What makes Ponoi Unique
Ponoi was the first Kola river to be held on a ten-year lease (our current lease far exceeds that), thus ensuring longevity and continuity of operations and giving the Ponoi River Co the incentive to make long-term investments in equipment and personnel.
All remote beats have access to river tents with stoves for lunches, warmth and safety.
Ponoi has the largest Atlantic salmon scientific project in the world, tagging more Atlantic salmon each season than any other river. This is the result of a joint effort by Ponoi River Co, PINRO and the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
Consistency of the fishing throughout the season - many other Kola rivers have a very narrow prime-time window, and then the fishing deteriorates dramatically.
No pollution - the water is pure, radiation levels have been measured and readings have been uniformly negative, and there is no mining or deforestation in the area.
A service-oriented, English-speaking international guide pool, anxious to put their expertise to work for you - real guides who know the river and can communicate.
Unlike other rivers, there are no long hikes or climbs to reach pools or beats. It's an easy river to handle physically, thus allowing you to direct your energy to fishing rather than getting to or from your fishing.
No poaching, no obstructions or nets in the river, and no civilization encroachment. You have both banks exclusively along 42 miles (67km) of productive water where no-one else but our guests are permitted to fish.
There is usually productive dry-fly fishing under normal conditions throughout the entire season.
The character of the watershed and its origin permits effective fishing through virtually any weather or water-level condition.
The nice combination of great numbers of salmon with attractive sizes up to 30lbs. This presents the best of both worlds.
Size of the beats, which are measured in miles, you have more water to fish each day than you can possibly cover.
The size, quality and safety of boats and motors, with one available to every two guests. These are custom-manufactured and well maintained so no fishing time is sacrificed or safety compromised. Engines are being moved across from 2 stroke to more environmentally favourable 4 stroke.
Two thirds of the Ponoi River Co employees are Russian, carefully selected, hard-working people who enhance your experience of Russia, together with their international counterparts.
In addition to liberal hours of guided fishing each day, there is unlimited productive fishing right at your doorstep at the Ryabaga Home pool, which has been called "the jewel of the Kola".
Comforts of the spacious Ponoi camp, its efficient staff, and fine meals provide a welcome respite each day you are there.
Reliable satellite telephone, fax and e-mail communication with the outside world on a daily basis.
The first camp to have a massage service to ease aching shoulder muscles.
The Ponoi is the first and only Kola camp with its own resident doctor and well supplied medical clinic.
Frontiers were the first to provide ease of access via reliable Finnair service from Helsinki, an attractive European capital which avoids the hassles, delays, expense and insecurity of large Russian cities.
Our (Frontiers and PRC) own staff both in Helsinki and Murmansk, providing every assistance and smooth operations from arrival through departure.
The aesthetics of the fishing - fish as you prefer, whether wading, bank casting or by boat. This combination of methods accommodates weather variables, different water levels, and your ability to cast or wade.
Reliability and reputation of Frontiers - all travel arrangements will be handled professionally according to your objectives.
Continuing stable, reliable ownership and management working harmoniously with Russian government officials at all levels to maintain a welcome environment for our guests with no intrusions, interruptions, or on-site problems.
