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 Specialist

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

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 ...

Russia - Ponoi - Week 14 Report

Every other year, PRC Owner Ilya Sherbovich and his family host a lovely group of friends and family in Ryabaga. Any week in camp is a unique experience, but this biennial Friends and Family Week has evolved to include some special traditions: The Poker Tournament, Disco Night, Live Music around the Bonfire, the Daily Awards Ceremony, and more. It is a busy week both on and off the river, with three different helicopters coming and going, two ...

Russia - Ponoi - Fishing Report

This past week Ryabaga welcomed the second group of Finnish anglers led by Erkki M. Fortunately for all in camp, the week’s weather and water conditions were stable and more in accordance with what we expect at this point in the season, at least compared to recent weeks. Anglers saw warmer temps and moderate winds, and these conditions certainly helped to drive more fresh fish into Ryabaga waters.

Nearly 35% of all the fish ...

Russia - Ponoi - Last Space

Last Available space for the Ponoi Fall run 2019

Rods Available on week 31^st August – 7^th September

The first guests of the fall run season on Ponoi have landed in camp. Yesterday was very windy but river levels look good. Good luck ...

Russia - Ponoi - Last few remaining rods

We have the following space left on the Ponoi for the season:

17th to 24th August - 3 Rods

31st August - 7th September - 4 Rods - Join Tarquin Millington-Drake for a week of amazing fall run fishing.

28th September - 5th October - 1 Rod

If you are interested in discussing any of these weeks please get in touch with our team member below and they will do their best to accommodate ...

Week 3 Ponoi 2019 - Season Report so far

When a person has done something many times, it can become easy to think that there are no “firsts” left to be seen or experienced. It seems to me that when a person starts to get comfortable in this sort of thinking, life finds a way of conjuring up a “first”, just to remind us that we haven’t seen it all.

This past week, Ryabaga welcomed a group ...

Gallery