Rybaga Camp – The Ponoi River

Ryabaga Camp, the Ponoi River

Kola Peninsula, Russia - Incomparable Atlantic Salmon Fishing

Experience the excitement of a true wilderness location, yet an oasis of comfort, hospitality and fine cuisine. A totally wild Atlantic salmon population thrives here; the efforts to care for the stocks show markedly positive results. At Ryabaga Camp, you will also find a team of people whose attitudes to service, work ethic and team spirit are second to none. The Ponoi is one of the few rivers left where catches are recorded in thousands and even the slowest weeks exceed an entire season’s catch elsewhere. Perfect for salmon anglers of every age and ability and those with limited mobility.

Fishing

Fly fishing and catch-and-release only. Over 50 miles of double-bank water accessed by 17-ft jet boats and hovercraft for more distant beats. Highly skilled international guide pool. Options for endless wading or casting from boats with anchor drops. Outstanding home pool.

Accommodation

Guests enjoy single occupancy cabins with en-suite bathroom, 24/7 electricity and Wi-Fi; queen bed with comfortable mattress, duvet and down pillows. Meals are in central dining tent with bar/lounge area and adjacent fly shop. Sauna, massage room, drying room and museum documenting Ponoi history.

Gear

Double-handed Spey rods are the norm (14’ for 9 wt. is perfect); floating and/or sink tip lines; flies range from double hook traditional patterns to small tubes to skated dries, depending on water temperature and conditions. Chest waders, warm layers and rain gear are a must.

Ask The Expert

Toby Burrell

Tarquin Millington-Drake

Richard Scrope

Leigh Buches

Mollie Fitzgerald

Trip Specifics

Located above the Arctic Circle at 67 degrees N, access is via Helsinki with chartered flight to Murmansk, the point of entry to Russia. From there, a 2 hour Mi-8 helicopter across the tundra to camp. Frontiers assists with flights and en-route arrangements including visas, required for most guests.

Rates

$7,990-$16,490 per rod for 7-night/6-days, depending on date + charter flight Helsinki/Murmansk/Helsinki $1,250; Season: late May-early October. Includes all meals, accommodations, 6 days guided fishing (1 boat/guide per 2 anglers), licenses, helicopter transport from Murmansk. Sat-Sat turnaround.

Ask The Expert

Toby Burrell

Sporting Travel Specialist

Tarquin Millington-Drake

UK Managing Director

Richard Scrope

Sporting Travel Consultant

Leigh Buches

Program Manager

Specializes in the Ponoi and Iceland fishing programs, and Elegant Journeys.

Mollie Fitzgerald

Co-Owner, Global Destination Specialist

Specializes in Atlantic salmon fishing programs and heads up Elegant Journeys.

News

A first time experience of Ponoi - Pt 2

This year Maddie Millington-Drake visited Ryabaga Camp on the Ponoi for the first time. After growing up with her father telling her stories and sharing photographs of this special place, she was very excited to go and experience the true wilderness for herself! This interview is an insight into the younger generation's perspective of Ponoi. During Part Two of this interview, we will discover what the camp is famous for and what she thinks ...

First time experience of Ponoi - Part 1

Ponoi 2019 End of Season Report

Following a smooth winter that was marked by an average snowfall, the Kola Peninsula was shaping up nicely as the 2019 Ryabaga salmon season approached. Early May saw the arrival of our first group of mechanics who reported a nice clean camp, very little snow left on the ground, and a river that was opening quickly despite that there was some residual ice on the banks. A period of road ...

Ryabaga Camp, Ponoi river - Russia - Week 20 Report: Season’s End

Frontiers Note: The Ponoi fall season ended on a high with plenty of fresh fish entering into the system daily, which bodes well for the spring 2020 season. If you would be interested in fishing the Ponoi in 2020 please get in touch with Richard via email rs@frontierstrvl.co.uk or via phone 07983 ...

Russia - Ponoi - Week 19 River Report

Over the last few weeks we have seen the strength of the Fall Run, with fish moving in great numbers through Ryabaga waters. That said, weather and river conditions have posed real challenges to anglers and guides alike of late. This week, everything came together, as the Ponoi calmed down enough to show guests just what it had in store. Water temperature, water level, appropriate winds, cloudy skies… everything aligned and the fishing ...

Russia - Ponoi - week 18 river report

As Autumn comes to an end on the Kola Peninsula, the weather and the trees certainly let us know that winter is not far off. In Ryabaga the days are growing shorter, the nights are growing colder, and the birch trees are dropping their many golden leaves into the river. Flocks of Trumpeter swans and geese are flying south, and the permanent residents of the region are preparing for the long Russian winter ahead.

This past week the ...

Russia - Ryabaga Camp - Fishing Report Week 16

Week 16 Report: And They Just Keep Coming…

As Week 16 comes to an end we all pause to celebrate the season. As Head Guide Max Mamaev said this week: “Welcome to Ponoi, one of the best salmon rivers in the world…”. This past week was a fine example of that maxim (or Maxism, as the case may be!!).

Russia - Ponoi - Weekly Report

Every week on the Ponoi is unique, and last week was no exception. The first week of September in Ryabaga marks the seasonal turning point when autumn arrives to stay. Nights grow longer and cooler, allowing guests the chance to witness the magnificent Northern Lights. The leaves on the birch trees that cover the riverbanks turn golden, and the clusters of aspen go from the brightest gold color to hot orange and red within a week. All of ...

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