Kamchatka

THE FISHING

Scientists know Rainbow Trout developed on the Kamchatka Peninsula before migrating eastward to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The Rainbows of Kamchatka are fortunate compared with their Alaskan brethren. Being farther south with warmer weather patterns allows for a significantly larger biomass. This food-rich aquatic environment has created a fishing mecca. After we conducted stream samples on over 30+ rivers on Kamchatka we realized the daily insect hatches of mayflies, caddis and innumerable types of stoneflies keep these plump fish looking to the surface for food. Golden and black stone flies, a mayfly population that is diverse and extraordinarily dense, spring and fall Beatis, Green Drakes and Pale Morning Duns name just a few. This bug factor in conjunction with a huge salmon population accounts for the large numbers of Rainbows.

The most often asked question is “How big are the fish?” The average Rainbow is close to 21-inches and 4 pounds, with many exceeding 24-inches and 6 pounds. In recent seasons several over the 30-inch mark were landed. Rainbow sizes like this are a true treasure and testament that these fish populations are exceedingly healthy.

The styles of fishing used varies as greatly as the types of fish being caught. At times swinging a streamer is the most productive method, but often a mouse pattern will out-produce all other techniques. One thing is certain, there is no need for heavy sink tips or leaded flies. Consider that both rivers see less angling pressure in a season than virtually any quality Rainbow stream would see on a normal weekend in Alaska. You will not catch fish missing facial parts, nor will fish behave as if they were caught earlier in the day. The Rainbows of Kamchatka are aggressive, often chasing your mouse patterns right to your feet. There is absolutely no need to fish plastic beads. The entire season is fished with real flies, Mouse patterns, streamers and dries on floating lines with heavy leaders.

Each day on the Ozernaya River you and your guide have over 15 jet-boatable miles of Rainbow infested water to enjoy. This is principally a wade oriented trip but if you do not feel up walking and fishing, the guides will happily fish you from the boat. It’s totally up to the anglers in terms of how they want to fish the river.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

While this is very much a walk and wade destination, the lodge has very good jet boats that are used to shuttle guests up and down the Ozernaya River. The lodge runs top of the line Lowe jet boats with reliable Mercury and Yamaha engines.

Once on Kamchatka you will travel by Mi-8 which was first put into production in late 1965 and is considered the most reliable and safe commercial helicopter ever made. With twin turbine engines designed for a capacity of 24 anglers and gear, there is no better view of the peninsula. Boasting an impressive 8,820 pound payload, a cruising speed of over 100 mph, and a ceiling of more than 16,000 feet, all of Kamchatka relies on this dependable aircraft.

GETTING THERE

There is now direct flight service to Kamchatka from Anchorage, Alaska. Yakutia Airlines has assumed the route from Anchorage to Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka.

The official released flight schedule is as follows:

Flight #XF712 will depart from Anchorage on Saturday mornings at 7:30 am, with arrival in Kamchatka at 8:00 am Sunday. After a great week of fishing you will depart on Saturday night at 9:30 pm, arriving back in Anchorage the Sunday morning at 5:50 am on Flight #XF711.

This early arrival back to the States allows plenty of time to clear US customs and immigration to connect up with your flight home.

Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2024

Due to the conflict in Ukraine, Kamchatka is not available in 2024.