The Bystraya River

The Bystraya River is the second longest river on the peninsula at 275 km. Its watershed takes up 10800 sq.km.

The Bystraya River runs along the southern part of the Sredinny Ridge.  The river runs at 0,5 – 2 m/c. The depth in the lower reaches of the river is 1-3 m, in the middle reaches – 0,8-2 m. The width averages 50-100 m and 20-40 m respectively.  The temperature of the water in the river is 7-10 degrees Centigrade.

   The Bystraya River merges with the Plotnikova River, forming the Bolshaya River, one of the biggest rivers in western Kamchatka. It plays a prominent role in the reproduction of western Kamchatkan salmon. This is a spawning ground for about 40,000 heads of King Salmon (Chinook), more than 30,000 heads of Sockeye Salmon, 20 million heads of Pink Salmon (Humpback), more that 100,000 heads of Chum Salmon and more that 200 200,000 heads of Silver Salmon. There are even several thousands of  Brook Masu-Salmon. Also numerous are migrating Char, Grailing, river Rainbow Trout and Whitespotted Char.

   The main spawning grounds are situated in the accessory systems of the Bystraya and Plotnikova Rivers and their riverheads. The best and most acceptable areas for both rafting and fishing from rafts and riverbanks is the portion of the waterway from Malki settlement to the estuary. Within this area, there are few spawning grounds, except for humpback and king salmon.

   The best period for fishing king salmon in this area is the beginning of June to the middle of July. Though king salmon migrates here until August, it is greatly reduced and spawning begins in late July to August.

   To catch silver salmon the best time is the middle of August to the end of September. Depending on conditions in any particular year, the quantity of silver salmon could be very high, providing good fishing into October in the lower reaches of the river, behind the spawning grounds.

 From the end of June to the beginning of September there is also a mass migration of loach, which many fishermen find quite interesting. In August – September there is a lot of grayling here, easily caught on artificial fly.

   Char is quite numerous, but is adept at hiding itself behind tree trunks, piles of tree branches and in small tributaries. Sport fishing for this fish is possible from the end of April, but it is more effective from July to September.

   Rainbow trout is considered to be the queen of Kamchatka fishing. The largest individuals in the world are found only in Kamchatka. Fabulous fishing for this trout is very good in this particular river.

Rafting. 

 When rafting this river, pneumatic American rafts are used. These rafts are suitable for both fishing from the bank and float fishing. Each raft can take 6 passengers and 1 guide and is highly maneuverable. All clients are provided with a life vest and international safety rules are followed carefully.