Kamchatka - The Best Months to Catch Salmon

By Ian Ford

Kamchatka is a Peninsula in the Far East of the Russian Federation. It is famous for its volcanic scenery and pristine wilderness. It is less well known as an angling hotspot, though that will undoubtedly change soon.

The primary target for most anglers will be Salmon. These game fish return to the rivers of Kamchatka every summer to spawn. They do so in predictable patterns and so if you know which of the species you want to catch then it is relatively easily to time your fishing holiday.

King Salmon

The first species to run up river is Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, known locally as King Salmon. These mighty fish can reach a weight of 60 kilograms and are the biggest to spawn on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The fish start their run in early June and are usually not caught after the second week of July. The six week window of opportunity is a great on for anyone wanting a truly memorable fishing experience.

Sockeye Salmon

Next on the list are Oncorhynchus nerka. These distinctive fish run upriver from mid-June until the end of July, changing colour as they do so. They are not often caught in Kamchatka's rivers - but that is probably more because the locals tend to focus on the King Salmon.

Chum Salmon

In July and for the first 3 weeks of August the challenge is to catch Oncorhynchus keta. The ferocious looking fish have dark vertical bars of green over a lighter, grey-green base.

Chum Salmon can grow to 15 kilograms and offer good sport.

Pink Salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha run at about the same time as O. keta, perhaps running on a bit more towards the end of August. Spawning males develop a pronounced hump on their back giving rise to one of their nicknames - 'humpies'. Like Sockeye Salmon, these fish are not caught very often in Kamchatka. If you want to try, then light tackle is advised.

Silver Salmon

The last salmon species to run upriver is Oncorhynchus kisutch. Their run may start in late August and lasts right the way through to the end of October for anyone brave enough to fish at that time.

Silver Salmon may have a dazzling silver streak at sea and just after entering a river but when spawning they soon become green on the head and red on the body.

The largest Silver Salmon recorded was about 15 kilograms in weight. You are more likely to encounter fish of about 5 to 6 kilograms. Even then, you can expect a good fight. These fish are renowned for their acrobatic attempts to get away.

If you are free to choose the timing of your vacation then you are also free to choose your target species of salmon. It really does not matter if not; as you can see above, there are plenty of fish running throughout the summer in Kamchatka.

Getting to Kamchatka takes more effort than fishing closer to home - but it is worth it. You will come home with tales of a real adventure as well of mighty fish.

Ian has lived and travelled extensively in Asia over the last seven years. He has been a passionate fisherman from school-days and is now combining the two fields by offering exciting and affordable fishing holidays abroad for individuals and groups.

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