The River
The Ponoi is located just above the Arctic Circle, at a latitude of approximately 67 degrees north. It flows roughly from west to east entering the Barents Sea on the south-east coast of the Kola Peninsula. The river is easily identifiable on any map since it is the largest on the peninsula. The length of the river is over 250 miles (400 km), and it originates in a large tundra plateau, which acts as a reservoir, tending to buffer sudden fluctuations in water levels. From the camp at the confluence of the Ryabaga River and the Ponoi, you'll be fishing a stretch of river about 42miles (67km) long to a point relatively near where the river enters the Barents Sea, plus access to a very good tributary, the Purnache. The Ponoi is a big river, varying from 200 to more than 500 feet wide (60-150 m), but with gentle gradient and easy flow.
The emergence of salmon fishing on Russia's Kola Peninsula has, for many, introduced, rekindled or enhanced the enjoyment of one of the most traditional types of fly fishing - that for Atlantic salmon. In a few short years the Ponoi has grown from an unknown to being recognised as one of the great Atlantic salmon rivers in the world today. Consistent across a long season, massive and improving runs, and with the aggressive nature of the fish, the Ponoi provides Atlantic salmon fishing in two of its purest forms: floating-line fishing and excellent opportunities to fish skated dry flies. It is rare to use anything more than a mild sink-tip whatever the time of year, only unusual or extreme conditions would require this.
The incomparable Ponoi River is rightly proclaimed the most productive Atlantic salmon river in the world today. The Russian Company Ponoi River Co enjoys a solid foundation of very strong well-connected Russian ownership in collaboration with an experienced management team. It is one of the few rivers left where catch statistics are recorded in thousands, and where even in its slowest week's numbers might exceed an entire season's catch on certain Canadian or Scottish rivers. The prolific numbers at Ponoi are further complemented by the average size with fish caught every week in the 20 pound-plus range.
The Ponoi offers something special for salmon fishermen of every age and ability -- there is no better place to learn Atlantic salmon fishing and no better river to challenge and reward the expert. Want to catch fifty on a skated fly? Ponoi is the place. It's the best dry-fly salmon river in the world today. Physical limitations? They can be well accommodated and you don't have to walk far or wade if you prefer not to. And for those who are energetic and want to maximize fishing time, Ponoi has a spectacular Home Pool that is a real pleasure to fish and can be enjoyed "round the clock" (unlike Canada, Iceland or Scotland where fishing hours are strictly adhered to or governed by daylight). You can literally lose yourself on the river under the midnight sun through most of the season.
But there is more to the Ponoi legend than great fishing. The Ponoi River Co and leading outdoors travel agents, Frontiers, have created a unique wilderness tent-camp facility of the highest standard that has won both accolades from returning guests and the envy of most other Kola competitors. It is a logistically complex part of the world in which to operate but it happens seamlessly and efficiently at Ponoi. The staff is legendary too, with a work and service ethic that is unparalleled. Indeed, some guests return just to experience the buzz, the magical atmosphere and the "feel-good factor" that abounds at the Ryabaga Camp.
The highly skilled and bilingual international guide pool; the Western jet-boats; the supply lines of fresh produce, top meats and resulting gourmet cuisine; the warm hospitality of the domestic staff; our efficient teams in Helsinki and Murmansk, who are professional problem solvers; the annual improvements and upgrades to the camp; the insights and encouraging information about the river gained from an ongoing scientific project; the fully-stocked tackle shop; the full-time presence of a doctor in the camp; the massage therapist: these are just a very few of the many aspects that truly set the Ponoi experience apart.
