Fishing in Kolyma is one of the most popular entertainments for Russian fishermen. The river is characterized by a rather strong course, which gives the event not only a hint of excitement, but also a real extreme. Especially if you go on vacation to the upper tributaries. However, it is here that lovers of this activity from all over Russia catch such samples that can be exaggeratedly called trophy ones. Read more about fishing in Kolyma in different seasons in our article.
Reservoir description
Kolyma is a mountain river flowing through the territory of Eastern Siberia. The source of the reservoir is considered to be two small streams that flow from the slopes of the mountain range. In the upper reaches, the river is quite violent and winding. However, already in Yakutia, it falls into the territory of the plain and calms down. The total length of the reservoir is 2150 kilometers, and its average depth varies from 3 to 9 meters.
The water temperature in summer does not exceed 15 ° C even in the calmest regions. A huge number of branches and tributaries allows fishermen to truly enjoy the process of hunting freshwater inhabitants. If you are looking for extreme sensations, then head closer to the source. Want to feel peaceful while relaxing? Then you to the flat part.
Kolyma on the map of Russia
If you do not know what is the best way to get to the reservoir by your own transport, then our map will help you understand this issue. A huge number of cities on the Kolyma River will allow you to easily find a fishing place, near which the hotel will be located. Agree, it is much more pleasant to spend the night in a warm and comfortable apartment than on a cold ground in a tent. Although this has its own "romance".
Kolyma on the map of Russia will also allow you to find parts of the reservoir in which this or that species of fish is found. If you are a professional, then you probably know that some freshwater inhabitants prefer to settle in places with a strong current. Others are in still water. We also suggest that you familiarize yourself with the main list of fish found here. We’ll start with him.
Varieties of fish
A huge number of Kolyma tributaries played a role in the variety of varieties that can be found in this reservoir. Of course, in order to catch a representative, you will need to know his behavioral characteristics and eating habits. However, for an experienced fisherman this is not something complicated. And professionals do know how to lure only pike or only perch.
So, the catch of an average fisherman usually consists of:
- sterlet;
- smelt;
- grayling
- Beluga
- crucian carp;
- perch;
- Pikes
- ide.
The following freshwater inhabitants are also quite common:
- roach;
- tugun;
- burbot;
- whitefish;
- Beluga.
Slightly less often you can meet Siberian sturgeon, pink salmon, peled, chum salmon, Siberian lamprey. A real rarity are vendace, omul and nelma.
Features of winter fishing in Kolyma
As mentioned earlier, the water temperature is not too warm. Therefore, the winter fishing season begins here much earlier than in other bodies of water. If you decide to go ice fishing, it is best to conduct this event in the lowlands where the current is not so strong. And it's not even that the water here freezes faster. It’s just that the fish is not particularly active in the winter and it will be almost impossible to catch it in a fast current.
It is best to go on the ice near the shore, since it is there that the majority of the vegetation in which freshwater inhabitants winter is located. The optimal distance from land is 10 meters. To make holes, you need to use really good equipment. Especially if fishing is carried out in January or February, because the ice here will be very thick.
Spring fishing is the most dangerous activity.
It is in the spring season that the most accidents occur. With the advent of the warm season, fishermen set off on ice at their own risk. There are people who decide to fish away from the coast. It is not recommended to go far. This is due to the fact that the frozen cover begins to melt precisely from the middle of the reservoir. Therefore, if you are not in such a hurry to close the ice fishing season, then do this at least not far from the shore with a partner who will be able to help you if necessary.
When the ice has completely melted, the donkeys can be replaced with conventional float gear or spinning. However, do not forget that in the spring season there is a restriction on the capture of most species of fish, since this season it begins to spawn actively. If you manage to catch a large individual, then get ready for the fact that you have to let it go. Otherwise, problems with the law cannot be avoided.
Summer fishing - popular but unprofitable
Fishing in the Kolyma in the summer is a fairly popular, but at the same time not very promising activity. The fact is that after spawning, most varieties lose part of their mass, and young growth is just beginning to be hatched. However, this does not stop many fishing lovers from going to Kolyma in the summer, since clear and warm weather is far from frequent here.
At this time of the year, it is best to use a boat or a good spinning tackle to catch large fish, since most trophy fish prefer to settle at great depths, away from the coast. However, there is a way out for those who prefer to use a regular float rod. It will only be necessary to lure large fish in advance to the place where you want to fish. See how to do this best in the next section.
How to increase the quantity and quality of the catch?
The eternal question, which, perhaps, was asked at one time by every amateur. Most professionals prefer to use three methods that are relevant for 2018:
- lures with various oils;
- electric bite activators;
- fish pheromones.
It is worth noting that devices for activating nibble may soon be banned in Russia. However, so far they can be used. Of course, if the size of the fish you caught does not exceed the norm.
Fishing in the fall - true relaxation and pleasure
This is the best time of the year. Why should you go fishing in Kolyma in the fall? The fact is that from the end of August until the frosts, fish in this region begin to stock up on fat for the winter, so its trophy value increases significantly. In addition, she does not disdain the most various bait, so catching it will be quite simple.
The only recommendation that novice fishermen want to leave is to buy really good gear. This is especially important for those who go on predatory fish. Pike and perches weighing more than one kilogram actively resist and very often tear the fragile fishing line of fishermen. Such a mistake is most often typical for beginners, however, professionals should periodically remember this. It is recommended to buy fishing line with a cross section of at least 0.4 mm and hooks of the twelfth number.
Omul - when to catch?
Fishing for omul in Kolyma is a rather interesting and promising activity that does not require special knowledge and skills from a fisherman. For this variety is best to go in the winter. Of course, sometimes omul also comes in the summer, but under ice it is caught much faster and more convenient.
As a tackle, it is best to use an ordinary donka, securing several hooks with bait or special emitting lures to it. Casting a fishing rod is necessary on a previously fed place in order to pull out several individuals at once. Do not get tackle immediately after the first bite. It is recommended that you first wait about two minutes so that the donka is literally filled with omul.
Why is it so difficult to catch a whitefish?
Every fisherman wants to catch this kind of fish. However, they often come across common roach or crucian carp. Most often, the reason lies in the incorrectly selected bait. Most fishermen go on whitefish with an ordinary bloodworm or worm. Yes, sometimes he pecks at them, but still prefers to eat eggs of another fish.
Whitefish fishing is best done in the spring, when it is particularly voracious. Of the gears, an ordinary float fishing rod equipped with a mormyshka or a simple hook is suitable. In the second case, several plastic beads that will emit fish eggs should be planted on it.
How to catch grayling in Kolyma?
Unlike the two previous varieties, fishing for grayling in Kolyma does not differ in anything special. The most common way is spinning or lap fishing. The best time of the year is summer, because it is accompanied by an abundance of flying insects, which grayling loves to enjoy. In Kolyma, this species is most often found in the upper reaches, and its sites look like small bays.
Do not forget that grayling is a predatory fish. Therefore, not every bait is suitable for its catch. It is best to use special imitators, in particular a wobbler, spinner or jig. You can also attach large insects to the hook - flies and mosquitoes are ideal for achieving the goal. Well, in extreme cases, any small fish as bait fish is suitable.
Where to find the big perch?
This question is most often asked by novice fishermen, as professionals are well aware that perch is a school of flocks, and finding a school will be easier than ever. Sometimes flocks of birds that love to eat leftovers left by perch can circle fish places of gathering. However, a similar phenomenon is characteristic of lakes and reservoirs, rather than rivers. But if you still see birds floating above the water, you should know that predatory fish should be caught there.
As for gear, you can use a regular float rod or spinning rod. But you should be aware that the second option still remains preferable, especially if it is your task to catch a large individual. In most cases, captured species settle in still water at great depths, so it’s best to use a boat for fishing. Well, the most suitable time of the year for catching perch, of course, is autumn, because this season it stocks up with a large mass.
As for bait, almost everything will do: a worm, bloodworm, bait fish, pieces of meat or fish, bait simulators and even bread. However, it should be borne in mind that small fish often peck on bread. But a large individual will have to be caught on a lure, a spinner or a piece of fish meat. It is also recommended to feed the flock in order to increase the intensity of the bite. This can be done with the help of makukha soaked in hemp oil.
Conclusion
As you can see, fishing in Kolyma is a rather fascinating and interesting activity that will appeal to both a novice fisherman and a professional. If you want to catch a captured instance, then you have to learn a lot of theory. Therefore, we leave you also a short video in which you will receive useful tips, as well as important recommendations from experienced anglers.
The Kolyma River quite often prevents lovers of such a holiday. Therefore, if you do not have experience fishing on mountain rivers, it is best to go for a catch to quiet places closer to the plain. Also do not forget about the features of seasonal fishing, which were described in our article. If you follow all the above recommendations, as well as select the right tackle and bait, you will certainly return home with a big catch.