Sidorovkas the brown trout story

Our Russian agents N.T.E sent me to Russia for many reason. The main task for the trip was to test a new and exciting river on Russia’s kola peninsula. What a thrill to be some of the first people to ever fish this river. Our team consisted of a mixed bunch; each of the four members has had years of experience in guiding and designing fishing adventures for those that love a challenge. I only hope that other fishermen follow in our footsteps.

Marjut Aalto with yet another ripper

One the reindeer hearders cabins that are open for use

Torstein is ready the set another trout free

the upper pool are just breath taking!

As I wrote about Varzina the gang at Norwegian Tundra Explorers organized a seven-day walking/fishing trip along a river that is so full of fish that words can’t describe. Sidorovkas is one of the many rivers that Varzina River Company controls. Now permission has been granted for small groups to explore this wilderness.

Sidorovkas must be classed as two distinct fisheries; the upper reaches could only be described as the best brown trout river I have ever fished. The lower pools that run to the sea are classic salmon runs that any river manager would be proud to own. I will endeavour to describe and detail the best way to approach this brown trout paradise.

What to expect

Our trip started at Varzina trout camp from there the last details are organized and we were flown in to a remote location on the lake that marks the start of Sidorovkas’s meandering to the sea. The moment the helicopter took off we were truly alone and felt the world of mobile phones and fax machines was far behind us. From the lake the tributary that enters the lake to the north was our first target. A short distance from the mouth we started to see signs of what every fisherman dreams of pool after pool of brown trout.

We had a selection of large classic flies and streaking caddices, which proved to be perfect for the job. In fact I used the same fly over the course of the river with great success. Wondering from pool to pool at a pace the world has long since forgotten we saw reindeer and wild animals by the score. This was something I had not expected from the out set of this trip.

Over time as we reached the higher elevations of the river and the fish increased in size. The largest fish I saw must have been around four kilo. Yet we managed a respectable two and a half kilo. Unfortunally we covered in a day what customers will be expected to do in three days. I’m certain with a little more time we could have taken larger fish.

What I need to explain is the fact that we were the only people for miles and miles. The sounds of nature replaced the car horns and mobile phones that plague our city existence. When I took the time to sit and look around me the amount of wild life was staggering. The sense of humility one feels when you are surrounded by flocks of wild reindeer was worth every penny.

Equipment and accommodation.

This package is designed to take you to the wilderness. Your back pack is your home and careful thoughtfulness must be considered when packing you equipment. I’ve compiled a list of the minimum you will need:


· A good quality tent is a must
· Wading shoes that will tolerate walking over the tundra
· Insect repellent
· Waders and a good lightweight raincoat.
· Class five/six fly rod with reels to match (no need for sinking line)
· Lightweight cutlery (plastic)
· Camping stove or burner
· Two changers of underwear and t-shirts
· Mattress
· Sleeping bag rated to minus –5’C
· Finally a good amount of dehydrated food and tons of good coffee!

A good tip is never over pack. You must consider that food is the most important ingredient to any good adventure. It is amazing how easy it is to carry things that will never be used.

Who to contact

Again as with booking Varzina Trout camp the only person to contact is Torstein from N.T.E or simply contacts us for all the details. We have created a simple e-mail catalogue that includes more photos and details regarding dates and group numbers.

Contact person: Torstein Erlandsen, Sandia 9845,Tana Norway
Telephone +47-78927729
Fax +47- 78927246
Mobil number +47- 95779267

Cost

For the 2000 U.S dollars N.T.E will transport you from Kirkeness to the airport at Murmunsk from there you will be flown in by helicopter to the starting point and your guide will be entrusted with navigation and organization of daily camps and pointing out where the best pools are. Other words you biggest concern is how big will the next fish be.

This was a trip of a lifetime. One I will never forget and for the average sports fisherman to attempt this, it could be said to be “a walk in the park”. I can recommend that you try this at least once in your life. Skot