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Varzina River Fishing Seasons


Please note: Annual variations are common, no two years are equal.


Preseason

Preseason starts from the beginning of June and lasts to midsummer. Fish is biggest springers up to 40 lbs (average 20 lbs) and kelts on their way back to the sea. Waterlevel is still rather low, end of pre-runoff time, and water temperature is approx. 32-43 degrees Fahrenheit. Main preseason fishing areas are Varzina and Penka Seapool areas.

Recommended tackle

  • rods: #8-11DH/SH, sinking lines, rate #3-4, F/S also ok.
  • leaders: over 20 lbs bs, also sinking models *
  • flies: big tubes, largest (about size 2/0), most colorful wetflies e.g. Garry, Golden Killer

High season

High season takes place from midsummer to mid July, when the main run of MSW-salmon is on - fish is in the 15-30 lbs range. Waterlevel is pretty high, runoff and temperature in the 40-50 F range. Main fishing areas are lowest 2-3 miles of all rivers, and running channels.

Recommended tackle

  • rods: #8-11SH/DH *
  • lines: sinking #3-6, F/S also OK, heavier Teeny-T -series, intermediate, floating *
  • leaders: over 20 lbs bs, also sinking models *
  • flies: large (about size 2-4) wetflies e.g. Ally’s Shrimp, Green Highlander

Midseason

Period between Mid-July and first week of August is often called midseason. Fish is grilse start running mixed with 2SW salmon, smaller and bigger grilse and salmon 10-15 lbs. Waterlevel is dropping, and all areas very fishable. Water temperature is in the 50-60 F range. Main fishing areas are the whole river system and main holding pools.

Recommended tackle

  • rods: #6-9 SH *
  • lines: floating, intermediate *
  • leaders: about 20 lbs bs, also sinking models *
  • flies: smaller wet flies (about size 6-10), dry flies e.g. Willie Gun, White Bomber

Late season

Late season takes place from second week of August to the end of August. Fish are small mixed schools still running with high tides. The occasional autunm fish showing; most salmons in the river are already quite colored but taking small flies well, males getting pretty aggressive. Waterlevel is at the lowest mark, rains induce spates, water temperature is in the low 50´s F. Main fishing areas are main pools and the upper river areas.

Recommended tackle

  • rods: #6-9 SH *
  • lines: floating, intermediate *
  • leaders: about 15-20 lbs bs, also sinking ones *
  • flies: smallest wet flies (about size 8-12, e.g. Undertaker, Horn Jack), flashy streamers, dry flies

Autumn run

Autumn run starts in September and takes place to the end of the whole season. Fish is bright winterrun salmon start running depending on the autumn rains, average size is about 15-25 lbs. Waterlevel is still low, but rising for the autumn spate, water temperature is in the mid-40´s F. Main fishing areas are the lowest pools, many salmon are already in the redds.

Recommended tackle

  • rods: #8-10 SH/DH *
  • lines: floating, intermediate
  • leaders: about 20 lbs bs, also sinking models
  • flies: mid-sized wet flies (sizes 4-8) e.g. Hairy Mary, Silver Doctor
  • extra gear: pocket flask