The fall run is in full swing and the fish keep coming

After a full month of fall-run fishing on Ponoi, we are entering the last part of our season with very good numbers of fresh fish in most of our beats. At the end of Week 14 the fish are still arriving in good numbers and it looks as though we are in the midst of the best fall run of the last few seasons.

This week, the first cold nights of the autumn arrived and the consequent drop in the water temperature forced the running fish to slow down and hold in Ryabaga water and as a result they started taking flies more readily. Though fishing steadily improved through the first half of the week, it was on the last two fishing days that results improved dramatically, with averages of 70 fish per day of which 55% were bright fall-run salmon.

As in previous weeks, we took advantage of the beautiful Brevyenni waters by employing the hovercraft. With Brevyenni as an option, we made use of all Ryabaga water to maximize the fresh fish encounters. Fishing was done mostly using big tubes and intermediate tips. That said fast-sinking tips and in some cases full-sinking lines proved to be extremely effective.

For the week, 19 rods landed 363 salmon including 153 bright and 97 fish in the 10-20 lb range.

This week we were very happy to welcome back Harry who attended camp with his four grandsons. For three of these gentlemen the trip afforded a first Atlantic salmon experience. It was wonderful to see the entire group cap the week with many big fish under their belts. Also from the states were Mark and Gina, who finished their week on a high note with an 18 and a 15 lb fish.

Alan celebrated a week in Ryabaga while hosting a very accomplished group of anglers. The group was composed of guests from Britain and Sweden, they were complemented in camp by the two Joseph’s from Andorra. Our friend Len, who marked his 53^rd week on the Ponoi was also in camp.

Good fishing, nice weather, and the beautiful scenes of camaraderie made all of us feel blessed this week. The great feeling in camp was evident; all of these factors made this week pass in the blink of an eye. Nonetheless the sea-liced fish caught on the last few days would indicate that things can only get better as even more bright fish keep entering our waters.

Until Next Week,

Joaquin Arocena and the Ryabaga Team