SEDANKA SPRING CREEK FLOAT TRIPS
Destination Overview
Like many other fishing destinations in the former Soviet Union, very little was known about the quality of fishing on the Kamchatka Peninsula prior to the fall of the Iron Curtin. In the early 1990s word began to leak out about the amazing Rainbow Trout fishing in this sparsely populated corner of Asia. As more and more westerners began to explore this difficult to reach area of the world, fly fishing travel professionals traveled the peninsula extensively and found un-fished rivers that hold fish populations that are reminiscent of western United States in the early 19th Century.
Of those amazing rivers Sedanka Spring Creek, discovered in 1998, is considered one of the most unique pieces of trout water in the world. The fact that its water has a subterranean origin in vast porous lava beds make it a true spring creek that never blows out during heavy rainstorms. It is very rich with insect, mouse and salmon biomass that feeds a very dense population of 18 to 30 inch native Rainbow Trout. It also is a great fishery for sea run Dolly Varden, and Kundzha.
Due to the very narrow 4 month summer season, the Sedanka’s Rainbows have learned to be very opportunistic as far as their eating prefrences are concerned. They will essentially grab at almost any life form the comes close to their feeding lie. They feed down below, but they are always looking up making the Sedanka one of the best dry fly fishing rivers in the world. You can test your skills with exotic dry fly patterns that you have created at your fly tying bench or just throw a mouse pattern at them and after a few twitches will get a violent strike. Mouse patterns always work.
Its remoteness-a 3 hour helicopter ride from Kamchatka’s largest city, Petropavlovsk- means that once you get there you and the five other guests will have it all to your selves for the whole week. It’s a walk and wade program with the boats moving you from location to location. It’s a true rustic adventure and not for those who are out of shape, yet the level of service and the accommodations are about as good as it gets considering the remoteness of the river.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Kundcha
Location: Kamchatka, Rus
Seasons: July-September
Lodge Capacity: 6
Nearest Airport: Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka Russia
Electricity: None
Documents needed: Passport/Visa
Fishing Program
Transportation along the river is via inflatable rafts that will drop you and your guide off at productive spots where you will then wade. Over the day you will work your way downstream to the evenings camp site where you will spend the night.
Mayfly and Caddis hatches peak in July. To watch a whole school of large Rainbows sipping emergers and cripples will get any fly fisherman’s heart twittering. If for some reason your presentation skills are off on any particular day, there is no reason to panic as almost any mouse pattern skittered along the surface will entice violent strikes.
During your week stay you will fish on and camp at each of the three sections of the river. In a typical week you will spend your first day fishing in the vicinity of the Upper Camp, on day two you will float to Middle Camp and of course fish along the way. On the third day, you will fish the area around Middle Camp and be transported by jet boat to productive areas. The fourth day is spent floating and fishing to the Lower Camp. On day five you will jet boat to productive areas in the vicinity of Lower Camp. On your final day, number six, you will have the morning to walk and wade around Lower Camp and then depart in the afternoon.
On a typical day you will have breakfast about 8 am and then depart along with your guide (2 fishermen per guide) for the day’s adventure. Over the week you will rotate between guides. Lunch will be served on the river and then you will return to the camp about 6 pm. Dinner is served at 8 pm after which you will gather around the fire and enjoy your cocktails and tell stories about your day’s successes. Being that you are in the land of the midnight sun, enough light remains for you to fish until midnight.
Best Fly Fishing Seasons
July: Warmest weather and best hatches. Most food is on the surface and so are the fish.
August: Hatches move to later in the day so mouse and streamer patterns get most fish. This is also a great time for fishing Dolly Varden.
September: As fall begins the days cool off to the 50s F and the nights get frosty. Bug hatches subside but the trout go crazy for mouse patterns as they fatten up for the soon to come winter.
Accommodations
Considering that the Sedanka camps are over three hours from civilization, the accommodations are rustic yet offer every amenity that will keep you comfortable and rested. Each base camp consists of permanent cabins that house two anglers. They are equipped with flush toilets, hot showers and a dining hall. Each guest will need to bring their own sleeping bag, pillow and shower towel though the cabin will include a foam sleeping pad.
Meals entail classic Russian cuisine that includes a variety of soups, salads and entrees. Entrees consist of a variety of meets such as pork, chicken or beef. Breakfasts include cereal, toast, eggs and bacon. Most streamside lunches consist of meats and cheeses. Bottled water is always available as is soda, and Russian beer.
Getting There
Yakutia Air serves Anchorage AK and Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka with weekly flights during the summer months. Arrival day and departure day may vary due to weather.
Rates
Rates are based on double occupancy
6 nights/5 fishing days - Sedanka River Float Package: $7,850. US
Inclusions: All ground and air transportation once in Kamchatka and all food, accommodation and guides.
Non-Inclusions: Airfare and travel expenses from your home to Kamchatka, Russian visitor's visa, fishing gear, flies, fishing license, medical evacuation insurance (required), and alcohol.