ASR fishing summary for 2021
Needless to say, last winter was long and dark as Covid cases spiked around the world. At the same time, the snow and ice levels on Russia’s far north coast continued to accumulate to near record levels by the end of February.
As summer arrived in June, Russia began to resume tourist air travel with a select list of nations that included Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the United Kingdom, but, unfortunately not for some of our Scandinavian, French and American friends. Committed to operating this season, the ASR team was delighted to see all those guests and friends that were able to join us on the camps!
Spring arrived early to the ASR this year with warming temps that began to rise from March. As a result, the river ice had released by early May with spring flows that had peaked before the start of the season. Warm early spring conditions continued through the opening week with river temps that rose to an unseasonably high of 12C. While the remainder of the June was mostly cloudy and mild with good river levels, July was mostly sunny and exceptionally warm through early August when the winds finally shifted back to the north brining much need rains and cooler temps back to the tundra.
In spite of the extended Arctic heat wave which also affected much of Europe and the USA this summer, there was some excellent fishing on most weeks for those who were able to make the journey this season. Although the remaining travel restrictions meant a lighter than normal fishing effort, in total the ASR managed to welcome 151 guests on both the Kharlovka and Rynda camps (up to the middle of July). Fishing highlights have been updated on the ASR website but notably, there have been 83 large salmon released over 20 pounds so far this season. The largest salmon were 38.3lb from the Litza, 36lb from the Rynda and 31 pounds from the Kharlovka.
Some highlights from the season included:
Elena landed the first great fish of the season in the Kharlovka Home pool. This was a new PB that was landed on a Temple dog with sinking tip that stretched the scales to 25 pounds - 103cm.
Anthony arrived 1 day late to camp this week and was straight into his new personal best 26 pounder on the lower river. Welcome back to the Rynda!
Pleased to report that our veteran Scottish friends arrived smoothly to the ASR this spring! All the lads landed multiple salmon including Jamie who had a day to remember on the lower Litza releasing 4 good salmon that included 20, 22 and 29 pounders. Welcome back all!
Max - The lower Litza has been on fire! Max with back to back to back 29 - 26 - 23 pounders that were all hooked on surface with Sun Ray Shadows!
Big Max with a solid 30 pounder in the Litza Spawning pool! Three casts later Max hooked a 25 pounder that he eventually caught up with and released far downstream.
Jr. The Eastern Litza river has an insurmountable 12m falls pool located some 9km upriver from the Barents sea with 1000’s of large multi sea winter salmon that thrive in the pockets and pools below. Vladimir Jr. with a spectacular 38.3 pounder - new PB that was landed together with his veteran guide Sasha on a Snealda - photographs by Max! “That was the first time I ever saw the backing from a salmon running upstream.” Salmon are stacking up at the Litza falls! Stay tuned..
The Eastern Litza river is a favourite of many! - beautifully rugged with boulders the size of a trucks and lots of Big salmon. Andrew with his new PB - 31 pounder that was released on his first time ever fishing the Lower Tent pool. Scale samples later revealed that this salmon was returning back to the river for the second time to spawn again later this fall. Na Zdorovie!
Vladimir with a bright fresh 17 pounder that was landed on a Whisky fly and released in the Zolotaya Sea Pool!
Following a morning of fresh rain on the far north coast - Arkadiy landed this solid 36 pounder on a Willie Gunn in Rebecca’s Pool! Welcome to the Rynda Big Salmon Club!
Joerg hooked into this spectacular sea laced 23 pounder on a Cascade in the Snowbank pool on the lower Litza river! A scale sample revealed that this was a very special salmon that is referred to as a Listopadka in Russian. These fish run the rivers in the early autumn and will go on to spawn soon this season! Photos by veteran ASR guide.
As populations continue to get vaccinated and the world learns and adapts to Covid, it seems likely that by Spring 2022 that safe international travel should again be possible for all. We therefore look forward with renewed confidence and anticipation to welcoming you back next season.
With best wishes from the ASR team!
Only those who have fished the Eastern Litza river will understand its power and potential! Vladimir with a 27 pounder that was hooked on a Willie Gunn in the Ledge pool.