In the Rostov region, a temperate continental climate prevails, passing in the south into an arid strip. Winter lasts only 3-4 months, and begins to warm in early March. Water resources make up only a small part of the region. But here the Don River flows , one of the largest rivers in the European part of Russia.
Briefly about the reservoir
In the Rostov Region, on the Manych River (aka Western Manych), the Veselovskoe Reservoir was formed in 1941. This is a fairly large body of water. Its area is 283 square kilometers. The reservoir is located 65 kilometers southeast of Rostov-on-Don. It extends from the village of Vesely to Manychstroy. The average depth of the Veselovsky reservoir is about 4 meters.
Initially, a pond was flooded for irrigation, fish farming, shipping and generating electricity. Now the hydroelectric power station, located on the Veselovsky reservoir, has been dismantled. And it was closed in 1975. The artificial pond itself is still used for small freight volumes of local shipping.
Increasing the flow of ships is not possible. The main reason is that the reservoir has insufficient depth. This problem is especially acute in dry periods, when water has to be transferred through special channels from the Kuban.
Coastline Features
Because of its size, waves rise on the Veselovsky Reservoir due to its size. They beat against the coast and undermine them. Over time, the land line of the reservoir became quite steep. The edges often crumble, which makes them somewhat dangerous for tourists. To prevent large-scale land descent into water, shrubs were planted along the edges of the coast to strengthen the soil.
Flora and fauna
This pond is a place for long stops of migratory birds during their migration. Wild ducks, as well as herons and swans, often nest in the thickets of reeds along the banks of the Veselovsky reservoir. Muskrat has settled from aquatic mammals.
Different types of plants grow around the reservoir in various ravines. Including herbs. Such as thyme, sage and motherwort. On the banks you can often meet people involved in their collection.
Fishing on the Veselovsky reservoir
A good track leads to the reservoir. Due to its convenient location, the reservoir has become a favorite destination for fishermen and hunters. About 30 different species of fish are found here. Including rare protected specimens. Such as Koktebel Katran, Salvinia and Wallisneria. Of the more common species, catfish, pike, sterlet and silver carp are found.
The most fishing place is considered the area near the dam. However, it is forbidden to catch here, although some violate this instruction. Nevertheless, law-abiding fishermen do not despair and find their place on the northern shore of the reservoir. It is good because there are differences in depths, which are almost one hundred percent guarantee a good catch. In such small whirlpools large predators, such as pike perch, are found.
Also, various backwaters, small coves and canals, and reeds thickets are considered fishing places. It is best to catch from the shore with a long spinning rod or from a boat. Moreover, water transport is better to use without a motor, since algae and grass will constantly be packed into it.
Spring fishing
In the spring, a fairly large pike is caught on the shallows. The weight of one copy can reach up to 7-8 kilograms. She is caught from the bottom. Also Veselovskoe reservoir (Rostov region) is famous for its well-fed perches.
Fish are caught on a variety of bait. From bread and breadcrumbs for crucian carp and roach to worms for catfish and maggots for ram. Anglers say that a good nibble is observed near the village of Vesely and Stepnoy Kurgan.
Winter fishing at the Veselovsky reservoir
No less popular and interesting is winter fishing. At this time of the year, mainly battering ram and perch are taken from under the ice. Also bream or crucian carp is caught. The latter is better to track in places with warmer water. For example, where streams flow into the reservoir. And in the first days after the ice got up, you can catch a fish called huster in an ordinary fishing rod with a float.
It is worth remembering that in winter the Veselovskoye reservoir is not pleasant with pleasant weather. Strong harsh winds rise here. Therefore, in order not to get frostbite, some fishermen fish from tents that protect against gusts of wind.
Fishing base "Zakurganaya"
On the banks of the Veselovsky reservoir there are many recreation centers. One of them is fishing, called "Zakurgannaya". It is located near the village of Stepnoy Kurgan, 150 kilometers from Rostov-on-Don.
The base offers a good rest on the water and a landscaped area. Due to its location on the very shore of the reservoir, Zakurgannaya allows every day to enjoy the dawn and sunset over the waves of the Veselovsky reservoir. The most popular leisure time here, of course, is fishing. A boat is rented daily.
There are several accommodation options on this base. For example, living in your own tent at the base will cost about 100 rubles per person per day. And using a room in a house will cost from 500 rubles.
You can get to the fishing base by turning off the M4 highway to the village of Vesely. After it, on the main road there will be the settlement Stepnoy Kurgan, in front of which you will need to turn left, then, after passing another 500 m, turn left again. And already there, after 300 m, there will be a ramp to the dirt road leading through the steppe to the reservoir.
The recreation center "Merry Manych"
Another base with the funny name "Vesely Manych" (Veselovskoe Reservoir) is located in the village of Vesely. On its territory it can accommodate up to 45 people at a time. You can choose from one of five two-story houses for up to four people. There is also one lodge of superior comfort and a hotel. In addition, there are three swimming pools at the base, an equipped beach and a bathhouse.
For the best organization of fishing, a boat is available for rent (double or quadruple), and you can also use the services of a huntsman. It is worth noting that check-in on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) will cost less than on weekends or holidays.
Reaching the Vesely Manych base is fairly easy. You need to leave Rostov-on-Don on the M4 highway to the south, at 30 km turn into the village of Vesely. And already moving around the most populated area, do not miss the turn to the village of Solyony.
Tourist base "Centurion"
Similar services with Vesely Manych are provided by the Centurion tourist base. It is also located in the village of Vesely on the banks of the Veselovsky reservoir. The base provides fishing equipment for rent, as well as motor and non-motorized boats. In any weather, fishing can be organized under the guidance of an experienced ranger.
Veselovskoe reservoir will appeal to all categories of vacationers. There is a place for lovers of fishing, and for those who like to sunbathe on the beach or take a steam bath. And the excellent views and equipped gazebos of local recreation centers are perfect for those who just want to sit on the beach with a good book in their hands. And, most importantly, everyone will take excellent memories from the reservoir and will surely leave a particle of their soul.