Fishmaster - Trip Reports

Trip Reports. Trip reports and articles about Fishmaster fishing trips all over the world

Sweden, Gotland 1-6.12.2011

Fishmaster fly and spin fishing trip to Sweden, Gotland Island. This time our small group of 6 persons fished only with fly for four days and caught total of 14 seatrout, wheras most part of the fish were small, 40-45 cm but the catch included some good size seatrout also - 58 cm, 59 cm and 61 cm/2,4 kg. In the picture there is Vesa Tausta with the biggest seatrout of this trip. The weather was variable and changed between rain and sun, unfortunately wind was very strong during the whole trip, about 10-17 m/second from Southwest or West. Water temperature was about 5 degrees. The strong wind made fishing difficult when the waves were too big at best fishing places and we were forced to fish some other less productive fishing places. The best flies were Pattegrisen, Mulkkis and orange Drags Devil. Jouni Rauha. Gotland destination >>

Scotland, Tweed 1-6.11.2011 and 6-11.11.2011

Two Fishmaster fly fishing trips to Scotland, Tweed river - the Nest beat. Conditions by the river were quite challenging, water was quite low and warm for this time of year. There were plenty of salmon in pools but they were very reluctant to take flies for most of the time. First four fishing days period 1-6.11 our group of five persons caught 5 salmon and two seatrout. Second period our group caught 8 salmon and 2 seatrout. The catch included several big salmon between 7 and 9 kg for example 97 cm, 93 cm, 92 cm, 92 cm and 88 cm salmon. Flies that worked best were Willie Gunn, Den Vanliga and Black & Orange tube flies. The weather was variable and mild that suited well for fishing. Water temperature was 6-10 degrees. Jouni Rauha. Tweed destination >>

Scotland, Tweed 16-21.10.2011

Fishmaster fly fishing trip to Scotland, Tweed river - the Nest and Glenormiston beats. Conditions by the river were quite difficult, due to heavy rain in whole Tweed catcment area on Monday afternoon the water level was very high or high from Tuesday onwards. On Tuesday whole river was in flood and no catches for whole river this day. High water level on Wednesday and Thursday made fishing more difficult and salmon not so willing to bite flies. Our group of four persons caught total 7 salmon/grilse and lost some. Flies that worked best were Willie Gunn and orange-red-yellow tube flies. In the picture there is a happy Hannu Linnaluoma with fresh 4 kg salmon. The weather was variable and water temperature about 8 degrees. Jouni Rauha. Tweed destination >>

Scotland, Dee 25.9-1.10.2011

Fishmaster fly fishing trip to Scotland, the Dee river, Banchory beat. Conditions by the river were quite difficult, water level was lower than normal this time of year and also much warmer. Weather was sunny and exceptionally warm this time of year that made fishing even more difficult and salmon not so willing to bite flies. Our group of three persons caught total 6 salmon/grilse and one seatrout. Most of the salmon caught by our group were grilse, weighing between 1,5-2 kg. Flies that worked best were Willie Gunn and Dee Sheep. It has been very good season on Banchory beat, just a bit under 500 salmon and seatrout caught total. Excellent numbers as this beat is fished only by 4 rods at time. Jouni Rauha. Banchory destination >>

Iceland, Nordlingafljot 5-11.9.2011

Fishmaster fly fishing trip to Iceland, Nordlingafljot river. Conditions by the river were quite good, water level was a bit lower than normal this time of year and weather was variable. Our group of four persons caught total 11 salmon, biggest fish was 4 kg salmon that Juha Merilahti caught at pool 11 with Sunray Shadow. Most part of the caught salmon were normal icelandic size, between 2-3 kg. Flies that worked best were Black Sheep, Snaelda and Sunray Shadow. Nordlingafljot is cracking fine river that flows in beautiful icelandic mountain scenery. Fishing beat is total of 13 km long and consists of 75 named pools and maximum number of rods is only 6. The beat consists plenty of really good and fine fly fishing pools. Jouni Rauha. See photo show of the trip >>  Nordlingafljot destination >>

Gaula 1.6-31.8.2011 >>

Scotland, Spey 8-15.5.2011

Fishmaster fly fishing trip to Spey river, Castle Grant beat 8-15.5.2011. This week the conditions by the Spey river were quite good, water level was normal or a bit under normal for this time of year and weather was variable, mostly cloudy and suited thus well for fishing. Daytime temperatures were between 10-15 degrees and water temperature was 11-13 degrees Celcius. Our group caught total of 5 springers weighing approx 6 kg, 5,5 kg, 4,5 kg, 4 kg and 4 kg, and in addition to these, lost few other fish. Jussi Salomaa caught biggest salmon of the week - 6 kg cracking fish at Pollowick pool. The best flies this time were Black Sheep, Gold Willie Gunn ja Black & Orange tubes. Jouni Rauha. Photo show of the trip >>  Castle Grant destination >>

Scotland, Spey 17-24.4.2011 and 24.4-1.5.2011

Our traditional fly fishing trip to Spey river, Lower Wester Elchies beat 17-24.4 and Castle Grant beat 24.4-1.5. The conditions by the river were very difficult, water level was very low this time of year and weather was very sunny and warm, like Costa del Spey. Daytime temperatures were around 20 degrees celsius. During the first week at Lower Wester Elchies we managed to catch 2 nice springers weighing approx 4,5 kg and 8 kg, and in addition to these, lost few fish. The second week at Castle Grant beat was again very difficult and quiet when water continued dropping and weather was whole week sunny. We lost one salmon and had few other contacts with fish but unfortunately no springers landed by our group this week. The best flies were black and yellow tubes. Jouni Rauha.

Sweden, Gotland 4-11.4.2011

Fishmaster fly and spin fishing trip to Sweden, Gotland Island. Our small group of 4 persons fished for four days and caught total of 5 seatrout, wheras the biggest was 3,1 kg and second biggest about 3 kg. The weather was variable and changed between rain and sun, unfortunately wind was very hard during whole trip, about 10-17 m/second. Water temperature was about 2-3 degrees, which was a bit lower than normally this time of year. The hard wind made fishing difficult when the waves were too big at best fishing places and we were forced to fish some other less productive fishing places. The best flies were again Pattegrisen and orange-black Woolly Bugger. Jouni Rauha. Gotland destination >>

Sweden, Mörrum 29.3-3.4.2011

Fishmaster fly and spin fishing trip to the Mörrum River in Southern Sweden. Our group fished about 7 km long Kronolaxfiske beat pools 1-32 for 3 days. Our fishing group caught total of 8 seatrout, wheras 2 were small. Rest of the 6 seatrout caught were nice size between 67-93 cm. Timo Parkkola caught biggest seatrout of this trip from pool 4, this nice fish was 93 cm long. All fish caught by our group were released. The conditions by the Mörrum river were good, water flood was about 40 cubics per second and water temperature was between 3-4 degrees, which is quite normal for this time of year. The weather was mainly cloudy and daytime temperatures were around 10 degrees, nights were still cold. Jouni Rauha. Mörrum destination >>

Scotland, Dee 20-27.3.2011

Traditional Fishmaster spring fly fishing trip to the Dee, Kincardine beat. The weather was variable and nice spring weather, daytime temperatures were over 10 degrees during several days in the beginning of the week. On Monday and Tuesday the conditions were difficult due to very high water. From Wednesday onwards the water dropped nicely and the conditions were good. Towards the weekend fishing and run of the fish became better. Water temperature was about 4 degrees. Our small group of 3 persons did very well again this week at Kincardine beat and caught 9 springers, mostly weighing 4-5 kg, but couple fish were bigger, approximate 6 and 7 kg. We also caught 15 kelts between 2-5 kg. Greenlander, Ugly Yellow and Black & Yellow tubes were the most effective fly patterns of trip. Jouni Rauha. Photo show of trip >>  Kincardine destination >>

Scotland, Dee 20-25.2.2011

Early spring fly fishing trip to the Dee, Banchory beat. Banchory beat is one of the finest and most prolific fly fishing beats on the Dee, five year average catch of Banchory beat is 346 salmon and 96 seatrout, total of 442 fish in season. The weather was varying and nice spring weather, daytime temperatures creeping over 10 degrees during several days. Monday and Tuesday the conditions on the river were good and there was some nice action. On Wednesday and Thursday the water rised quite much and this made the fishing more difficult. Water temperature was around 3 degrees. Our small group fished for four days and caught 1 springer about 4 kg, lost 4 springers and caught 15 kelts between 2-4 kg. Willie Gunn and Dee Sheep tubes were the most effective fly patterns. Jouni Rauha. See photo show of trip >>  Video 1 >>  Video 2 >>  Banchory destination >>

Maldives 25.1-4.2.2011

Fly fishing and spin fishing trip to Maldives. This time the weather was more windy and unsettled as earlier times which made the fishing more difficult. Despite challencing weather we caught plenty of giant treavallies and bluefin trevallies. The biggest fish of the trip was caught by Petteri Juvakka and this nice gt weighed 15,1 kg. Niko Satto fished first time in tropic but caught plenty of fish, his biggest gt weighed 12 kg, in addition to this he caught 11 different species of fish. Petri Varis was top rod of the trip and his biggest giant trevally weighed 11,1 kg. In addition to giant trevallies and bluefin trevallies, we caught couple sharks, bonitos, snappers, groupers and many other species of fish. Jouni Rauha. See photo show of trip >>  Maldives destination >>

Cuba, Jardines de la Reina 7-17.1.2011

Test fly fishing trip to Cuba, Jardines de la Reina by myself. The fishing conditions were good, daytime temperatures around 25 degrees. Fly fishing was excellent, I caught 10 tarpons, biggest one about 25 kg. In addition to these I jumped and lost 30 tarpons, not very good lost/catch ratio though it became better during the week. I also caught 20 bonefish, biggest about 4 kg and 3 jack crevalle, biggest approx 10 kg. All in all this was very nice trip; the flights and other transports were ok, accomodation very nice, meals delicious, guides very skillful and fishing was very good. Jouni Rauha. See photo show about trip >>  Jardines de la Reina destination >>

Scotland, Tweed 7-12.11.2010

Fly fishing for salmon on the Nest beat on Tweed in Scotland. The conditions by the river were quite good, although water level was quite high all time. The weather was mixed between sunny and rain. The river was well fishable and there was a good run of salmon, our group of 4 persons fished the beautiful Nest beat for 4 days and we did extremely well. We caught total of 37 salmon/grilse and 2 seatrout. Salmon were all sizes between 2 and 8 kg and those two seatrout weighed 2,5 and 3,5 kg. The best flies were 7-10 cm Black Sheep, Dee Sheep ja Black & Yellow tube flies. Jouni Rauha. Tweed destination >>

Slovenia, Sava Bohinjka and Soca 23-30.9.2010

Fly fishing trip to Slovenia; Sava Bohinjka and Soca rivers. The conditions by the rivers were challenging because the rainy weather raised the water levels in all rivers. Soca was unfishable but in it's side river Tolminka and side rivers of Idrica; Baca and Trebusica conditions were good. Despite conditions, plenty of fish were caught by our group, mainly with nymphs and streamers. Most of the catch was rainbow trout, biggest was 57 cm and caught by Joakim Sjöblom at Trebusica. Also nice brown trout, marble trout and grayling were caught, biggest trout about 50 cm. Jouni Rauha

Iceland, Tungufljot 12-19.9.2010

Fine fishing week in beautiful Tungufljot river in Southern Iceland. The conditions were quite good, water level about normal but very cold. The weather was mostly sunny but cold northerly wind kept weather chilly, daytime temperatures between 8-12 degrees and night time around zero Celcius. Our group fished 5 days with 4 rods and caught 21 salmon between 1,5 and 3 kg. The best pool was famous Faxi falls, another good pool was canyon just below Faxi. Also beautiful and long Island pool in lower part of the beat gave several nice salmon. The best flies were Black Sheep and Snaelda. Jouni Rauha. See photo show about trip >>

Gaula 1.6-31.8.2010 >>

Scotland, Spey-Castle Grant 9-16.5.2010

Nice mid May spring fishing week on the Spey river, fantastic and beautiful Castle Grant beat. The conditions by the Spey river this week were good, water was at normal height of this time of year and dropped slowly during the week and thus nice height for fly fishing. The weather was varied and daytime temperatures were between 10 and 15 degrees, water temperature rised from 4 degrees to 8 degrees. Our fishing group of five persons caught 5 salmon 3-7 kg, 1 seatrout about 1,5 kg and 5 brown trout 1-1,5 kg. The best flies were Sillen and black and yellow tubes. Jouni Rauha. See photo show about trip >>

Scotland, Spey-Lower Wester Elchies 11-25.4.2010

Our traditional two weeks period on Spey river, Lower Wester Elchies beat. The conditions by the river were good, water a bit high at the beginning of period but it dropped slowly and was at nice height that was ok for fly fishing. Most probably because of the hard winter the spring run seemed to be a bit late this year and our catches were patchy, anyway we managed to catch 3 nice springers between 4-5 kg, lost several nice fish, caught 2 kelts and 3 seatrout and 3 nice brown trout. The best flies were brown and yellow and black and yellow tubes. Jouni Rauha. See photo show about trip >>

Sweden, Gotland 1-8.4.2010

Nice Fishmaster spring fishing trip to Gotland. Our group of 6 persons fished 4 days for seatrout by wading the coast of this beautiful island. Most of the fishermen used fly rod. The weather was mainly beautiful and wind was calm, water temperature was 3-6 degrees. Calm winds made the conditions a bit difficult but we still managed to catch total of 14 seatrout, biggest 3,7 kg. Most of the seatrout were between 50-60 cm, also weighing 1,5-2 kg. The best fly pattern was Pattegrisen. Jouni Rauha. See photo show about trip >>

Scotland, Dee-Kincardine 21-28.3.2010

Our spring fly fishing trip to Scotland, River Dee Kincardine beat. This time the conditions on the Dee river were good, the water was quite high but well fishable. The water temperature was cold and varied between 2-4 degrees. The fishing was excellent, this was one of the best of our Scotland trips. Our group of 3 persons caught total of 11 springers. Sauli Liukkonen fished first but not last time on the Dee and caught 4 springers, I caught myself 4 springers and Frode Olderkjaer caught 3 springers. Most of the fish caught were 3,5-4,5 kg but the cream of the crop were a 99 cm/approx 9 kg sealiced fish caught by myself from Village pool and a fish of about 6,5 kg caught by Frode Olerkjaer from Calm pool. The best flies were Black and Yellow and Dee Sheep with 7-10 cm wing, couple fish were caught with Greenlander tube. Jouni Rauha. See photo show of trip >>

Maldives 14-23.1.2010

A hosted Fishmaster fly fishing and spin fishing trip to Maldives. The conditions for fishing were good, maybe a bit windy for the first days. We caught plenty of target fish; giant trevallies and bluefin trevallies. Our group of 6 persons caught total of 50 trevallies whereas about 30 fish were between 3-10 kg. The best poppers were Rapala Skitter Pop and Creek Chub Knuckle head. Also some very nice GT and bluefin trevallies were caught with Clouser Minnow flies. I caught about 5 kg GT and 5 kg bluefin trevally with fly. In addition to these we caught one shark of 1 meter with fly, red snappers, bonitos, groupers, spearfish, barracuda and many other species. Jouni Rauha. See photo show about trip >> 

Trip Reports 2009 >>

Trip Reports 2008 >>

Trip Reports 2007 >>

Trip Reports 2006 >>

 Gaula Flyfishing 1.6-31.8.2005 >>

Norway

 Gaula Flyfishing 1.6-31.8.2004 >>

Norway

 Gaula Flyfishing 1.6-31.8.2003 >>