Altai Mountains, even experienced travelers find it similar to the Swiss Alps. They say that the latter looked exactly like that until the time when they became a popular destination for tourists. Some associate the region with Tibet. After all, it is believed that it is here that the entrance to the mystical Shambhala is hidden.
Mountain Altai
Tourists are incredibly surprised by this area with its contrast. The pristine nature has been preserved here, there are many unique complexes that the human hand has not yet touched. Rest in the Altai Mountains, fishing, hunting, water routes - all this over time becomes more and more popular. Guests are offered a variety of types of active and informative pastimes.
In the Altai mountains you can meet climbers, caving tourists, fans of water rafting, as well as hiking and horse riding. Currently, complexes and camp sites, rest houses are actively being built in the region, there are even hotels with a fairly high level.
Relaxation
This wonderful land attracts not only those for whom the most favorite pastime is hunting or fishing. Mountain Altai is famous for its sights, many of which are natural monuments. There is a huge number of lakes, waterfalls and rivers that are definitely worth seeing. There are many caves in the local mountains that have an ancient history.
There are numerous caves in the Altai Mountains. For example, Ecological is considered the deepest in Siberian territory, Denisova is hidden in a picturesque corner, and Altai is famous for its underground labyrinths. Tourists are attracted by the opportunity to see the Adyr-Kan Sanctuary, Petroglyphs of the Kalbak-Tash tract, Stone Bay, Tsarsky and Pazyryk mounds.
Fishing in the Altai Mountains
Not only the sights have made this amazing region a popular destination for travelers. Even experienced hunters, who have more than one fishing on their shoulders, consider their stay in the Altai Mountains a real adventure. Fishing on fast rivers or on lakes with a mirror surface has long been a long-awaited event for many.
This land, comparable in size to the British Isles, attracts people primarily with its natural resources. Many say that fishing on the lakes of Gorny Altai and on its large and small rivers does not compare with that carried out in any other region. Fans of the “silent hunt” call the region a real Mecca, coming here several times a year for new trophies and indescribable emotions. And this despite the fact that some have to overcome several thousand kilometers.
Where is better to catch
Fishing in the Altai Mountains is characterized by a rich catch in any season. Local water bodies have this feature due to their origin, water composition and freezing time. Although the regulars will say that the best period for such a favorite pastime is the end of summer - the beginning of autumn.
Another feature of this region is that any of its waters will not leave without a long-awaited catch. And this is not surprising. About seventeen thousand rivers flow on the territory of this mountainous republic, and therefore, with such a variety of fishing spots, it is difficult to complain about the limited fishing spots.
The largest of them are Biya, Katun and the famous Ob formed at the place of their confluence. Every year not only local, but also fishing enthusiasts coming from far away rush to the banks of these deep-flowing rivers. More distant, but no less rich in catch, the swift mountain Chuya, Argut, Alei and Chulyshman are also excellent for rafting.
Altai is no less famous for its standing lakes with crystal clear water. Most of them lie in karst gorges at the foot of the mountains. In such natural ecosystems, excellent conditions have been created for the reproduction of many fish species. Lakes that are fed by glaciers, narrow channels communicate with each other. And on each of them, judging by the reviews, amazing fishing takes place. In the Altai Mountains, Lake Sorochiy Log, for example, is a favorite place for residents of Barnaul. No less famous is Teletskoye, to whose shores lovers of taimen or grayling gather.
Production
Almost all known fish species are found in the bodies of the Altai Mountains. Here there are tench and crucian carp, bream and carp, pike perch and pike, perch and burbot, etc. But in the mountain rivers you can also catch species that are specific to this region - taimen, trout, grayling, lenok. Often, local species of whitefish such as omul, peled or Siberian vendace come across on a hook. True, most often they are caught in the winter.
By the way, in the cold season, fishing in the Altai Mountains begins in November and lasts until the end of March. But no severe weather conditions can stop those who ride for the trophy. As a rule, fishermen are always waiting for a rich catch. For example, in the frozen Ob, perch, carp, and crucian carp are successfully caught through the holes. But fishing on the mountain rivers of Altai, for example, on the banks of Argut and Chulyshman, can reward you with a large grayling hiding in the depths from severe cold in the depths.
About lakes fishing
Fans of quiet hunting here will enjoy not only the process, but also the opportunity to contemplate the local beauties, breathe the cleanest air, the feeling of relaxation and unity with nature. And, of course, a lot of trophies will please them. Large trout can be caught on the Blue Lakes, near the village of Askat. By the way, in Altai it can be found in other reservoirs with crystal water, for example, in Ulagansky, Karatashinsky and in Darashkol.
The largest lake in Altai is Teletskoye. It is incredibly beautiful. Surrounded on all sides by forests, this lake is attractive at any time of the year. It has all of the above benefits. Its huge expanse of water with a length of more than eighty kilometers attracts not only amateurs, but also professionals. Many specially come here to pull out trophy specimens of grayling, taimen and Teletsk whitefish. In this giant pond, which has numerous tributaries, there are about fourteen species of fish. It’s good for spinning taimen. And those who prefer the “fly fishing” method will surely like the bottom areas of the lake. You can catch a Teletsky dace on a classic fishing rod. And closer to September, the angler begins pike fishing in the Altai Mountains.
On grayling
Fishing for this fish in the region is attractive in any season. It is known that grayling practically does not sit still. The average length of this fish in the waters of the Altai Mountains is from twenty-five to thirty centimeters, although sometimes large specimens reaching half a meter and weighing three kilograms can also be caught on the hook.
In addition to Lake Teletskoye, water bodies such as Talmen and Kaldinkul located on the Ukok, Uymen plateau, etc. are of great interest to grayling enthusiasts. Those who come here for this fish know that there will be no catch in troubled waters. But in the cleanest lakes she pecks with enviable constancy. The bait must be selected based on weather conditions: the stronger the sun, the more it should be invisible. The best time for grayling is considered morning - until eleven and after five in the evening.
Mountain river fishing
From time immemorial fishing is considered not only a fascinating pastime, but also a great vacation. And in the Altai Mountains, fishing, in addition to fascination, gives a rich catch. However, catching the coveted prey on the fast-moving mountain rivers is hardly a simple matter. Some species of fish, including the famous Siberian grayling, have to be fished in rather difficult extreme conditions. But apparently this factor, as well as the abundance of fish in the cleanest and fastest mountain rivers, attracts tourists and travelers to Gorny Altai not only from Russia, but also from European countries.
For the convenience of tourists in the republic, on the banks of the rivers, especially on Katun, many bases have been built where you can not only stop, but also rent gear and a boat. Another service - an experienced guide who will accompany to the places of congestion in nearby reservoirs, was liked by many.
Altai mountain rivers are very diverse. Each of them has its own fishing. For example, on the mountain river Ursul, you need to catch as close to the mouth as possible, but on Simult the situation is the opposite: the higher, the larger and more numerous the catch.
Features of fishing in the Altai Mountains
Tackle, as you know, you need to choose depending on the place of fishing. For mountain rivers of Altai, short spinning rods are suitable. Fishermen who settle along the shores of lakes should opt for long rods that allow casting over long distances. For those who are fishing from boats, donkeys with long fishing lines or medium fishing rods are more suitable. Equipment must be selected reliable, waterproof.
Those who come to Altai at least once subsequently admit that this fish land attracts them. And the matter is not only in great chances to pull out captured items. No, here a man, contemplating the greatness of the surrounding nature - mountains and ponds, rests with his soul.
At the same time, choosing the time to come here, it should be borne in mind that during the period from April to May, restrictions on fishing associated with spawning are introduced.