of water that we do (Ryabaga enjoys 67 km of fishing), the runs of fish are always somewhere and we can get there quickly and easily, without a helicopter. The size of fish varies greatly, we have caught tiny grilse through to fish of over 30 lbs. We start the season with tons of autumn/winter fish as well as fresh fish and just when things are slowing down, the summer run arrives. Just when they are slowing down the autumn fish arrive. The river is amazing across the entire 18-week season.
But what about from the fisherman’s perspective?
So what does all this information mean to us, the fisherman? For me, firstly, it means a greater faith in the science of Atlantic salmon. This river has enjoyed tremendous attention and professionalism and it is impressive that Sergei Prusov and Fred Whorisky are so in touch with what is going on. That is interesting to all of us, novice or guru and we all learn from it every year. But the Ponoi offers something to everybody. It is a river that all fishermen can enjoy from all levels of experience.
Below are some reflections on what the Ponoi might mean to each category.
The Novice – There is no greater academy for Atlantic salmon fishing than the Ponoi. In a week, the international team of guides, all of whom speak perfect English, will have you casting, spey-casting, snake rolling, everything. I have witnessed this countless times. Novices arrive doubting and lacking in confidence, they leave with excellent skills and with numerous fish under the belt.
The Intermediate – This is the rod that has caught a fair few Atlantic salmon, more than 100. Atlantic salmon fishing is all about experience. Where fish lie, fly speed, depth, angle, how they react, how to get them back etc. What other rivers will teach and yield in terms of experience in years, the Ponoi will provide in a week. The catching is not the point, it’s the rises, follows, boils and how to respond to them, where the fish are lying and how to fish to that lie where the master-class takes place. I have seen people mature into top, thinking fishermen through their time on the river.
The Experienced – What does the experienced rod want most? Big fish in the 30-50 lb range - the Ponoi is not for you. Strong fish, responsive fish, aggressive fish, the Ponoi ticks all those boxes. What they really want is time alone on the water to test themselves. How does 5 km of new wading each day sound? The Ponoi is one of the few rivers that can be waded for miles. There is the odd bluff to get around but there are miles and miles of wading in safety. Reading all that water, knowing which water to walk past, which to slow down for, when to wade deep and when to stay out. If the experienced rod wants to be challenged, there is plenty of virgin wading to test anyone, I have fished it for 17 years and still find it challenging.Autumn Run coming back strongly…
There is no doubt that during recent years (2005-2007) the famous autumn run of the Ponoi has not been as it should. It has been a slight mystery to us all because they have always shown up on the same day (even taking account of the Leap Year this year!) but the run has rather faded mid-autumn season, coming back strongly at the end. The fishing in the spring the next year has always been strong and therefore the conclusion has been that the run was perhaps a little weaker but late.
This season, there was a wonderful summer run. The best since Manager, Will Casella, has been keeping his detailed records in his famous excel sheets! The highest fish per rod per day since 2004, double for a couple of weeks to be exact. As a result, a strong autumn run was expected and this is becoming a reality. This week, over 200 of these silver bruisers have been landed in the first four days. This total, in recent years, has been close the total for the week whereas we expect this week to be closer or over 600 fish.
We are delighted with this news because, those that have stayed loyal to their autumn weeks, are being rewarded with wonderful fishing and incredible, strong fish.
Keep watching as this part of the season evolves. Things are looking great for the end of the season and indeed, the spring of 2009.
New Images of Purnache and Brevyeni Camps are now up!
Fresh images from this spring from both the above camps are now posted. Go to either the Purnache or Brevyeni sections shown in the menu above and have a look at over 120 new shots of the camps and fishing.
Reserve your spots for 2009 now!
