| Kamchatka is a Peninsula in the Far East of the | | | | Pink Salmon |
| Russian Federation. It is famous for its volcanic | | | | Oncorhynchus gorbuscha run at about the same |
| scenery and pristine wilderness. It is less well | | | | time as O. keta, perhaps running on a bit more |
| known as an angling hotspot, though that will | | | | towards the end of August. Spawning males |
| undoubtedly change soon. | | | | develop a pronounced hump on their back giving |
| The primary target for most anglers will be | | | | rise to one of their nicknames - 'humpies'. Like |
| Salmon. These game fish return to the rivers of | | | | Sockeye Salmon, these fish are not caught very |
| Kamchatka every summer to spawn. They do so | | | | often in Kamchatka. If you want to try, then light |
| in predictable patterns and so if you know which | | | | tackle is advised. |
| of the species you want to catch then it is | | | | Silver Salmon |
| relatively easily to time your fishing holiday. | | | | The last salmon species to run upriver is |
| King Salmon | | | | Oncorhynchus kisutch. Their run may start in late |
| The first species to run up river is Oncorhynchus | | | | August and lasts right the way through to the |
| tshawytscha, known locally as King Salmon. These | | | | end of October for anyone brave enough to fish |
| mighty fish can reach a weight of 60 kilograms | | | | at that time. |
| and are the biggest to spawn on the Kamchatka | | | | Silver Salmon may have a dazzling silver streak at |
| Peninsula. The fish start their run in early June and | | | | sea and just after entering a river but when |
| are usually not caught after the second week of | | | | spawning they soon become green on the head |
| July. The six week window of opportunity is a | | | | and red on the body. |
| great on for anyone wanting a truly memorable | | | | The largest Silver Salmon recorded was about 15 |
| fishing experience. | | | | kilograms in weight. You are more likely to |
| Sockeye Salmon | | | | encounter fish of about 5 to 6 kilograms. Even |
| Next on the list are Oncorhynchus nerka. These | | | | then, you can expect a good fight. These fish are |
| distinctive fish run upriver from mid-June until the | | | | renowned for their acrobatic attempts to get |
| end of July, changing colour as they do so. They | | | | away. |
| are not often caught in Kamchatka's rivers - but | | | | If you are free to choose the timing of your |
| that is probably more because the locals tend to | | | | vacation then you are also free to choose your |
| focus on the King Salmon. | | | | target species of salmon. It really does not |
| Chum Salmon | | | | matter if not; as you can see above, there are |
| In July and for the first 3 weeks of August the | | | | plenty of fish running throughout the summer in |
| challenge is to catch Oncorhynchus keta. The | | | | Kamchatka. |
| ferocious looking fish have dark vertical bars of | | | | Getting to Kamchatka takes more effort than |
| green over a lighter, grey-green base. | | | | fishing closer to home - but it is worth it. You will |
| Chum Salmon can grow to 15 kilograms and offer | | | | come home with tales of a real adventure as well |
| good sport. | | | | of mighty fish. |