Posada de los Farios

Updated on

December 15, 2025

La Posada de los Farios offers spectacular guided fishing for brown trout and rainbow trout in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Professional guides and deluxe accommodations make La Posada de los Farios on of the area’s premier fishing lodges.

La Posada de los Farios is situated on the Rio Cisnes (Swan River) with easy access to its tributaries and miles of nearby trout fishing water. The area is famous for its dry fly, streamer and nymph fishing for huge brown trout.

brown trout, rainbow trout

Professional guides and deluxe accomodations

Dry fly, streamer and nymph fishing for huge brown trout

Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Patagonia, Chile fly fishing!

or

Call us 860-434-9624

La Posada de Los Farios Fishing Lodge

La Posada de Los Farios first opened in 1994 on a bank overlooking the picturesque Cisnes and has been a great success ever since. The lodge name, La Posada de los Farios, translates literally to The Inn of the Brown Trout.

The fishing lodge itself can accommodate a maximum of only 6 guests in 3 comfortable guests suites, each with private bath. The lodge’s small size ensures plenty of privacy and just the right amount of personal attention. The lodge is extremely well appointed, though we would not describe it as luxurious. However, the serious fishermen will certainly not find anything lacking.

Daily life at La Posada de los Farios is designed around daily guided trout fishing, though no personal comfort is spared on lodge guests. The resident chef, Fernando, serves delicious meals. His dishes are served family style and prepared with a focus on traditional Chilean fare, especially fish, chicken and beef. Fresh vegetables from the lodge’s garden compliment Fernando’s cooking, as does the lodge’s expert selection of Chilean wines. Breakfasts and dinners at La Posada de los Farios generally served according to the daily fishing schedule; lunches are served streamside.

A few short steps from the fishing lodge are several miles of direct river frontage on the Cisnes. This part of the river is relatively large and slow moving, making it easily wadeable and great for after-hours wading. Several tributaries enter the Cisnes within walking distance of the lodge. Several small lakes, loaded with trout, are also easily accessed.

The majority of the daily guided trout fishing out of La Posada de los Farios is done wading or floating the Cisnes or exploring its countless tributaries and nearby lagoons. The Parque Nacional Quelat is also a favored resource of Posada’s professional fishing guides because of its diversity of unpressured trout fishing waters. Most of these areas are only a short car ride away. The scenery that surrounds the lodge and extends throughout this trout fishing paradise turns these drives into inspiring, sight seeing tours.

The best of the river fishing is less than 45 kilos from the lodge’s front door. Here guests drift miles of dry fly water, teaming with mayfly activity and, at certain times during the Chilean summer, enormous hoppers. The native browns here feed on these morsels with splashy abandon. An incredible diversity of insect life and proliferation of hatches will challenge and delight even the most experienced angler.

Trout fishing conditions at La Posada de los Farios range from beginner to expert. Because of their thorough understanding of this fishery, Rex and his guides can ensure that the novice fisherman as well as the seasoned veteran will find challenges and success at La Posada de los Farios. Guests have many options for daily fishing. One might choose to fill his creel with the smaller brown trout which choke the shallower creeks, or to float the deeper stretches of the Cisnes for one of the many trophies that lurk there. The fishery also offers rainbow trout and the occasional king salmon.

La Posada de los Farios uses two new boats to drift the Cisnes. Guests usually leave the lodge right after breakfast to enjoy these floats and often return after dark. Guides will anchor the drift boats intermittently to wade the more productive stretches. A packed lunch will be brought aboard to eat beside the stream. Most of the fish in the Cisnes will be caught using streamers and nymphs. There is some very good dry fly fishing during the warmer parts of the summer, though. Rex calls floating the Cisnes, especially its lower stretches, “one of the most scenic fishing floats to be found anywhere in the world.” Rex has recently begun to explore these lower stretches, which flow through high granite canyons, and has already spotted some 30+ inch browns lurking there.

Trout fishing conditions at La Posada de los Farios range from beginner to expert. Because of their thorough understanding of this fishery, Rex and his guides can ensure that the novice fisherman as well as the seasoned veteran will find challenges and success at La Posada de los Farios. Guests have many options for daily fishing. One might choose to fill his creel with the smaller brown trout which choke the shallower creeks, or to float the deeper stretches of the Cisnes for one of the many trophies that lurk there. The fishery also offers rainbow trout and the occasional king salmon.

La Posada de los Farios uses two new boats to drift the Cisnes. Guests usually leave the lodge right after breakfast to enjoy these floats and often return after dark. Guides will anchor the drift boats intermittently to wade the more productive stretches. A packed lunch will be brought aboard to eat beside the stream. Most of the fish in the Cisnes will be caught using streamers and nymphs. There is some very good dry fly fishing during the warmer parts of the summer, though. Rex calls floating the Cisnes, especially its lower stretches, “one of the most scenic fishing floats to be found anywhere in the world.” Rex has recently begun to explore these lower stretches, which flow through high granite canyons, and has already spotted some 30+ inch browns lurking there.

La Posada de los Farios is the only lodge in Chile that fishes this part of the Cisnes, and its guests have been rewarded with some enormous and very aggressive trout. An overnight trip can be arranged that offers a chance at fishing the famous Cisnes evening hatch.

It should be noted that while other areas of Chile have seen increased fishing pressure in recent years, the areas on which the La Posada de los Farios guides focus have remained relatively quiet. In fact, it is extremely rare to see any other anglers for your entire stay at the lodge.

Chilean Fjords

After several years of extensive research and exploration, Rex Bryngelson is now outfitting organized fishing excursions in the coastal fjords of Chile’s Aysen Region. The coastal fishing program is a unique opportunity to fish seldom-fished (let alone seen) rivers and estuaries for trout and salmon. Healthy populations of rainbow trout and salmon can be found cruising in the salt and up the mouths of the coastal streams accessed by Rex and his team of highly skilled an professional guides.

During the 1998 and 1999 seasons, Rex developed a coastal angling program that was fantastically successful. Anglers accessed pristine coastal rivers and bays, often taking dozens of 3 – 10 pound fish per day, both in fresh water and in the salt. Generally, subsurface fly patterns were used but, when conditions were suitable, it was not uncommon to take truly large rainbow trout on dry flies.

Anglers will have the option of going to the coast as part of their package at La Posada de los Farios during their stay if the fishing reports from the Fjordlands are good. With all the diversity and different destinations available near La Posada, guests will revel in the choices. Fishermen may also choose to over- night at the coast in a local “hosteria” ( for an additional $150 per night).

Another highlight of many trips to La Posada de los Farios is an optional horseback ride to a remote, privately owned lake. Accessing this private fishery involves a spectacular ride through arid country. The lake is full of unsophisticated brown trout that rise eagerly to dry flies. Here, anglers often have the rare opportunity to sight-cast to 20+ inch trout.

Posada de los Farios uses well maintained 4WD vehicles for transportation. The float fishing is done from a 14-foot self-bailing river raft that is very stable, safe and comfortable to fish from. Zodiacs and float tubes are used to access and fish the diversity of lakes. For fishing the fjords, Rex has a well outfitted 22 foot Panga with cabin that comfortably handles 4 anglers and 2 guides. La Posada de los Farios guides are all experienced oarsmen and expert boat handlers.

Non-angling companions are welcome; La Posada de los Farios offers a variety of non-fishing activities: Condors, parrots, kingfishers, ibis, woodpeckers, and more offer world class bird watching; a visit to some of the neighboring farms and villages is a fascinating day trip. It is often the most memorable part of a guest’s trip to Chile. The local rural people live a lifestyle like one would imagine it to have been like in the western U.S. a century ago; The Cisnes also offers some scenic rafting sections and even some class III and IV rapids; The country around La Posada de los Farios is laced with miles of horse trails which wind through forests and mountain vistas. La Posada de los Farios has a collection of docile animals on hand for guests use.

Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing

La Posada de los Farios 2025 – 2026 Rates

Length of Stay	Double Occupancy (Shared Room and Guide)	Single Occupancy (Private Room and Guide)
3 Nights/2 Days	$2,700	$3,300
4 Nights/3 Days	$3,400	$4,100
5 Nights/4 Days	$4,100	$4,950
6 Nights/5 Days	$4,850	$5,900
7 Nights/6 Days	$5,600	$6,850
Add 1 Night and 1 full day of angling	$600	$750

(Rates are in US dollars per person and subject to change.)

Take the guess-work out.

Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

Call us 860-434-9624

Send a message

Includes: guided fishing; ground transportation; lodge accommodations; all meals; beer; wine; Pisco Sours (Chilean national cocktail); and soft drinks.

Not included: hard liquor; items of a personal nature. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the lodge for $25.00 per week.

La Posada de los Farios also offers a special 10% discount for groups of 4 or more. Call or email us for details.

Anglers will be picked up and returned to Coyhaique, Balmaceda or any of the other regional destinations. The schedule at Posada de Los Farios can be custom-tailored to dovetail with packages or any of the other regional lodges, guide services, or South American angling destinations.

Scheduled Turn-Around Days: Any combination of Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays

Note: Guests who opt to explore the fishing in the coastal fjords with Rex have the option of returning to La Posada de los Farios each evening, for which there is no additional cost and is part of the standard package rate. Anglers can also opt to stay at a hosteria in one of the coastal villages at a rate of $150 per night / per person charge, to cover lodging and meals. The charge will be paid directly to Rex Bryngleson. Again, staying on the coast is optional but highly recommended.

A Peale’s dolphin takes flight in the Queulat Fjord. Quelat National Park, Chilean Patagonia.

January 30, 2019

Pira Lodge

Updated on

November 11, 2025

Pirá Lodge

The South American Golden Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) is considered by many well traveled anglers to be the world’s greatest fighting game fish. This extraordinary jumper combines the running and leaping abilities of a salmon with the ferocity and predatory instincts of a tiger shark. It violently hammers flies and lures, then immediately explodes out of the water in a series of outrageous leaps and line stripping runs.

For many years, one of Latin America’s most exciting game fish was kept a secret in its heartland. In the last few years, the Dorado, or “River Tiger” as it is affectionately called in Argentina, has rocketed to the top of the “hot fish list”!

Throughout much of its equatorial range, the Dorado is caught in heavy rivers in fairly deep, murky waters and generally with heavy spinning or plug casting tackle. However, for anglers preferring to fish relatively light fly tackle or light spinning tackle, in more intimate, relatively clear waters, with even some sight casting opportunities from the deck of a flats skiff, Pirá Lodge offers the perfect alternative.

Golden Dorado (3-6 lbs average, 10+ lbs common, fish over 25 lbs possible)

Season: Mid-October through April (Argentine spring and summer)

Weather: Warm spring and summer conditions in Corrientes Province

Location: Iberá Marshlands, Corrientes Province, Argentina—3.5 million acres of pristine wetlands

Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Argentina Golden Dorado fishing!

or

Call us 860-434-9624

The Iberá Marshlands Experience

Pirá Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Argentina in Corrientes Province on the immense Iberá Marsh. One of the most unique and fascinating ecosystems in the world, the Iberá Wetlands is comprised of 3,500,000 (three million five hundred thousand) acres of unexplored and uninhabited marshland that will be the setting for some of the most exciting fishing you will ever do. The marsh is a vast system of pristine creeks, rivers, shallows, and lakes roughly 2.5 times bigger than the Florida Everglades and is home to more than 350 species of birds, 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles, along with this electrifying game fish!

Fishing Program & Techniques

Pirá Lodge guests fish from state of the art 18 foot Hell’s Bay flats skiffs with poling platforms. Primary fishing areas include the Corrientes River, the Headwaters and the Marsh proper.

The Corrientes River

The River is more traditional fishing usually with an 8 or 9 weight with a sink tip line. Large saltwater type streamer patterns are swung and stripped. One of the most effective patterns is the Andino, a hybrid muddler/deceiver pattern.

The Headwaters

The headwaters offers more floating line fishing and even surface patterns like mice (tied on heavy saltwater hooks) or sliders. Sometimes dorado will take poppers but seem to prefer sliders. The popular “Titanic” steelhead waking fly, has been adapted (tied on heavier hooks) and has been very successful in recent years.

The Marsh

The Marsh fishing is slightly more technical. This is generally clearer water and a stealthy approach is required. Again, the Marsh offers more opportunities for floating line fishing, and Pirá guides have even discovered these fish will eat buggy, rubber legged terrestrial dry flies!

What to Expect

While fish over 25 pounds have been taken at Pirá, most fish will average in the 3 – 6 pound range, with fish in the 10 + pound class taken each month of the season. The average day usually produces around 5 – 10 fish per rod per day. But this can vary widely. Dorado can be moody, but can also just go “on the grab”, and you might release 20 in a morning session.

Fishing Schedule & Gear

Daily fishing hours may vary depending on month and weather. A typical spring fishing day will start in the morning from 8:00 to 12:30, lunch at the lodge, and then afternoon fishing from 3:30 to 7:30. The season comprises the Argentine spring and summer, from mid-October through April.

Fly rods carrying 7, 8 & 9 weight lines are the weapons of choice. It’s best to carry two rods; an 8 or 9 rigged with a sinking line (like a T-200) and a 7 or 8 rigged with a floater. Traditional saltwater streamers and deceivers in black, purple chartreuse and white, some slider and mice patterns, and wire leaders (these are toothy critters) complete the required gear.

Lodge Accommodations & Amenities

Pirá Lodge is designed to provide its guests not only with a remarkable fishing experience, but also with maximum comfort. The lodge accommodates 12 guests (10 anglers) in 5 rooms and a cottage with 2 rooms. Each room is fully air-conditioned, with two double beds and large bathrooms with double windows, which provide a peaceful space to unwind in a warm bath. The rooms feature French windows, which open out to the shaded verandah with easy access to the 20 meter pool and a beautiful view of the surrounding wilderness. In addition to the comfort of a spacious sitting room, with unique furniture crafted by local artisans, anglers will appreciate the convenience of a fly tying table, and an on-site fly shop, fully equipped with flies, rods, reels and clothing.

Gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional “asados” (BBQ´s), delicious regional as well as international cuisine desserts, and the fully stocked bar contribute to create the setting for perfect moments at the end of a perfect day.

Non-Fishing Activities

Other activities available are Kayaking, Bird watching, Horseback riding and snorkeling. Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery and strongly encourages the use of barb-less hooks.

Getting to Pirá Lodge

There are a number of options for travel to Pirá Lodge. Most convenient but also most expensive is using a private charter to fly directly to the lodge’s grass airstrip (dependent on water levels) or to nearby Mercedes or Goya Airports. This works well for groups of 4 or more. Alternately, you can fly commercial air to either Resistencia or Corrientes. From there it is a 4 ½ hour ground transfer.

Many will travel through, arriving in Buenos Aires early morning, taking a mid-morning flight to Corrientes where they overnight at the charming Hotel La Alondra, and make the ground transfer to the lodge the next morning.

The most novel travel method is using the overnight Luxury Sleeper bus to Mercedes. This features fully (flat) reclining seats with privacy curtains, much like you’d find on First Class transoceanic flights. This departs Buenos Aires at about 9:30 pm. Dinner and beverages are served and you’ll arrive in Mercedes at about 7:00 am. From there it’s a 1 ½ hour car transfer to the lodge.

Pirá Lodge 2025 – 2026 Rates

Season: October 2025 – April 2026. Rates are in USD per person, based on shared occupancy and boat.

Package Length	Price Per Person
7-nights / 6-days Fishing	$7,950
6-nights / 5-days fishing	$7,495
5-nights / 4-days fishing	$6,395
4-nights / 3-days fishing	$5,150
3-nights / 2-days fishing	$3,950

Rates are per person in USD$ and subject to change

Booking at Pirá Lodge is easy:

Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

Call us 860-434-9624

Send a message

Occupancy: 12 guests, 10 anglers – 5 rooms & a cottage with 2 rooms. Check in after 2PM / Check out before 10AM.

Single Room & Boat: 60% surcharge

Non-Fisher: $650 per night per person

Fishing License: $100 per person

Full day fishing on arrival or departure day: $850 per boat

Half day fishing on arrival or departure day: $650 per boat

Included & Not Included

Included: Accommodations based on double occupancy; all meals, wines, beer and local and international spirits; professional guide services (2 anglers per guide/boat); loaner fishing equipment (rods, reels & lines).

Not Included: International & domestic airfares; private charters; fishing licenses; laundry service; transfers in & out of the Lodge; gratuities for guides and house staff.

The South American Golden Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) is considered by many well traveled anglers to be the world’s greatest fighting game fish. This extraordinary jumper combines the running and leaping abilities of a salmon with the ferocity and predatory instincts of a tiger shark. It violently hammers flies and lures, then immediately explodes out of the water in a series of outrageous leaps and line stripping runs.

For many years, one of Latin America’s most exciting game fish was kept a secret in its heartland. In the last few years, the Dorado, or “River Tiger” as it is affectionately called in Argentina, has rocketed to the top of the “hot fish list”!

Throughout much of its equatorial range, the Dorado is caught in heavy rivers in fairly deep, murky waters and generally with heavy spinning or plug casting tackle. However, for anglers preferring to fish relatively light fly tackle or light spinning tackle, in more intimate, relatively clear waters, with even some sight casting opportunities from the deck of a flats skiff, Pirá Lodge offers the perfect alternative.

Pirá Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Argentina in Corrientes Province on the immense Iberá Marsh. One of the most unique and fascinating ecosystems in the world, the Iberá Wetlands is comprised of 3,500,000 (three million five hundred thousand) acres of unexplored and uninhabited marshland will be the setting for some of the most exciting fishing you will ever do. The marsh is a vast system of pristine creeks, rivers, shallows, and lakes roughly 2.5 times bigger than the Florida Everglades and is home to more than 350 species of birds, 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles, along with this electrifying game fish!

Pirá Lodge guests fish from state of the art 18 foot Hell’s Bay flats skiffs with poling platforms. Primary fishing areas include the Corrientes River, the Headwaters and the Marsh proper.

The River is more traditional fishing usually with an 8 or 9 weight with a sink tip line. Large saltwater type streamer patterns are swung and stripped. One of the most effective patterns is the Andino, a hybrid muddler/deceiver pattern

The headwaters offers more floating line fishing and even surface patterns like mice (tied on heavy saltwater hooks) or sliders. Sometimes dorado will take poppers but seem to prefer sliders. The popular “Titanic” steelhead waking fly, has been adapted (tied on heavier hooks) and has been very successful in recent years.

The Marsh fishing is slightly more technical. This is generally clearer water and a stealthy approach is required. Again, the Marsh offers more opportunities for floating line fishing, and Pirá guides have even discovered these fish will eat buggy, rubber legged terrestrial dry flies!

While fish over 25 pounds have been taken at Pirá, most fish will average in the 3 – 6 pound range, with fish in the 10 + pound class taken each month of the season. The average day usually produces around 5 – 10 fish per rod per day. But this can vary widely. Dorado can be moody, but can also just go “on the grab”, and you might release 20 in a morning session.

Daily fishing hours may vary depending on month and weather. A typical spring fishing day will start in the morning from 8:00 to 12:30, lunch at the lodge, and then afternoon fishing from 3:30 to 7:30. The season comprises the Argentine spring and summer, from mid-October through April.

Fly rods carrying 7, 8 & 9 weight lines are the weapons of choice. It’s best to carry two rods; an 8 or 9 rigged with a sinking line (like a T-200) and a 7 or 8 rigged with a floater. Traditional saltwater streamers and deceivers in black, purple chartreuse and white, some slider and mice patterns, and wire leaders (these are toothy critters) complete the required gear.

Pirá Lodge is designed to provide its guests not only with a remarkable fishing experience, but also with maximum comfort. The lodge has only five bedrooms, each one of them fully air-conditioned, with two double beds and large bathrooms with double windows, which provide a peaceful space to unwind in a warm bath. The rooms feature French windows, which open out to the shaded verandah with easy access to the 20 meter pool and a beautiful view of the surrounding wilderness. In addition to the comfort of a spacious sitting room, with unique furniture crafted by local artisans, anglers will appreciate the convenience of a fly tying table, and an on-site fly shop, fully equipped with flies, rods, reels and clothing.

Gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional “asados” (BBQ´s), delicious regional as well as international cuisine desserts, and the fully stocked bar contribute to create the setting for perfect moments at the end of a perfect day.

Other activities available are Kayaking, Bird watching, Horseback riding and snorkeling. Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery.

There are a number of options for travel to Pira Lodge. Most convenient but also most expensive is using a private charter to fly directly to the lodge’s grass airstrip (dependent on water levels) or to nearby Mercedes or Goya Airports. This works well for groups of 4 or more. Alternately, you can fly commercial air to either Resistencia or Corrientes. From there it is a 4 ½ hour ground transfer.

Many will travel through, arriving in Buenos Aires early morning, taking a mid-morning flight to Corrientes where they overnight at the charming Hotel La Alondra, and make the ground transfer to the lodge the next morning.

The most novel travel method is using the overnight Luxury Sleeper bus to Mercedes. This features fully (flat) reclining seats with privacy curtains, much like you’d find on First Class transoceanic flights. This departs Buenos Aires at about 9:30 pm. Dinner and beverages are served and you’ll arrive in Mercedes at about 7:00 am. From there it’s a 1 ½ hour car transfer to the lodge.

Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery and strongly encourages the use of barb-less hooks.

Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing

Pirá Lodge 2018 – 2019 Rates

(Effective October 2018 – April 2019)
Package Length	Double Occupancy
7-nights / 6-days Fishing	$5,950 per person
6-nights / 5-days fishing	$5,100 per person
5-nights / 4-days fishing	$4,475 per person
4-nights / 3-days fishing	$3,800 per person

Included in the rate: Roundtrip transfers Mercedes Airport or bus terminal to lodge (if you fly private charter); 7-nights deluxe lodge accommodations (double occupancy); all meals; all wines, beer; soft drinks and local spirits at the lodge; daily guided fishing, 2 anglers per boat/guide; fishing license.

Not included are: International airfare; transfers, hotels, meals and personal expenditures in Buenos Aires; commercial flights into either Corrientes or Resistencia (or private charter costs if you fly into Mercedes); transfers from Corrientes, Resistencia or Goya airports to lodge; tackle; imported liquors; laundry service; overweight luggage charges; gratuities.

Single occupancy 60% more; Non-fisher $450 per night/person.

January 30, 2019

Iceland

Iceland’s Top Fishing Lodges & Locations

Iceland is home to the world’s most beautiful and prolific salmon, trout and sea-trout rivers. This remarkable island and western most European nation is often called “The Land of Fire & Ice”, reference to her active volcanoes and immense glaciers. This is a land unspoiled by man and blessed with an abundance of pure unpolluted lakes and crystal clear rivers. The fertile green “Ring” surrounding the perimeter of the island offers some 5000 kilometers of coast line and no less than 100 scheduled salmon rivers and many more sea-trout and char rivers.

Strict conversation measures and carefully regulated access to the fisheries have insured the integrity of the salmon, char and sea-trout runs and have sustained a quality of sport, much the same as it was 25 or even 50 years ago.

Each salmon river is evaluated as to how many anglers or “rods” it can support. Rod allocation can run from as few as 2 rods per river, to as high as 20 or more on some of the larger rivers. A river with a 10 rod designation for example, allows no more than 10 “rods” per day fishing the river at any given time. Most rivers fish a 12 hour day and will allow 2 anglers to “share a rod” (effectively giving each angler 6 hours fishing per day). This insures the rivers are not over-fished and also gives each angler plenty of quality water to fish each day.

We have assembled here what we believe to be the very best that Iceland has to offer. Through our affiliation with the Angling Club Lax-á, we have obtained access to some of the very best weeks of the season on many of these rivers. And through our affiliation with Icelandair, we are able to offer the lowest available air fares from the United States to Reykjavik through our air inclusive packages.

January 29, 2019

The GIANT Salmon of Russia’s Kola River

Russia’s Kola Peninsula is well known as having the best Atlantic salmon fishing found today anywhere in the world. Many anglers equate “best” with big numbers of fish. And rivers like the famed Ponoi River produce numbers that are staggering compared to any other salmon rivers in the world.

Where the yardstick of high quality fishing in most Canadian rivers is considered a 1 fish per rod per day, it’s not uncommon for anglers to land 40, 50 or even 60 salmon in a week of fishing on the Ponoi. While the Ponoi is considered the single most prolific salmon river in the world based on numbers of fish, the typical Ponoi catch is comprised of about 80% grilse or small salmon under 10 pounds. A smaller percentage will range 10 – 20 pounds, and a few over 20 pounds are taken each season.

Many seasoned salmon anglers tend to perceive the “quality” salmon fishing experience as one which presents opportunities to catch truly large Atlantic salmon. Targeting large salmon usually translates to a sacrifice in numbers landed. Many anglers would be happy with a 2 – 3 fish week that included one large salmon (anything over 20 pounds), or thrilled with a 1 – 2 fish week that included a “trophy” salmon (let’s say anything over 30 pounds). In most of the world’s salmon rivers, the possibility of a fish over 40 pounds (let’s just call these “monsters”) is a far-flung dream. But there is one incredible river system in Russia that produces good numbers of large, trophy and even monster salmon – the Kola River.

The Kola River is situated on the western end of Russia’s Kola Peninsula, just north of the Arctic Circle. The river flows northward from a series of lakes in the center of the penisula, eventually joining the Tuloma River 12 km south of the city of Murmansk. The Tuloma empties into the Barents Sea, north of the city. The Kola is a big, brawling river strewn with large boulders and many huge rapids, indicative of the powerful and enormous salmon that ascend her strong flows.

I fished the Kola the first week of July and found it to be, as advertised, an amazing big fish river. Before departing on July 9th, I checked the log book and tallied an incredible 185 fish over 20 pounds landed since June 1st! 67 of these were over 25 pounds, 17 were

over 30 and 4 eclipsed the magical 40 pound mark! The biggest landed to date this year was 44 pounds, but fish approaching the 50 pound mark have been taken, and fish larger than this have been lost!

Dr. Jim York with a massive hen taken in Home Pool within view of the lodge!

Camp host, Frank Larsen told us the river was about 3 foot higher than normal for that time of year and the guides felt many of the salmon were not holding but were runnning right through on the high water. Depsite this, catch rates during my week were still impressive. Most anglers landed between 2 – 4 fish each day, and occassionally as many as 6. The top rod for the week finished with 24 fish. Individual catches of 30 – 40 fish per week are not uncommon in July with normal water levels. The grilse run had just started and about 30% of the catch reported were grilse. This ratio can increase to 50% by month’s end, but big salmon have been taken throughout July.

While many of the truly large fish move upriver in June, there were still some big guys around during my week. My biggest for the week scaled 27 pounds but there were numerous others that size or larger landed and several “monsters” were lost! I was among the unlucky, losing the largest salmon I’ve ever hooked. He jumped several times close to us so we had a good look at him. After 12 very exciting minutes, the hook just pulled out. Ilya, my guide estimated him at 20 kilos (44 pounds!).

The Kola is big water and favors long casters and even more so, accomplished Spey casters. In the water level we had, there is limited wading. I prefer to wade, and did wade everywhere it was possible. However, a number of the pools are only fishable from the boat, even in normal water levels.

Each angler has his own guide and inflatable boat. The camp fishes 16 rods in June and 14 in July. The Kola is divided into 7 beats.

The beautiful Kitza River is the 8th beat in June, or may be taken as an optional beat in July. With the exceptions of Home Pool and Beat 3 which begins at Junction Pool where the Kitza enters, anglers leave the lodge each morning at 9:00 am by van trailering the inflatables. You are dropped off at the top of your assigned beat, and spend the day working your way down to the bottom. Some of the beats contain dangerous rapids and the guide will put you ashore to walk a path while he runs the rapids, so you need to be prepared for a fair amount of walking. Anglers are picked up at 7:00 – 7:30 pm and tranported back to the lodge. Dinner is served at 8:00 pm, and there is optional guided fishing from 9:00 – midnight for the diehards! There is no dark this far north in June & July.

Unlike the rivers of the eastern end of the peninsula, the Kola is not a wilderness river. The river valley was historically the transit route across the Kola from the White Sea to the Barents Sea, and today, a railroad track parallels the river and trains can go by with annoying frequency. Beat 5 actually runs through the small village of Loparsky.

The Kitza in contrast is mostly a wilderness river. Lower Kitza is often taken in conjunction with one of the other beats. Fish a Kola beat in the morning, and then take Lower Kitza for the afternoon. Lower Kitza contains the famous Monster Pool. A good client of mine landed his largest Atlantic salmon ever in this pool 6 years ago. That fished weighed 22 kilos which is about 48.5 pounds!

You need to dedicate a day to fish Upper Kitza. This is the farthest beat from the lodge, about 40 minutes by car over rough road. Then it’s a 25 minute hike into the river. And the day finishes with an hour’s row across a lake to the take out spot! It’s alot of work bit it is worth the effort. Upper Kitza is not only incredibly beautiful, it can be extremely productive.

The Kola Lodge compound is just a few years old, and is vast improvement over the somewhat dubious hotel where anglers were accommodated in years past. The main lodge houses the kitchen and large dining room, a spacious living room area with satelite TV and large picture windows and a porch overlooking Home Pool.

Accommodations are in a complex of 17 individual cabins. Each angler has a private cabin with extremely efficient heating systems, a twin bed, table and chair, ample closet and shelf storage (plenty of hooks!), private bath with hot shower. There is even a heated front porch / wader drying room. All in all, an excellent set up.

Other camp structures include an open air dining room, a Finnish sauna, and the guides’ camp.

Coincidentally, several anglers in camp were on their second or third trip to Kola, but many of the others had fished the Ponoi at either Acha or Pacha camp the year or two prior. The lure of big fish had drawn them to the Kola. And by weeks end, all said they planned to return next year.

The Ponoi is arguably the greatest salmon river in the world and may be the obvious choice for anglers relatively new to salmon fishing, or visiting Russia for the first or even second time. For those anglers, we highly reccommend the Acha and Pacha camps. However, veteran salmon fisherman may prefer to challenge the monsters of the Kola. For truly large Atlantic salmon, the Kola River may be unmatched in the world. For reservations or more information on either the Ponoi or the Kola, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Doug Schlink

July 28, 2007

The Vulcan Grilse Grip

For those of you planning an Atlantic salmon trip this summer, here’s a tip from Doug Schlink you might enjoy.

Adult, mutli-sea-winter (MSW) Atlantic salmon fish can be captured by hand tailing. This is accomplished by wrapping your hand and around the “wrist” of their tail (known as the caudal peduncle), just in front of the tail fin, much as you would grasp your own left wrist with your right hand just in front of your hand. The tail fin on an MSW fish has developed stiff exterior rays, and prevents the fish from slipping through.

Atlantic salmon that have only spent one winter at sea before returning to the river to spawn are known as grilse. Grilse are smaller, usually from 20 – 24 inches in length, and have not yet developed this stiffness in the tail fin’s exterior rays. A sure way to tell a big grilse from a small salmon is to check the development of the tail fin exterior rays. If they are stiff, and don’t collapse when you try to squeeze them together, it’s a salmon. But if they collapse, it’s a grilse.

Doug Schlink with nice looking MSW Atlantic — Not a Grilse

Because of this lack of development in the exterior caudal fin rays of a grilse, if you try to “tail” a grilse with this conventional method, the tail fin collapses and he’ll squirt right out of your grasp!

But if your guide is not handy with the net when you’re about to land your grilse, you still can hand tail him using the technique I call the “Vulcan Grilse Grip”. Make a “V” or a “peace sign” by extending your index and middle finger of your dominant hand. With thumb extended, slide this “V” so one finger is on the top and the other along the bottom of the caudal peduncle. Now quickly wrap the thumb around and close the rest of your hand as if you’re trying to make a fist. You should now have a firm grasp on the fish! I’m not sure why this works, but it does.

A word of caution, never lift a salmon or a grilse you plan to release clear out of the water by the tail. This can cause internal damage. Please use hand tailing only as a means of securing the salmon in the water so you can remove the fly and properly release into the current. If you want to lift a salmon for a photo, use your other hand to gently support the body of the fish, and lift no more than a few inches from the water and for no more than a few seconds.

Many thanks to angling great Larry Solomon, co-author of the classic “The Caddis and the Angler”, for showing me this technique over 20 years ago on the Nepisiguit River.

May 11, 2011

Brûlé McSprat

This pattern is a hybrid of a Green Rat body (sans rib) and a traditional Spey fly, and was designed specifically for the beautiful Petite Cascapedia River. The first few days following its baptismal, it accounted for 6 rises, 5 solid takes and 4 lovely June salmon to net. It deserved a proper name! “Brûlé”, its birthplace – “Mc”, in honor of the McWhirter Clan who’ve run Camp Brûlé for 4 generations – “ Sprat”, a contraction of Spey and Rat. Thus born and duly christened, “The Brûlé McSprat” was conceived and tied by Doug Schlink, but this particularly stunning rendition was tied by the eminently more talented hands of master tier, Ben Bilello, www.benbilello.com/salmonflies/.

Brule-McSprat — Born on the porch at Camp Brûlé – June 16th, 2011

Tip: fine gold oval

Rear Body: bright green floss

Veil: bright green floss

Spey Hackle: Blue Earred Pheasant, palmered thru front body

Front Body: Peacock Herl

Throat: Teal

Wing: Bronze Mallard

November 9, 2012

Openings on THE WEEK for Salmon Fishing on the Gaspe, the Miramichi, and Iceland

Camp Brûlé – Prime Time Atlantic salmon – Last Week of June

Due to a cancellation, two rods have just come available for the week of June 24 – July 1 (Tuesday to Tuesday) at Camp Brûlé on the Petite Cascapedia River. Brûlé fishes three of the best rivers in Quebec: the Petite, the Grand Cascapedia and the Bonaventure. Those acquainted with these great rivers will tell you the last week in June is THE WEEK – Best of the Season – period! This is a week that’s usually passed down father to son or friend to friend. This is a rare opportunity and will not last long! Call 800-628-1447 or 860-434-9624 today.
The Maritime Mountains are enjoying the heaviest snowpack in years and excellent water levels are expected throughout the summer. With the best exchange rate in recent years, Americans are enjoying about a 10% discount, making 2014 a good bet for a Canadian salmon trip!

More Prime Time Openings: Gaspe, New Brunswick, Iceland

Camp Bonaventure has just 2 rods open for a great week, July 10 – 16. This is a superb dry fly / sight fishing week on the beautiful Bonnie, renowned as one of the world’s clearest rivers. There are also a few slots available later in July for shorter packages, and just two rods open during the prime fall fishing weeks of September 1 – 7 and September 14 – 21.

Country Haven Lodge on the Miramichi has rods available the week of July 13, and the full moon tides of July 12 should bring an excellent push of fresh fish! Further upriver, Wilson’s Sporting Camps has a few rods available the week of July 20 when that full moon push should be up to Wilson’s pools! Wilson’s also has 2 rods open for the third week in September, historically considered one of the best weeks for the fall run.

There are still rods available during August. While historically thought of as a bit risky, consider the fact that the Miramichi has seen the best fishing of the season during the month of August in 5 of the last 10 years.

For those looking farther afield, the beautiful country of Iceland has some of the world’s best salmon fishing. The East Rangá, one of the country’s top producing rivers (nearly 5,000 salmon to 18 rods in 2013) still has a couple rods open for a prime time 3-day slot July 21 – 24. And the Blanda, one of the north coast’s best big fish rivers has an excellent slot available on the infamous “Beat 1”, July 30 – August 3 (4-days fishing). These are full service, luxury lodge packages, but for economy minded anglers, we can also arrange “self catered” fishing (either guided or unguided) on some excellent rivers both north and south. Combination trips can be arranged. Please call for details.

Even More Atlantic salmon Space – Hosted Weeks. Call for details or to confirm your spot.

Brûlé Spey School – noted Atlantic salmon authority, Spey caster extraordinaire and author of the highly acclaimed “Atlantic Salmon Magic”, Topher Browne will be hosting a Spey School at Camp Brûlé the week of July 27 – August 3, and there are still a few rods available.

Master reel maker, William Olson will host a 4 night/3 day trip August 3rd – 7th to Camp Brûlé. Olson’s beautiful serpentine handle reels have been compared with such classics as Bogdans and Vom Hofes. The Petite is the coldest river on the Gaspé and frequently fishes very well deep into August.

The Petite Cascapedia hosts a good run of big males in late September and west coast steelhead guide, Brian Chou will be at Camp Brûlé teaching his cold water steelhead Spey techniques September 20th – 25th and world renowned painter and noted salmon angler, Galen Mercer will be capturing the spectacular fall colors along this beautiful river the final week of the season.

Salmon Lodge on the Grand Cascapedia has an opening for just 1 rod during Henrik Mortensen’s hosted week, August 10th – 17th. Henrik is widely acclaimed throughout Europe as the Master of Scandinavian Underhand casting. Beginners and advanced Spey casters will benefit from his knowledge, and The Salmon Lodge has access to some incredible water (C sector) during the month of August.

March 6, 2014