PRE-TRIP PLANNER
GREENLAND
GREENLAND
PLANNING YOUR TRIP GREENLAND Greenland is the world’s largest island, almost 2 million km2 where of almost 80% is covered with ice. Only along the coasts, there are ice free arctic tundra. The population is around 60.000 people, which gives the lowest population density in the world. Greenland has in centuries been part of the Danish realm and have now a loose connection to Denmark. Still, most trade, supplies and travel go via Denmark. The time zone in western Greenland, where we fish, is GMT -3. The polar circle is close to Sisimiut, thus during most of the fishing season it will not be dark at night. Temperatures may vary from a little below the freezing point up to ca. 20 degrees Celsius. Weather may change quickly, which means you need to be prepared for severe changes in temperature, wind and precipitation during a day of fishing. Tides are significant, up to 3-4 meters, which puts some constraints to boat landings at camps.
FLIGHTS The plane (a wide body Airbus 330) from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq normally leaves in the morning, and you must be at the check in counter for Air Greenland two hours before departure. Plan some buffer time if you fly into Copenhagen. Preferably arrive the day before, and spend the night in a hotel, in vicinity to the airport. This way you and your luggage minimize the risk of being late. Then you may also find out the reason why it is called “Wonderful Copenhagen”. You may check in via www.airgreenland.com and/or use the check in machines in the terminal to obtain luggage labels and boarding cards, for both the flight to Kangerlussuaq and the connecting flight to Sisimiut. Using the automated check in allows you to use the Bag Drop counter, which is faster than the staffed check in lines. Your checked in baggage will go all the way to Sisimiut. In Kangerlussuaq there is typically a short stay before the flight to Sisimiut. You may go outside and enjoy the clear and fresh air in Greenland. There is a cafeteria, bar, souvenir shop etc. in the airport. The plane to Sisimiut is typically a Dash-8 with limited overhead compartment space, so you may need have you hand luggage on the floor in front of you.
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GETAWAY FLY FISHING
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Greenland is not part of EU/Schengen, so you will need a valid passport and travel insurance documentation. You do not need a visa to Greenland if you are a Nordic citizen. A visa to Denmark does not automatically give you access to Greenland and you should obtain further information with the Danish Immigration Services. If you travel without a valid visa, Air Greenland can deny your boarding without any liability for your onwards journey. Check out what nationalities are required to have visa to travel to Greenland on https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Short-stay-visa/Visa-to-theFaroe-Island-or-Greenland
PACKING Check the amount of baggage you can bring on https://www.airgreenland.com/travel-info/before-travel/baggage We recommend that you pack your checked-in baggage in a water-resistant bag, that you can carry a short walk on your back. It may be stored outside during transfers in Greenland or stowed on deck during the cruise to the camp. Also, you will need to carry it a short distance when arriving to camp. We suggest that you use a waterproof daypack as hand luggage, as you may use this when hiking/fishing. Check www.airgreenland.com for size limitations and allowed items. Always keep any medicine in your cabin baggage so that it is available to you, even if your checked-in baggage is delayed. Airport security rules change constantly, so it is safest to pack your rods, reels and flies in the checked in luggage.
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GREENLAND
PLANNING YOUR TRIP ALCOHOL You can buy tax free in Copenhagen airport, during the flight to Kangerlussuaq, and even upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq. Make sure to get liquids in a sealed bag. Shops in Sisimiut also sell alcohol and tobacco, but it is expensive. Check the tax free allowance here: www.airgreenland.com/travel-info/inflight/tax-free
SISIMIUT Sisimiut is the second largest city in Greenland with around 6.000 inhabitants. Fishing is the main occupation. We are picked up in the Sisimiut airport outside the city and driven to the hotel in a mini bus. After check-in, you will have some time to explore the city and surroundings, and this will be your last chance to buy supplies of alcohol, sweets or the like, as of course there is nothing to buy in the lodge or camp. There is no alcohol or sodas in the lodge or camp, but you can buy and bring for your own needs in Sisimiut.
ACCOMMODATION & TRANSFERS In Sisimiut the group spends the night at a hotel, in double rooms unless you have booked otherwise. You will receive a voucher for a dinner meal in the hotel’s restaurant. An overnight stay at the hotel means we can start the trip well rested next morning - and we also have some buffer time for flight delays. Next morning, after breakfast at the hotel we will be driven to the harbour, where a vessel will be waiting for us. Supplies for the week will already have been purchased and delivered to the boat. Normally the boat trip to camp takes between 1½ to 2 hours depending on weather conditions. Most of the sailing will be inshore, if strong winds are prevailing. Put on warm clothes for the boat trip (including gloves and beany). The 28-35 foot vessel may go up to 30 knots, which means standing outside watching for sea birds, seals and whales (that are frequently seen) may be fairly cold. Fortunately, there is a cabin on the boat with seats. Have your camera and any supplies (water, sweets etc.) that you need during the cruise in your hand luggage, as the big bags may be stowed away and not accessible. Departure time from the hotel depends on tides and will be communicated in due time.
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GREENLAND
THE BASICS ELECTRICITY Electrical outlets at the hotel and the lodge are Northern Europe sockets with 230 volts. Normally, there is power 24*7 in the Erfalik lodge, but at Camp North there is only limited power for the coolers, and we recommend a portable solar cell charger, if you need to recharge cameras etc. in camp.
COMMUNICATIONS Your mobile phone will work upon arrival in Greenland, but count on that connection is doubtful once we leave civilization. There is no Wi-Fi at the lodge nor at Camp North.
We strongly recommend that your insurance will cover any costs if you miss your flights out of Copenhagen, in case of delays on your way back from Greenland.
VACCINATIONS There are no general recommendations for vaccines for entering Greenland, but it is always sensible to have a vaccination against tetanus.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS If you have special dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know when you book the trip.
CURRENCY (AND CASH) The currency in Greenland is Danish kroner (DKK). Credit cards (Dankort, Visacard, Mastercard) can be used in the hotel and in the city. Thus you may not need cash, maybe other than for tipping staff.
GRATUITIES Tips to lodge staff is not mandatory, at your discretion, but appreciated. A guideline is EUR 100 in total (to the camp manager that will split between the staff).
TRAVEL INSURANCE Make sure you have a valid travel insurance – possibly including cancellation insurance.
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GREENLAND CONTACTS GETAWAY FLY FISHING PHONE +45 7021 8060
MAIN OFFICE
EMAIL INFO@GETAWAYFLYFISHING.COM BOAT TRANSFERS & CAMP PARTNER:
SIRIUS GREENLAND (CONTACT: BO LINGS) PHONE +299 48 67 90 ACCOMMODATION & LOGISTICS IN SISIMIUT:
HOTEL SISIMIUT PHONE +299 86 48 40
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GREENLAND
THE LODGE/CAMP ARRIVAL TO THE LODGE/CAMP THE ERFALIK LODGE and our camps are located in the most awe-inspiring surroundings Greenland has to offer – and in genuine wilderness. Access is correspondingly cumbersome. The vessel will anchor as close as possible to the river mouth, and everything is then set in motion for disembarking with a landing skiff. There are life jackets for all guests on the boat. It is the guests’ own responsibility to request one of these, before boarding the landing skiff. The landing skiff goes back and forth to shore several times with guests, luggage and supplies. All guests must carry their own luggage to and from the lodge. At Erfalik, we normally disembark very close to the lodge (a few hundred meters away). AT CAMP NORTH how easy or difficult disembarkation is depends entirely on the tide. Even in the best situation there are a few hundred meters to carry luggage, but you should be prepared for a landing at Camp North to take the time and effort required. A man-pulled wagon is available to carry luggage and supplies at Camp North, as we do not have permission to use motorized vehichles. Fortunately it is well worth the trouble. It is possible to begin fishing, as soon as the group has been placed in the camp and the camp manager has introduced the group to practicalities on camp life, fishing, hiking and safety, and you have received your fishing license.
LODGE/CAMP LIFE
The camp manager, chef and any trainees are of course primarily in charge of practical tasks in camp. The staff are also keen fly-fishers and has local fly-fishing experience, and also happy to help you with advice on the fishing and point out good fishing spots.
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You can fish 24 hours a day in the beginning of the season and 20-22 hours a day late in the season, but the vast majority of participants choose to meet up for breakfast and dinner.
ACCOMODATION
THE ERFALIK LODGE is located at the river mouth, with a magnificent view of the river and fjord. You will be accommodated in single rooms. There is a common lounge and dining area. Showers and toilets are also installed. There is a pillow, duvet and clean linen in your room, so you do not need to bring a sleeping bag. AT CAMP NORTH, we have a big tent with tables and benches to stay in for dining together. Guests sleep in their own tent and on a sleeping mat (of best quality), but you must bring your own sleeping bag (and a small pillow, if you need this). There is a toilet tent/hut and you can heat water to have a shower in a dedicated shower tent – or you can take a bath in the river.
MEALS
In the mornings, breakfast will be served, and you can make a lunch pack for your fishing hike. In the evenings, dinner will be served.
RETURNING
Time of pick up from the camp depends on the tides, but you will be notified in due time to pack and get ready. We appreciate that guests give a hand to get luggage and remains to the boat. When returning to Sisimiut, loaded with fishing tales, we have a last night at the hotel, where we have dinner together (dinner is included, but beverages must be purchased in the bar). Time of transport with mini bus to the airport the next morning will be announced.
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GREENLAND
THE HIKING TERRAIN The terrain is not difficult to walk. There are beaten footpaths most places along the river. A few small creeks need be crossed, as well as a few muddy areas, so you’ll need to be waterproof up to around the knees. If using the boat on the lake, embarking and disembarking may also require shallow wading. In warm and sunny weather, you may choose to hike in walking boots with waterproof (neoprene-)socks or hip waders. Typically, there is no need for wading deep. But you still want the real waders for bad weather conditions! You can drink the water from the river; however, we suggest you bring a bottle and fill it up with water from the small creeks that you pass. ERFALIK LODGE You can fish just outside the lodge: Where the river meets the fjord, there can be very good fishing for char, as well as in a couple of smaller pools of the river up to the lake, a few hundred meters from camp. The lake – and the next one – can be very productive, especially around inlets and outlets. We have a boat anchored in the lake near the camp. The boat is used for group transport to the upper river in the mornings and evenings, but it is also possible to walk up there at other times. CAMP NORTH Camp North puts some demands on physical condition and willingness to hike. Typically, good fishing starts after a 40-45 minutes hike upstream from the camp. If you want the full benefit of the area, you should at least – once or several times during the week – trek an additional hour or more up the tributary, which has quite a different character. In addition, we have a boat ready in the lake, which is about an hour’s walk from camp, for easier access to the upper river, where the fishing can also be incredible.
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In addition, it is possible to fish closer to the camp, in the fjord, for arctic char or cod, but you need to time fishing with the tide.
WILDLIFE
On top of fishing in this beautiful tundra area, you may see some interesting wildlife. We often see reindeer, sometimes musk ox, arctic fox, white-tailed sea eagle, peregrine falcon and raven just to mention the most prominent species. What about the polar bear? Fortunately, polar bears live on the ice and are extremely unlikely to come to this area during the summer months. The white-tailed sea eagle and peregrine falcon have nests in the area. They are very vulnerable to disturbances near their nests. They may abandon their chicks in the nest if disturbed. So please, stay away from any of their nests. If the adult birds circle above you screaming, then you are too close and should move away.
SAFETY
For security reasons, we require that you always go fishing at least two people together, when going out a distance from camp. In case you skip a meal because of extended fishing hours, the camp manager needs to know. We also require that you stay within sight of the river, as it is easy to get lost in Greenland, and weather changes come fast – possibly involving fog. We have a satellite phone in the lodge, but it is only for emergencies or planning sailing times etc..
PROTECTION OF NATURE
As it is only for a few months each year that the landscape is un-frozen, all biological processes take very long time. This means that the vegetation and fish grow very slowly, and anything that
GETAWAY FLY FISHING
we may leave (no cigarette butts, please!), will take decades to degrade. Also, the soil consists of peat (not fully degraded plant material), which can easily burn – even below the earth’s surface in layers of organic material. Therefore, we do not make fires, we leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but pictures. If you like to heat water for coffee or the like while away from camp, we suggest to either bring a thermos (and fill it in camp) or a small gas burner (Jetboil or the like – you can buy gas in Sisimiut (Sirius), as it is not allowed to take gas along on the airplane). If you smoke cigarettes, you should bring a pocket ashtray.
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GREENLAND
THE FISHING & THE EQUIPMENT ARCTIC CHAR Greenland only has three species of freshwater fish: Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), three spined sticklebag (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The latter only spawns in a single river at the bottom of the Nuuk fjord and only grow to very moderate sizes. The former two are widespread. Catches consist entirely of sea-run arctic char – a stunning and very strong fish. The later the season gets, the more coloured some of the fish will be. The char migrating up the river come in many sizes, however the majority are in the 40-70 cm range, but typically each group of anglers land a number of fish above 70 cm and up to 85 cm. We have seen even bigger char!
FLY FISHING TIPS
Since the fishing is all catch & release, we only allow fly-fishing with single barbless hooks or with a crimped barb. As the rivers hold large numbers of char, we encourage you not to use big, heavy streamers in the river in order to avoid foul hooking fish. However, in the lakes or in the fjord they can be used. In addition, where fish stack up, e.g. below small waterfalls, we suggest using only foam flies or other floating flies for the same reason. The river is not wider than you can cover almost all the water even if your fly casting is mediocre. And as there are no trees, you can use overhand casts almost everywhere. A few people bring light double hand rods, for no other reason than it may be fun. When handling fish, we urge you to use a knot-free landing net. You can borrow a weigh net in the camp. We request that you keep the fish in the water at all times, except maybe for a quick photo, where you may lift it up with proper support under the belly for a few seconds. Use pliers to
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remove the hook. The river has a mix of rapids and slower pools, so you can always find a place that suits your preferred type of fishing, whether it may be swinging foam flies, smaller streamers or drifting nymphs or dries. At Erfalik, in addition to the river, lake fishing may be productive. Especially close to inlets and outlets the char aggregate, but you can also have excellent fishing while wading along the shores. Finally, the fjord holds char and good-sized cod, that you may pursue at high tide.
FLY RODS
The go-to rod for Greenland arctic char is a single hand 6 weight, 9 foot 4-piece rod preferably with a small fight butt. Bring a spare rod as well – unfortunately, most groups of anglers break one or more rods during the week!
FLY REELS (AND BACKING)
Large arbour reels with a good brake, for #6-7 are perfect. 100 meters of 20 pds backing is more than sufficient. A spare reel is also a good idea!
FLY LINES
Typically you do not need to cast more than 15-20 meters. However, as it often is fairly windy in the middle of the day, you need a line that can cope with this. Floating WF lines, preferably with a short belly, are what you need for the rivers. Yes – lines were in pluralis – bring a spare one! For the lakes and fjord, you may add an intermediate or sinking line.
LEADER MATERIAL
On the river you will most often use a tapered 9 feet monofilament or fluocarbon leader with a
GETAWAY FLY FISHING
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GREENLAND
THE EQUIPMENT tippet around 0X-01X (0,28 mm – 0,31 mm) to enable a short fight. Bring 4-5 tapered leaders and some tippet spools. When the leader gets shorter after changing flies, you make a loop knot and loop it to a tippet. Then you may often need only to change the tippet part. For the lakes and fjords, sinking poly-leaders may be handy.
WADERS, WADING BOOTS AND SOCKS
A pair of good trekking shoes or boots may be nice to wear in camp and for traveling. They can also be used for longer hikes (with long waterproof socks) carrying waders and wading boots in a backpack. Typically, you do not need to wade deep, therefore hip-waders may be a convenient supplement to chest-waders on warm days. However, you still want to bring the chest-waders for bad weather situations. Waders should be breathable (Gore-Tex or the like) and with neoprene socks. Wading boots made for hiking, and with rubber soles are recommended. Spikes/clamps are not needed, but do not harm either. Make sure your boots fit your feet – test them out at home – as you will walk several km a day in them. You do not need a wading staff.
POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
Sight fishing is fun! Therefore, bring polarized sunglasses. Amber coloured glasses are good, but others colours will work too. We encourage you to always wear glasses when fly-fishing to avoid injuries. A cap will help to avoid flare and make better vison.
INSECT & SUN PROTECTION
The arctic tundra is home of a number of insects, some biting and others just annoying. At
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times there can be many, at other times none – you never know. Make sure you have a mosquito net to pull over your cap and head. More often than not, small flies, not mosquitoes, may cause discomfort. They do not bite, but a mosquito net that can be pulled over the head may be necessary. At other times, a Buff (or similar head wear) that covers your nose and years will be sufficient. Mosquito repellent and sunscreen should also be part of your gear.
CLOTHING
You will be walking a lot up and down the rivers, when you are fishing, so optimal clothing is crucial for personal comfort. The weather may change from one hour to the next, so you have to be prepared for most conditions at all times. We recommend layered clothing, making it easy to adjust depending on whether you are walking or standing relatively still fishing – and of course according to changing weather conditions. Layered clothing could be normal underwear, then thinner breathable undergarments, a thicker fleece layer, for example, and ultimately breathable waders and a water and windproof jacket; a so-called shell.
GLOVES / FINGER GUARDS
Bring a pair of gloves, e.g. with (some) fingers cut off. They’ll be nice to wear on cold days (and when sailing), and protect your hands against insects at other times. If you have sensitive skin, a couple of fingerguards may come in handy.
ADDITIONAL CLOTHING
A knitted hat (or beanie) is strongly recommended. Some like to wear a Buff against the sun and insects. A cap is a must!
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OTHER ITEMS
Your gear should include a pair of pliers for crimping barbs and as a hook releaser. AT CAMP NORTH, you must bring your own sleeping bag. It should have a comfort temperature at least to -5 degrees Celsius. You may boost your sleeping bag to insulate some more with a silk or fleece lining. A small pillow should also be brought if you need such. As mentioned earlier, an optional gas burner or thermos for hot drinks while away from camp may be nice. Cups can be borrowed in the camp. No need to bring one! You can borrow a knot free weigh net in our camps.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PACKING LISTS PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
FISHING EQUIPMENT
• Passport, credit cards and/or cash (DKK or EUR) • Toiletries + any personal medicine • Sunscreen + lip balm with UV factor • Mosquito repellent + mosquito nets (2) + cap • Towel • Underwear + socks • Breathable waders, good wading boots and a wading jacket • Hiking boots or sturdy trekking shoes • Long sleeved shirts and trousers (preferably fast drying and insect proof) • Warm clothes, e.g. fleece • Breathable jacket (e.g. your wading jacket) • Mittens/gloves and beanie • Camp North: Sleeping bag(to ÷5 degrees Celsius comfort temp.) and a small pillow, if you need this.
• Small waterproof backpack for day trips • Polaroid sunglasses • Fly rod, e.g. 9’ 6 weight and a spare rod • Fly reel with 50-100 meters of backing • Fly line: WF floating, you may also want to bring an intermediate line and sinking polyleaders for fishing in the lakes or deeper parts of the river • Knotless leader, fluorocarbon or monofilament • Tippet material, e.g. 0.23-0.33 mm • Flies • Good pliers + spare • Tape measure
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THE FLIES If the fish are not agressive enough to go for streamers, it can pay off fishing smaller nymps. Recently, some guests has also fished dry flies with success, especially on on the lakes during calm evenings.
All kinds of the streamers, including the ones above, has caught chars at our camps. Bring your own favorites, and don’t be afraid to try something different. Often, a pattern the fish hasn’t seen before will get a reaction.
THREE FAVORITES The Foam Fly: When we can get the chars to take a skated foam fly on the surface we don’t fish anything else! The Cowboy Fly: This small and lightly dressed streamer has caught a lot of fish, especially at Camp North. The Five Hair Fly: Another lightly dressed but super efficient pattern – at both of our camps.
THE FOAM FLY
Hook: Ahrex NS110 size 4-6 or similar Thread: Matching the color of the foam Body: Flash chenille Foam: Closed Cell foam, 2 x 2mm or 1 x 3mm Tail: Marabou, fox – or a bit of both.
THE COWBOY FLY
Hook: Ahrex NS110 size 6-8 or similar Thread: Black Body: Silver tinsel Wing: Purple rabbit strip, cut as narrow as possible, and tied zonker-style.
THE FIVE HAIR FLY
Hook: Ahrex NS110 size 6-8 or similar Thread: Pink Body: Pearl flash Wing: Light purple polar bear (or similar) and a few strands of purple Crystal Flash Head: Silver bead chain eyes.
THE FLIES Whether you tie your own flies or buy them, there will be plenty of opportunity to experiment with many different flies. For streamers and foam flies the colours pink, purple, red, white and orange are a good starting point. You can also try to spice up some of your flies with rubber legs – sometimes that does the trick.
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Your fly box should include: • A number of foam flies on size 4-6 hooks in orange, pink and purple. • A selection of small streamers, some with bead chain eyes, some unweighted and lightly dressed. • Weighted nymphs size 6-14. • A few bigger streamers, some weighted (mostly for the lakes and the fjord). • Optionally some dry flies (Caddis) e.g. to use at the lakes on calm evenings.
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+45 7021 8060 info@getawayflyfishing.com GETAWAY FLY FISHING DEALER WORKBOOK www.getawayflyfishing.com