Air Temperature: 5-14C
Water Temperature: 12C-14C
Water Height: -22cm to -18cm
No of rods: 10
No fish: 70
Biggest fish: 34lbs Alain Vanthier
No of fish 30lbs+: 1
No of fish 20-29lbs: 7
No of fish 8-19lbs: 53
Grilse: 9
Weather: Temperatures have remained remarkably cool but stable for the majority of the week. There has been some sunny weather but cool air temperatures have meant that the water temperature has been pretty constant giving generally good fishing conditions.
Manager's comments: It is proving a tougher year than normal on the Kola Peninsula as a whole (Norway and Canada as well) and this week was no different. The rewards are there though for those that persevere.
There were only nine grilse and plenty of the salmon landed were in the high teens so everyone got to see there backing during the course of the week!
There are not many places in the world that you have a genuine chance of encountering a big fish. Seven fish fell in the 20-29lb bracket and the most noteable fish of the week was caught by Alain V, an exceptional 34lber. Well done Alain!
There were at least a handful of other encounters with salmon of a similar size this week. They came unstuck for a variety of reasons such as heading into a rapid but the majority were lost for no real reason, often when the fight was nearly won and when the fish was clearly seen. These things often go in waves of good or bad luck so let's hope that guests in the coming weeks have luck on their side.
All in all it was a relaxed but fun week with representation from the UK, Australia, France, Spain and Iceland. Hope to see you all again next year, same time, same place!
