Flyfishing on the Kitsa River in Russia's Kola Peninsula

The Kitsa, a largish river by UK standards, is a tributary of the mighty Varzuga River. Being lake fed, it runs cololer but clears earlier than the main Varzuga, which it meets close to the sea. Much more a pool-and-riffle river than the Varzuga, the Kitsa is typically 30 to 40 yards wide.

Salmon fishing
This is a another prolific grilse river, with most fish in the 5 to 7 lb region and just the occasional double-figure fish. We would most strongly commend it to anyone new to salmon fishing; it's a great place to learn a lot very quickly. (Incidentally, our introductory Guide to Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing is available online, and of course we recommend it unreservedly if not altogether impartially!)

Tackle
Early in the season you really need a double-handed rod at least 13 ft long, but as the river drops more of the water can be covered with a single hander. A sink-tip and a fast-sinking line are essential except in very low-water conditions.

What to expect
This is a river where, if you are there when the fish are running, you can reasonably expect to catch several salmon per day. There are plenty of places where the wading is easy, so if you haven't mastered spey casting you are still in with every chance of great success on the Kitsa.

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