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Simply put, the Ozernaya is hailed as the greatest Russian trout fishery of all time.  A broad and shallow river reminiscent of the Henry’s Fork, the Ozernaya is home to incredible populations of rainbows in the 20 to 27 inch class, trophy grayling, kundzha, dolly varden and coho. No matter when you visit this river, all you will need is a solid 7-weight, a floating line, a fistful of mice and sculpin, and a strong fish-fighting arm!  Anglers sleep streamside in simple, comfortable, two-person A-frame cabins complete with built-in padded cots, light and heat. The camp features a classic Russian banya (hot shower tent) and a main dining tent where hearty meals, beer and vodka are served each evening.  Anglers will access more than thirty miles of pristine water with the aid of aluminum jet boats and skilled American and Russian guides. All fishing is done while wading and there are a number of interesting walk-and-wade tributaries awaiting adventuresome anglers. For those who want to experience the ultimate combination of high catch rates, large and unsophisticated rainbows, and true Russian wilderness, this is the ultimate trip.  The Ozernaya has been called the greatest trout stream of all time.  We believe the Ozernaya is the crown jewel of Kamchatka; a spring creek with an unbelievable number of large Rainbows averaging well over 20 inches.  Easy to wade and gin clear, much of the fishing is visual.  The Ozernaya has every single ingredient for large Rainbow Trout: bugs, salmon, and a large sculpin population.  The Oz is also blessed with fabulous runs of Silver Salmon ready to explode on wogs or poppers.  These chrome bright battlers, available from early August until the end of the season, are sure to test your will.
 
Ozernaya Travel:
To get to Kamchatka you will need to first make travel arrangements to Anchorage. You will need to arrive on Sunday due to the early morning flight out of Anchorage on Monday. You will be responsible for making arrangements for overnight accommodations in Anchorage (see section below). The next leg of your journey will be a flight on Vladdivostok Airline from Anchorage to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. You are responsible for booking your flight with Vladdivostok Air, and can do so with Red Star Travel after the first of the year. The Vladdivostok Air flight departs Monday mornings at 7:45 AM. The flight takes roughly four hours 10 minutes and begins by looping north and then heading nearly due south along the Russian/Siberian mainland. There are often spectacular views of the Peninsula from the starboard side of the plane. Anglers will cross four time zones and the international dateline, arriving Tuesday. It will be one hour later than the time in Anchorage.

When you land in Petro, expect the disembarking process to be slow. They take customs very seriously and typically call headquarters on each individual. Do not attempt to bring in cell phones or GPS units as they can be confiscated.

Before arrival into Kamchatka you will be required to fill out a customs declaration, this is a simple form and is self explanatory. When the plane lands you will spend a few minutes sitting before being told to deplane and get onto the bus. It is beneficial to try to get on the first bus as this will allow you to pass through customs and passport control before the rest of the plane. If you are with a group, please try to get them all off as soon as possible as this will expedite the transfer to camp. After clearing customs the lodge representative will be waiting through the silver doors and will take your bags and transfer them to a waiting bus for transport to the heliport.

In an effort to maintain your own sanity, try to adopt a casual “roll with the punches” attitude when traveling in Russia. While your host’s rarely excel at explaining the where, when, how, why and how longs that invariably accompany travel in less developed areas, they will come through and do their best to get you to your destination quickly and safely.
Once you arrive at the Heli-Port, take comfort in the fact that Russian MI8 helicopters are immaculately maintained in terms of mechanical service records etc. At first glance this might be hard to appreciate because their cosmetics are often overlooked. The black streaks emanating from the jet units are not the result of oil leaks but rather due to the fact that they burn kerosene. In all honesty, we feel that these crafts are safer than Alaskan floatplanes, and they are always accompanied by a three person crew consisting of a pilot, co-pilot, and engineer. Your gear will be piled in the rear 2/3rds of the plane and you will sit on simple bench seats along the walls. Several of the windows actually open and you are free to take photos from them. Once in the helicopter, please be seated and put in your earplugs. Top speed is about 110 MPH and the flight takes 3 to 4 hours with the refueling stop. There is no lavatory on board.

When packing your carry on luggage, we strongly recommend the following: warm clothing, rain coat, water bottle, plenty of snacks (it can be a long trip to camp and there is no meal service on the chopper), and simple toiletries in the event of an unexpected weather related overnight in Petro.

On the return trip, you will arrive back in Anchorage Monday morning at roughly 5:30 AM. If you are heading home it is a good idea to schedule your light no earlier than 8:00 AM as it takes some time to clear customs and immigration. You will be able to get all the way home on Monday.

 
Ozernaya Fishing Trip Accommodations:
Never forgetting our mission, we have created a safe, welcoming environment for your stay overlooking a pristine river surrounded by mountain views.  Mornings greet you with the silence of wilderness and you know the day is yours for the taking.  The Ozernaya jet boat lodge is designed for intimacy, with a maximum of 8 guests per week.  Each two-person cabin is spacious, comfortable, dry, bug-free and includes electricity and heat.  The many amenities include spotless flush toilets, streamside benches, picnic tables, hammocks, and evening campfires.  Upon returning after a successful day of fishing, you can hang your wet clothes in our drying room and jump into a steaming hot shower.  Clean and relaxed, dinner is soon to follow.  In our central and comfortable dining room you will enjoy delicious food until your hearts content.  This common area is also where you can relax and tie flies in the evenings.  Despite the remote setting, conveniences have not been lost.  Hot coffee is always available or if you prefer the Russian version “chai" (tea).  The menu is American-style with a touch of Russian.  Your cooks are available 24 - 7, as is the rest of the staff.  Each morning an American-style breakfast of bacon and eggs, oatmeal or cereal is served.  At your request, the guides will prepare fresh fish for lunch on the river shore.  To satisfy all tastes, we offer a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menus
 
Ozernaya Climate:
While the weather can be mild, always be prepared for cold. Pack as though you will be fishing in Alaska. Rain and snow can occur at almost anytime. Typical day temperatures in June-August range from 45-65 degrees f. and September weather can easily dip beneath freezing.

Ozernaya Trip Season:
Late June – early September
 
Ozernaya Trip Fish Species:
Rainbow trout, dolly varden, grayling, silver salmon

Lodge Capacity:
8 anglers
 
Ozernaya Trip 2008 Rates:    
$5850.00 per person / per week (based on double occupancy).
 
Included:
Food, accommodations, guiding, transfers from Petro airport to lodge, and up to one day’s food and accommodationsin Petro if needed.

Not Included:
Airfare, gratuities ($300-500 US per week), overnight accommodations in Anchorage, Visa fees (approx. $150 which are pre-paid through Visa Service NW), alcohol, fishing license, and mandatory medical evacuation insurance.