The Podkumok River is located on the territory of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and the Stavropol Territory; it is considered the most full-flowing tributary of the river. Kuma. The total length of the water flow is 160 km, the catchment area is 2200 km².
The source of the river is located on one of the spurs of the Rocky Range, on top of Gum-Bashi Mountain. Podkumok, a mountain river flowing from southwest to east, completely crosses the region of Caucasian Mineral Waters.
River path
In the upper reaches of the river Podkumok flows between deep rocky canyons, the banks sometimes reach a height of 400 m. The velocity of the waterway is large and the bottom is deep. Gradually, the river slows down and expands, reaching a maximum floodplain width of 3 km. Through Pyatigorsk stream flows for 8 km. In winter, ice does not form on the river; only water near the shore freezes. This period lasts from early December to late March. The flood of the river begins in April. Its flow is not regulated, and the floodplain can spread widely. Periodically, floods are characteristic of this area. Reaching the village of Nezlobnaya, the Podkumok River overlooks the flat terrain, pacifies its course. Stream water in the area is used to irrigate local orchards and vineyards. Not far from the village of Krasnokumsky, the river, forming a mouth, flows into Kuma from the right bank.
Many large cities stand in the way of the water flow. In addition to Pyatigorsk, on the banks of the river are Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Georgievsk and a number of small villages. The proximity of cities to the water artery affects its ecological state. Unfortunately, industrial effluents increasingly pollute the river, and this leads to the gradual destruction of the animal and plant world.
Flora and fauna
The riverbanks are overgrown with natural forest, which is represented by tree species such as common ash, oak, beech, hornbeam, maple, birch bark, linden and birch. In the undergrowth grow hazel, elderberry, cornel, guelder-rose, wild rose. There are few representatives of the fauna, a fox and a hare are occasionally found, and wild boars can live in river floodplains.
Climate, region features and river tributaries
The climate of the region is continental, changing from mountainous at the top to a typical steppe in the lower reaches of the water stream.
On its way, the Podkumok River receives about 140 tributaries. The largest of them are adjacent to the main artery from the right bank: Karsunka, Alikonovka, Eshkakon, Birch, Yutsa and others. In addition, a water stream feeds Novopyatigorsk Lake and an artificial reservoir in the city park of Pyatigorsk. The total length of all tributaries is about 345 km.
Hydroelectric power station
At the beginning of the last century, the first hydroelectric power station, White Coal, was built on the Podkumok River in the city of Essentuki. I worked on a hydroelectric station until the 70s. and was destroyed by a severe flood. After recovery, it did not function for long, and in the late 90s. station mothballed. Currently, the hydroelectric building is a museum.
Fishing
Fishermen, who constantly come to the river, noted that, unfortunately, there are not so many fish here. In order for the catch to be good, you need to know certain places. The upper reaches of the watercourse and sections of rapids are considered the most fish. This is where the water is clean and cool. If you choose the right gear and bait, then even the most avid fisherman will surprise the Podkumok River with his underwater world. Fishing will succeed! There are barbel, roach, chub, perch, minnow and the most coveted specimen - trout.
According to professionals, the best time for fishing is August, September. It was at this time that barbel woke up. As bait, you can use processed cheese, corn, and worms. The barbel is especially picky, so fishing will be successful in any case. It is best to select a place remote from the cities.
Although the Podkumok River in the Stavropol Territory is not a fishing place, many people come here from year to year.