Week 30 Our Swiss friends returns
This week we had our Swiss friends returning to Kengis Bruk to chase the baltic dream. Pascal, Michael, Philipp, Rudolfo, Beat & Peter enjoyed Kengis and we will give the word to Pascal about the week;
“Returning back to Kengis Bruk at the mighty Torne, it was just amazing to be there again, the feeling and the people to try to chase the Baltic salmon again. We drove up from Luleå, got to meet the people and finally got to meet Aslak. After last year with the low water we were lucky that we had three times the water level now. More mosquitos. Fishing looks perfect.
We got all out bags, prepared for some Swiss cuisine during the week and got our rods rigged.”
“Like last year our chef Rudolfo caught the first salmon in zone 3. So now we named that place Rodolfo's pool. Everybody was stoked and we were ready for the week. It was nice to come to the cold north where there was no heatwave. After a few rounds we realized it was difficult catching a Baltic salmon on fly in such a big river. We kept on grinding, tried different lines, flies, tactics, made some good Lemmel coffee on the fire and enjoyed to company.
The food made by Rudolfo is always something special and we enjoy having dinner every night. It feels like a 5 star experience, thank you Rudolfo.”
“When it comes down to the salmon activity we realized after talking with the crew that the numbers were lower this year compared to last year, and we could see that. But we still saw some big fish so we kept on trying and swinged our flies out.”
“After fishing zone 1 all day with Beat with no action a salmon hammered my fly and I think it is the biggest fish of my lifetime. It was like an explosion of a train and it took so much line in no time and you have to be prepared for every cast, because you never know what could happen. I lost the battle this time. The fish straightened my hook and went downstream. It was a moment I will never forget and I told Aslak that it was the feeling that made me sign a contract for Kengis for the next 10 years. I was not ready for that kind of fight, I needed to practice more. It's just like something else. The power is something you can't describe, you need to feel it by yourself. I will keep coming back till I get a new chance with such a big fish again.”
“The day after I was happy to hook a fine Baltic lady over 100cm, so I was really stoked. Fishing was still hard, so remember not to expect huge numbers when you fish for Baltic salmon, but keep your fly in the water and wait for that big fish to strike your fly. And when that happens the reward is just amazing.”
“I will rebook the week and I can say from those guys that did not get a fish in the book that fishing for Baltic salmon is like a mission and not something you just do. You get addicted. It is a big challenge to land one of these Baltic monsters at Kengis. I like when it's not easy and I will keep on working on my skills so I get better and better. We will see next year. Thanks to Tyler and Aslak for having us, thanks to Rudolfo for the good cooking and to Beat, Peter, Philipp and Micke for the good company. It is very important for us to have a good time and enjoy Kengis. I already dream about my visit in 2023.”
“In the last cast before heading home I caught a quite fresh fish at the end of zone 3. I was alone, so the picture is not the best. But what a feeling the hook a beast, land a +100cm at zone 1 and a silver fish at zone 3.”
“Tight lines for the rest of the season and I hope you will hook some of the big crocs we saw jumping at zone 1.
Overall just happy for our week, to be at Kengis Bruk, meet you guys and see you next year.”
Over and out - Pascal Schmid
Now we are going into August and it is always exciting to see how the late season develops. We cross fingers that some fish will hold up at Kengis and we get the chance have some more action.
Tight lines!
Oscar, Tyler & Aslak
Photos: Pascal Schmid
