ASR Youth Program

There is no doubt that in an average year, the first few weeks of August are the least productive, and the water tends to be lower and warmer than at other times and there are fewer fresh fish entering the system. However, all that said, the K&L and the R normally pick up between 70-80 fish during those weeks. Numbers, typically between 12-14 rods, can go as low as 50 fish but if you get lucky and get a cooler and wetter summer with a good run of fish, then you might get 100+.

I would also note that it isn't just about the numbers: there is always a chance of a really big fish, the whole chopper/tundra experience is awesome and you will get chance to try a whole range of salmon fishing techniques, from bombing to skating and riffled hitches.....you come back with more skills than you arrived with.

I have fished early, late and August weeks: thoroughly recommend it.....even if the fishing is relatively poor, it will still probably be better than most other places and the wider experience is a must for a serious salmon fisher.

I would also have to agree with everything that has already been said, the one piece of advice i would have is to make sure you are well prepared to cope with any conditions. The first year i fished the ASR was on a last minute deal, 2nd week in August. I got one piece of advice that was completely wrong... water will be low, no need to wade or take a double hander... On arrival i knew pretty quickly that i was totally unprepared. Thankfully my guide and wilbert helped me out and i got through the week and did manage a few fish, including the biggest salmon of my life from E Litza.. In honesty i didnt relax the entire week as i was only thinking about how unprepared i was. Two weeks after returning home i had rebooked for the next season, this time i was properly sorted and really appreciated everything the ASR had to offer. The fishing, the food, the wine, the vodka , the service and the best guides i have ever met. Oh and the odd 20 pounder
I have been fortunate enough to have fished all four rivers and been there July, August and September. The Youth week next year i would have no hesitations with, i was young enough??? Even if you get low water, bombers, hitches etc will ensure you have some sport.

salmon&permit said:

I would pick the ASR rivers over Ponoi every time.....I have fished there too and while it is an extraordinary river, it is pretty 'samey' in terms of the fishing and while you might come back a better caster, you wont come back a better fisherman.

Click to expand...

Everyone has a right to a preference but your observations on Ponoi are hardly accurate.

Firstly, you will generally catch more fish on Ponoi which will teach you something as you only learn from success, we learn very little from long fishless days.

Secondly, the river is different from top to bottom, I have fished it all from Kolovi right down to Brevyeni. The variation of water is significant, especially when fished from the bank.

Thirdly, there is no compulsion to fish from a boat unless you wish to. Ive landed more fish wading than I have from a boat and have always been near the top of the catches for most weeks I have fished.

The only time when the boat offers the best bet is the really high water of early spring.

I havent fished ASR and would very much like to but a sense of balance needs to be applied here. This summer the whole of Kola suffered from low water, Ponoi was the least effected by this. I had rods out there with me in July who all managed 20+ fish for their week while ASR guys were struggling to get near double figures.