Week 23 High hopes, burns & big smiles

Thomas with a perfect baltic salmon

In the first week with guests, we welcomed our crew from Denmark. They have been in Kengis many times and for sure know the place and where to find the fish. It is a group that always comes with high hopes and big smiles.

The week before we had the sun burning from a clear sky and that can effect the fishing, but in the early season you need to find those fresh aggressive fish entering the pools and the guys was of for a good start. Within the first hour of fishing Ronni hooked a decent size fish and the hopes for the week got even bigger.

Ronni fighting a baltic salmon in Boat pool

Big smiles and baltic beauty

After Ronni landed his fish it became a little quiet. Fish was coming in to the pools, but not in the same numbers as we sometime see. In big pools you need good numbers of fish to get a bigger chance to hook into them and with baltic salmon you sometimes need to wait for the bigger runs to come into the pools. The group kept their eyes on the water and talked about that it was only a matter of time before bigger runs would show up.

Waiting time can be beautiful

After a few days it was Olivier's turn to get in contact with a baltic salmon. When fishing the pool a fish striked his fly when he stripped the line. It is a tricky situation for all fishermen when the fish strikes the fly in a not expected situation. Sadly it was not hooked well and he lost it.

‍The day after, Thomas experienced the power of the baltic salmon. He saw a good run of fish coming into boat pool and started fishing right away. At one of the good striking points, the stone in line with the shelter and the fireplace, he saw fish showing. After swinging the fly over the fish two times with no reaction Thomas switched to a sink3 tip and a Phatakorva fly and boom, the fish striked the fly. A fresh strong baltic salmon has taken his fly. The loop went away between his fingers and the heavy shakes from the fresh fish was going all the way into the handle of the rod.

Thomas fighting a strong fresh baltic salmon

After a solid lift, to make sure the hook was set, the fish started to make shakes and turns in the strong current and going on the wrong side of Island pool. Hard pressure and a little luck the fish turned and came to the right side of the small island. After some fighting back and fourth Ronni could net the fish. The hook was right in the scissor and everything was perfect for Thomas. And what can you say? If the fish gives you a burn on your hand you will for sure remember that fight.

Silver

The following day Anders was the guy to hook into a good fish. At the very end of Savikuoppa on the point he hooked into a fresh fish that didn't want to stop too easy. The fish took 60-70m backing in the first run downstream. After a short, but intense fight he could land another baltic beauty. These early season fish is someting special.

Anders with a good fish from The point, Savikuoppa

The last days was quiet and not many fish showed up in the pools, but as always the guys ended the trip with big smiles. We are looking forward to see you guys next year.

Big smiles and good energy from David & Anders

Next week looks exciting, more and more fish is going into the river and we cross fingers for a good week.

‍Tight lines! 

‍All the best

Aslak, Lars & Oscar

‍Photos: Thomas Hjemsted & Anders Bech