Water bodies of the Republic of Karelia

More than 73,000 reservoirs with an area of ​​0.1 hectares. This is exactly how many lakes there are, according to Wikipedia, on the territory of Karelia. Is this a lot or a little? “What a question, of course it’s a lot,” a geographically savvy reader will now say, and he will be... right. The fact is that the total area of ​​all lakes in Karelia is 36,000 square meters. km, and the fresh water reserve is 145.2 km³. If we divide this water among the entire population of Karelia, then there will be more than 23,000 liters for each resident. The figure is, whatever one may say, impressive.

So Karelia is considered quite rightly a country of lakes, and it is not surprising that at different times writers and poets paid attention to this particular feature of the region. “And you can’t understand whether the sky has fallen into the lake, and you can’t understand whether the lake is floating in the sky,” the famous Soviet songwriter Kim Ryzhkov, author of the famous song “Karelia,” wrote about the lakes of the Republic.

Why are there so many lakes in Karelia?

This is “to blame” for the huge glaciers, which in the distant past, having accumulated on the territory of the Scandinavian Peninsula, slowly spread across Northern and Central Europe, killing all living things with their deadening breath. When the time of the glaciers passed, they began to retreat back to the North, causing tectonic shifts and tearing up the earth with their huge ice bodies. That is why most lakes in Karelia stretch from northwest to southeast.

In addition, precisely due to the specific origin, most of the lakes, rivers and swamps in Karelia are connected with each other into one giant ecosystem. Large and small lakes communicate with each other through hundreds of rivers and streams. Even tiny forest and swamp “lambdas”, fed mainly by groundwater and small streams, are also part of this huge network that entangles the whole of Karelia. This is a real masterpiece of Nature, which created, perhaps, the most impressive “water necklace” in the entire North.

Travel around Karelia

NATURAL FEATURES OF RESERVOIRS OF KARELIA

The lakes of Karelia are very diverse both in size, depth and bottom topography, as well as in flow, thermal and hydrochemical regimes. The origin of most of them is similar. Even in the primary rocks of the earth's crust, the formation of deep tectonic cracks and faults served as the basis for the basins of most Karelian lakes. During the period of the Great Glaciation, as the glacier moved, the deep cracks were somewhat smoothed out, and their boundaries were changed by piles of stone placers and sand brought by glaciers. Due to tectonic activity and the direction of glacier movement, the basins of most lakes in Karelia have an elongated shape from northwest to southeast with numerous bays or channels. Particularly interesting are the lake-river systems that cover the territory of our republic with an extensive network. Among them are the lake-river systems of Shuya (total length 192 km), Suna (232 km), Vodly (149 km), as well as Lenderki, Kovdy, Vidliny, etc. The rivers in these systems are usually rapids, with a fast current. The rapids are separated by deep reaches or numerous lakes with calm currents. Toward the mouth, the water in the rivers also calms down and slowly flows into the receiving lakes. Lakes, connected by rivers and streams into lake-river systems, are like natural accumulators that can regulate the level regime of rivers and the water content of all underlying reservoirs. Lakes whose basins have experienced great tectonic influence are usually deep. Among them are our largest lakes - Onega and Ladoga, as well as Segozero, Munozero, Dolgaya Lamba, Porosozero and many small lambushki (in particular, the Shchekkil group of lakes). All rivers and lakes of the republic belong either to the Baltic or to the White Sea basin. The watershed between them runs north of the West Karelian Upland, then between Lake Onega and the Vygozero Reservoir, and in the southeast continues towards the Pudozh region. The presence of similar fish species in the lakes of both basins (vendice, whitefish, smelt) indicates that in the interglacial and early postglacial periods there was no complete separation of the water bodies of the Baltic and White Seas.

Based on the size of the basins, all the lakes of Karelia can be divided into five large groups. Among them, the largest size (groups and ultra-large lakes) are the Ladoga and Onega lakes, the area of ​​which only within the republic is 14 thousand. km (total area 28 thousand sq. km). We included large lakes in the second group, each of which has an area of ​​more than 50 square meters. km. These are Topozero, Pyaozero, Segozero, Vodlozero, Syamozero, Vygozero, lakes Kuito, Lexozero, Yanisjärvi, etc. In total, this pear has 34 lakes with a total area of ​​7.4 thousand square meters. km. Both groups of lakes are currently the main fishery fund for the development of industrial fish farming and fishing.

The third group includes 120 medium-sized lakes (each area from 10 to 50 sq. km), among them - Munozero, Ukshezero, Konchezero, Urozero, Pertozero, Gimolskoye, Palyezero, Kedrozero, Lososinnoye, Yandom-lake, Tulmoaero, Vakhvazhrsh, Sulaazeryu, Torosozero, etc.

The most numerous group of lakes is the fourth. It includes 41.6 thousand lakes with a water surface of about 10 thousand square meters. km. These are small lakes, their area ranges from 0.1 to 10 square meters. km. Among them are Gomselgokoe, Svyatozero, Nigozero, Vottozero, Kondozero, Mashezero, Valgomozero, Tolvoyaryi, Suistamonyarvi, Lenderskoye, Kotkozero and many others. Both of these groups of lakes are potential fisheries resources and can become the basis for organizing intensive lake and cage farms.

The fifth group of lakes are ultra-small (the area of ​​each reservoir is less than 0.1 sq. km). It has 19.3 thousand reservoirs and can be used to organize recreational sports fishing with their obligatory assignment to the community of hunters and fishermen. Ultra-small lakes are the most productive, have a quantitatively rich composition of ichthyofauna, most of them are shallow and well warmed up.

All large lakes are flowing reservoirs, and some of them have been transformed into lake-type reservoirs (Vygozerskoye, Segozerskoye, Vodlozerskoye, etc.). Medium and small lakes are also mostly flowing, and in some cases they only have drainage (sewage ponds). According to S.V. Grigoriev, more than 30 thousand small and ultra-small lakes are endorheic reservoirs. These are mainly lakes located among swamps and maintaining their water balance from swamp or groundwater. It is interesting that ultra-small lakes fed by groundwater are characterized by high water transparency, while those fed by swamp water have brownish water. The latter in many cases are acidic and have no or very poor ichthyofauna in terms of species. The total area of ​​such lakes is very small (4.8%).

The nature of the bottom of the basins of Karelian lakes is usually a continuation of the topography of the area where they are located and, as a rule, is characterized by the presence of small rises and falls, covered with a thick layer of silt. This phenomenon is typical for lakes in the northern part of the Lake Ladoga basin, the western coast of Syamozero and individual lakes in the Medvezhyegorsk region. It is interesting that in reservoirs of tectonic origin, a narrow shallow usually ends abruptly with a drop of the bottom surface to a depth of 5-8 and less often 12-16 m. In such lakes, bottom rises in the central part of the reservoir are very rare. If such uplifts (ludas) occur, they usually have rather steep slopes, sloping into the depths. The calm terrain of the Pudozh region determined the presence of shallow lakes with a flat bottom, covered with a 1-2-meter layer of silt. Shallow lakes are characterized by a large number of islands and luds. For example, in Vodlozero there are 196 islands, occupying r/io part of the total surface of the reservoir, in Konchezero - 108 islands, Syamozero - 80, Suoyarvi - 50, Ovyatozero - 20, Gahkozero - about 30, etc. In deeper lakes, glacial- Bottom uplifts of tectonic origin are also quite common. Thus, in Putkozero, with an average depth of 19.5 m, there are 16 forts, occupying about 1/10 of the water surface. Chuzhmozero (average depth 8.1 m) has 15 islands. The deepest are our ultra-large lakes Ladoga and Onega. The maximum depth in Lake Ladoga is 230 m, and in Lake Onega 120 m. The total number of islands on Lake Onega is 1650, and their area is 290 square meters. km, or 2.8% of the water surface. There are slightly fewer islands on Lake Ladoga (about 500), but they occupy a significantly larger area. Among them, the Valaam Islands stand out for their size, with coastal slopes steeply descending into the water. Among small and ultra-small lakes, reservoirs with a depth of no more than 7 m (about 90%) predominate, having very indented shores of the most bizarre shape. Thus, Lake Khoshkinyarvi has the shape of a pentagonal star, Vokhtozero has an irregularly lobed shape, Shangima has an oval-angular shape, etc. The thermal regime of the lakes is determined by the climatic characteristics of the region. Relatively short and usually cool summers and significant cloudiness throughout the year do not provide intensive heating of the water, which leads to a shortened growing season. The average air temperature above 15° C in the server of the republic is observed only for 25-30 days, in the south - 50-60 days. Air temperatures below zero in the north of Karelia usually occur a month earlier than in the southern regions. Accordingly, northern reservoirs freeze half a month earlier and open half a month later than in the south of the republic. Lakes in the southern part of Karelia are usually covered with ice in late October - early November (except for Lakes Ladoga and Onega, which freeze in December and even later), and are cleared of ice in the first ten days of May. It is not uncommon for years when the ice thickness on (Karelian lakes) reaches 80-100 cm. Ice 60-70 cm thick is a common occurrence in our water bodies. In summer, temperature stratification is clearly expressed in deep lakes, that is, a layer-by-layer distribution of temperature throughout the entire water column. The difference This is significant. In the surface layers of such lakes, the water usually warms up to 19-21 ° C, and at depth its temperature remains below 4-8 ° C. In small lakes there is no temperature stratification, the water in them is well mixed by winds and warms up to the bottom, often reaching a temperature of 21-24 ° C. Thus, in the shallow Lake Mikkeljok, the water temperature on the surface and at the bottom in the warmest time of the year - in July - does not differ at all, sometimes reaching 24-26 ° C. Not only small lakes warm up well, but also some of the large reservoirs, such as Vodlozero, Suistamakoe Lake, Vygozero, Svyatozero, Lizhmozero, etc. Typically, the differences in surface and bottom temperatures in such lakes do not exceed two to three degrees, with lower temperatures observed in depressions or springs. On very hot days, cold-loving fish species (whitefish, vendace, salmon) usually concentrate in areas with low temperatures. In large, deeper lakes, shallow bays are usually well warmed up, which have become the main feeding grounds for our heat-loving fish. In Lake Onega, Pyalemokoye, Kuzaranda and Tolvuiskoye Onego are well warmed up, as well as shallow bays - Svyatukha, Keften, Unitskaya, Chelmuzhakaya and others, which are the main spawning and feeding grounds for bream. In winter, during the coldest months of January and February, the water temperature in some lakes can approach zero, which negatively affects the development of eggs of autumn-spawning fish. According to the hydrochemical regime, which largely determines the productivity of lakes and rivers, the reservoirs of Karelia are low-mineralized. This means that the content of various chemical compounds dissolved in water does not exceed 100 mg/l. In particular, the mineralization of the waters of Lake Onega varies in different areas from 30 to 45 mg/l, Ladoga from 37 to 60, Svyatozero from 48 to 53, Lizhmozero from 36 to 38, Yanisjärvi from 49 to 55 mg/l, etc. For comparison, it can be noted that the mineralization of the waters of Lake Sevan is usually 600-800 mg/l, and the lakes of the Leningrad, Vologda, Novgorod and Pskov regions are 100-300 mg/l.

It is worth looking at the following material:
Vashogero Natural features of the reservoirs of Karelia - part 2 Lake Rugozero Lakes Ladmozero and Kosmozero Lake Chuzhmozero Lakes Yandomozero Padmozero Putkozero Lake Sundozero

The most famous lakes of Karelia

When it comes to natural attractions, then quite often the most famous object is considered to be something large, larger than everything else. In the case of lakes in Karelia, this rule also works, since Lake Ladoga and Onega will certainly take the first places in our TOP famous lakes in Karelia. However, there will be other, no less interesting bodies of water on this list, even if they are quite small.

Water bodies of the Republic of Karelia

The watershed between the basins of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans passes through the Republic of Karelia - most of the territory belongs to the drainage basin of the White Sea of ​​the Arctic Ocean, the smaller part belongs to the drainage basin of the Baltic Sea of ​​the Atlantic Ocean (about 60% and 40% of the territory, respectively); A small territory in the southeast of Karelia belongs to the Caspian Sea basin. A narrow watershed between the ocean catchments crosses the central part of the territory in a west-northwest direction.

The river network of Karelia is represented by about 27.6 thousand rivers with a total length of about 83 thousand km (the density of the river network is 0.46 km/km2). The river network of Karelia is represented mostly by small rivers and channels that connect numerous lakes, forming lake-river systems, while even the largest rivers have a relatively short length.

The river systems of Karelia are characterized by weak incision of river channels, deep drainage of watersheds by lake basins, underdevelopment of stepped river valleys, large specific falls and large lake content of watersheds. A peculiar feature of the Karelian rivers is the bifurcation of the flow, which usually occurs when the river leaves the lake. The rivers of Karelia are characterized by mixed feeding with a predominance of snow and rain (40% and 35%, respectively).

The rivers of the region belong to the Eastern European type of water regime; they are characterized by spring floods, summer-autumn low water, interrupted by rain floods, and low winter low water.

Due to the high regulation of the rivers of Karelia by lakes, the phases of the water regime are rather weakly expressed. Karelian rivers freeze in November - December and open in April - early May. In areas with rapids, many rivers do not freeze. The largest rivers of Karelia are Vodla, Vyg, Kem, Kovda and Shuya.

About 17 thousand km2 are located in parts of the water areas of Lakes Ladoga and Onega located within the republic. The largest lakes in Karelia are the largest freshwater lakes in Europe - Ladoga and Onega. Also included in the category of large lakes are Topozero, Vygozero, Pyaozero, Segozero, Vodlozero, Keret, Syamozero, Tikshozero, the system of lakes Upper, Middle and Lower Kuito, Nyukozero, Pyhäjärvi and others.

There are significantly more natural reservoirs than artificial ones (about 99%), which are used mainly for the purposes of hydropower, water supply to populated areas, water transport, recreation, etc. The largest reservoirs in Karelia are the Iovskoye, Kumskoye, Vodlozerskoye and other lake reservoirs. Lake Onega is backed up by the large Verkhnesvirsky reservoir, the dam of which is located on the Svir River, which flows in the Leningrad region.

There are many swamps and swamp systems here, the largest of which are the Yupäuzhsuo swamp in the center and the Vazhinskoe swamp in the south of the Republic.

Lake Paikjärvi in ​​Karelia

A small clean lake, which is located only 25 kilometers from our park hotel. Of course, it’s still not worth drinking from the shore here, but it is from this lake that water is taken to supply the nearby city of Lakhdenpokhya. The total area of ​​Paikjärvi is no more than 2 square meters. km, maximum depth is about 10 meters. Accordingly, you won’t find a truly “big fish” like on Ladoga here, but it’s quite suitable for amateur fishing.

The second name of Paikjärvi is Pike Lake. There really is plenty of pike in the lake, but it’s difficult to catch trophy pike here, but you can catch a fair amount of small grass fish during the season. And if there is not enough, then dilute the catch with perch. There is also plenty of this predator in Paikjärvi.

Along the shores of the lake there are quite a lot of gardening and various tourist recreation centers, so it will be difficult to be alone with nature here, especially if you approach the lake from the south. There is practically no development in the northern part of Paikjärvi, but there are no access roads there either, so you will have to get there either on foot or by boat.

However, walking has its advantages when it comes to the second half of summer or early autumn. A huge number of mushrooms and berries grow along the shores of Lake Paikjärvi, so if you are going for a walk in the forest, be sure to take some containers with you.

Fishing on the lakes of Karelia

Ladoga lake - the largest lake in Europe, has a water area of ​​18,400 square meters. km

Lake Onega is the second largest lake in Karelia. The water surface area is about 9900 sq. km, has many bays called “lips”. The largest are: Petrozavodskaya Bay, Maloe Onego, Kondopoga Bay.

Lake Lososinnoye is the closest to Petrozavodsk (18 km). The lake is of artificial origin, created at the beginning of the 18th century. Area -10.2 sq. km., number of islands - 17, average depth - 2.9 m, greatest - 7.5 m. The main tributary is the Ilaksa River, the source is the Lososinka River, which flows into Lake Onega. The lake is inhabited by perch, roach, pike, bream, burbot, dace, and ruff.

The lake has extensive beaches and numerous recreational areas, so it is not very attractive to anglers who prefer quieter places. However, recently, due to economic problems, it has become popular again, especially in winter. In calmer times, the lake was good for catching pike with spoons (especially on the luds and around the islands), bream - at the mouth of Ilaksa, perch and roach - throughout the lake.

Lake Mashezero is also a reservoir created in the 18th century (20 km from Petrozavodsk). Area - 7.7 sq. km, the number of islands is 12, the average depth is 3.2 m, the greatest is 5.9 m. It has three small tributaries, the source is the Mashezerka River. The bottom of the lake is flat, muddy, and in some places there are sandy and rocky areas. Perch, roach, pike, and ruff are caught in the lake. There is a large holiday complex on the shores of the lake, so it is rarely visited by non-local fishermen. In the 70s, the lake was remembered for the good bite of large perch when fishing with a float rod on pieces of white roach meat and for the numerous squinting fish that grabbed everything in sight. All of the above can be fully applied to other lakes in this area - Shapshozero, Chogozero, etc.

Lake Ukshezero — located 20 km north of Petrozavodsk, one of the most popular not only among fishermen. On its banks is the residence of the President of the Russian Federation “Shuiskaya Chupa”. Water area - 44.6 square meters. km, consists of two reservoirs: Ukshezero and Surguba itself, connected by a shallow strait. The average depth of Ukshezero is 7.5 m, the greatest is 20 m near the village of Tsarevichi. In Surguba, the average depth is 11 m, the greatest is 19.5 m. The shores of the lake are high, rocky, only in the southern part, near the source of the Shuya River, are swampy. There are 14 small islands on the lake. The lake is connected by a channel to Lake Konchezero. The bottom of the lake is uneven, there are holes and puddles, the soil is very diverse. The water has a yellowish-green color. The lake is home to up to 20 species of fish: perch, roach, pike, bream, whitefish, vendace, burbot, smelt, bleak, etc. The lake is very attractive for fishermen; here you can fish well in the summer with a fishing rod, lure, and good catches in the net. Large perch should be caught at depths of up to 5-10 m; along the eastern coast, at great depths, whitefish are caught on the last ice. Here in the spring you can catch large (more than 10 kg) pike. Large bream should be looked for in the southern overgrown part of the lake. In winter, the reaches opposite the villages of Tsarevichi, Kosalmy, Namoevo, and Surguby are especially popular among fishermen. Roach fishing is good here, especially on warm spring days. Fishing is wonderful at this time in the evening dawn, when most fishermen have already gone home. A well-fed hole will bring many pleasant impressions. There is a popular beach in the southern part of Surguba, and therefore fishing is not possible here in summer. In general, fishing on this reservoir in summer is only possible from a boat and requires the angler to have a good knowledge of the bottom topography.

Lake Konchezero located east of Ukshezer and runs parallel to it. The water surface area is 39.8 sq. km, length is 22.5 km, width is up to 3 km. The number of islands is 108. The lake is divided by a chain of islands into two parts: western and eastern. The shores are mostly high and rocky. The lake is poor in tributaries, water comes mainly from Pertozero, the flow goes to Ukshezero. The greatest depth is 19.5 m. The predominant depth is about 10 m. Near the coast, the bottom is rocky, with viscous gray silt lying at a depth of 4-5 m. Konchozero is home to 16 species of fish. Roach is distributed everywhere, but is more abundant in the northern part. Weight from 50 to 400 grams. Perch is found everywhere, but in the northern and central parts there are places where it accumulates in large numbers. The average weight is about 100 grams, sometimes there are specimens weighing 1 kg or more. The average weight of pike is 0.7 kg, some individuals can weigh up to 8 kg. Whitefish in the lake are divided into two groups: fast-growing, with an average weight of 600 g, and slow-growing - 250 g. In the fall, the main catch of fishermen is vendace, fishing mainly in a net with a mesh of up to 18 mm. Karelian fishermen have two opinions about Konchezer. It is well known that here you can always catch small fish “by ear”, in any weather. But to systematically study the lake, look for places where large fish live and ultimately get good catches - few people dare to do this. And the lake is worth it...

Lake Gabozero is located 40 km northwest of Petrozavodsk. The area of ​​the water surface is 2 square meters. km. The average depth is 6 m, the greatest is 15 m. The bottom of the lake is flat, with slopes decreasing towards the middle of the reservoir. The soil is silty. The shores are rocky, with the exception of the northern, swampy one. Gabozero mud is used for treatment in the nearby famous sanatorium “Marcial Waters”. The lake is home to 6 species of fish: perch, roach, pike, burbot, ruffe, and sculpin goby. Pike is small - up to 1 kg. Roach and perch are common throughout the reservoir; in winter they stay in the depths near the Dolgoy Povolok. Burbot weighing up to 1 kg is caught in autumn and winter using live bait. Crayfish are caught in the lake.

Lake Pertozero located 48 km northwest of Petrozavodsk. This is one of the oldest reservoirs - created in 1707 for the needs of the Konchezersky metallurgical plant, which worked on lake ore. The water area is about 13 sq. km. Length - 16 km, width - 2 km, there are 10 small islands. The lake extends from northwest to southeast. The average depth is 10-12 m, the greatest is 37 m. A small stream flows into the northern part, and the Munozerka and Gabruchey rivers into the southern part. Pertozero is home to 14 species of fish. Perch is found everywhere, preferring coastal slopes and pools. Large perch (weighing up to 2 kg) stay in the northern, deepest part of the lake all year round. Roaches are found in spring everywhere within the shallow coastal zone with reed thickets; they gather on rocky underwater ridges and near the island near the village of Martnavolok. Some specimens reach 600 g or more. Pike lives at two opposite ends of the lake. In the southern part, at the mouth of Munozerka and near the village of Martnavolok, smaller pike are concentrated. Large specimens are found in the northern part of the lake. Brook trout enters the lake from Munozerka. Whitefish are found throughout the lake, with the exception of the channel and areas overgrown with aquatic vegetation. It is caught especially well in April along the right bank in the widest northern part of the lake, with a fishing depth of 12-17 m. At the age of 10-15 years, whitefish reaches a weight of 2 kg.

Lake Dolgaya Lamba is located northwest of Petrozavodsk, between Pertozero and Munozero. The water surface area is 1.1 sq. km. The lake is 4.2 km long and 0.4 km wide. The Munozerka River, flowing from the southern part, flows into the northern end. It connects Long Lamba with Pertozer. The greatest depth of the lake is 30 m, the average is 12 m. The northern part of the lake is deeper. It has a pool located along the axis of the lake. The fishing spot is very attractive, especially in March-April.

Dolgaya Lamba is home to 7 species of fish: lake and brook trout, large vendace, and pike. perch, roach, bleak.

Lake Munozero also belongs to the Konchezerskaya group of lakes. The water surface area is 12.3 sq. km, length is 13.2 km, maximum width is 1.8 km. The number of islands is 6. The greatest depth is 33.3 m, the average is 10 m. The lake is characterized by weak flow, steep coastal slopes and a significant decrease in depth. In the southern part one stream flows in, and the Munozerka River flows out. The lake consists of four reaches, connected by narrow straits. The greatest depths are in the northern and northeastern reaches. In the southern part, depths of up to 10 m are more common. The water in Munozero is transparent, bluish-green. In general, the lake is one of the most beautiful, especially in the Spasskaya Guba area. The lake is home to 9 species of fish: perch, roach, pike, burbot, ruffe, bleak, vendace. smelt, sculpin. Whitefish and bream are bred. The most numerous fish is vendace. perch is found everywhere. but prefers the southern and northeastern reaches. There are specimens over 1 kg. Roaches are everywhere, but mostly stay in the southern reach, near aquatic vegetation. Pike is found in bays with reeds and pondweed. Burbot lives in the depths. In spring and autumn it migrates to the coastal zone, where it feeds on smelt and vendace.

Lake Gomselgskoe is located 30 km northwest of Petrozavodsk. The mirror area is 3.7 sq. km. Length - 7.8 km, maximum width - 1.2 km. There is one small island in the lake. The greatest depth is 15.5 m, the average is about 5 m. The eastern and northern reaches are deeper. The bottom of the lake is muddy. The Anga River flows from the eastern reach and flows into Angozero. The Galyezerka stream flows into the middle reach. The reaches are connected by narrow straits. The shores of the lake are elevated and rocky over a long distance. In the southern reach the banks are low-lying and swampy.

The lake is inhabited by perch, pike, burbot, roach, ide, bream, silver bream, bleak, ruffe, and smelt. Pike are found in the southwestern part of the lake and near the mouth of Galyezerka. Perch, the most numerous fish in the lake, is distributed mainly in the vast eastern part, called the Big Lake. There are more roaches in Small Lake (middle reach). Bream is found in the Big Lake, where it winters and feeds, and its spawning grounds are located in the Small Lake. The eastern reach is inhabited by crayfish, and there are quite large specimens.

Lake Gallezero is located in the southern part of Karelia and belongs to the Konchezero group of lakes. The water area is 1.8 sq. km. Length - 5.8 km, maximum width 1 km. There are 5 small islands. The greatest depth is 12 m. The lake is shallow, especially in the central part. The bottom is mostly flat, muddy, and there are rocks along the shores. In the northern part of the lake, a hundred meters from the eastern shore, there is a significant pool. The lake is inhabited by small pike, dark-colored roach and perch (weighing up to 800 grams).

Lake Vodlozero is located in the southeastern part of Karelia and belongs to the Vodla River basin, which flows into Lake Onega. In 1935, after the construction of dams, Vodlozero turned into a reservoir for timber rafting purposes, and in the spring the water level in it rises by 2 - 3 m. Flooding of large areas of land in the coastal zone contributes to the drift of various organic substances into the lake, which has a positive effect on the biological regime of the reservoir. The spawning grounds for roach, pike, bream and other fish have expanded. Water surface area - 334 square meters. km. There are 196 islands on the lake. The average depth is 3.1 m, the greatest is 16.3 m. Depths of up to five meters occupy up to 80% of the lake’s area. The deepest section is located in the middle part of the reservoir, the northern region is shallow, and the southern region is deeper. The color of the water is dark yellow. The rivers Ileksa, Kelka, and Okhtomka flow into the lake. The rivers Sukhaya Vodla and Vama flow out

The lake is home to 20 species of fish, among them: perch, roach, pike, pike perch, redfish, bream, silver bream, whitefish, grayling, vendace, burbot. Pike perch is common and large specimens are found. Pike is widespread everywhere. Ide is also found everywhere, small ones in the coastal zone, and large ones in the depths. In the spring, in April, there is a massive entry of ide into the Ileksa River. Roaches are more common in shallow bays. There are large specimens weighing up to 500 g.

Lake Salonyarvi is located in the southwestern part of Karelia, near the city of Suoyarvi. The water surface area is 46 sq. km. The number of islands is 85. The lake has an elongated shape and is divided into four reaches: northern, western, central and southern. Between the large island of Salonsaari and the eastern shore of the lake there is a narrow strait about 5 km long. The banks are low-lying, rocky and sandy. The average depth is about 3 m, the greatest is 14.5 m. There are few deep places. The soil is often silty, but more often clayey and sandy. In summer, the water warms up to 20-22 degrees. The lake is home to 11 species of fish. Among them: perch. Roach, pike, bream, ide, burbot.

Lake Syamozero - one of the largest in southern Karelia and very popular among fishermen. Located in the Shuya River basin. Water area - 266 sq. km, length 24.6 km, maximum width - 15.1 km. There are 80 islands on the lake. The shape of the lake is oval, with many bays. The average depth is 6.7 m, the greatest is 24.5 m. The banks are mostly low and monotonous. The protruding headlands are strewn with boulders. The Syapsya River flows out of the lake, and the Malaya Suna, Kivach, Sudak, Kudama and Souda rivers flow in. The water in the lake is brown in color, of medium transparency. Steady freeze-up occurs at the end of November, and the opening occurs in mid-May. Syamozero is home to whitefish, vendace, grayling, perch, roach, pike, pike perch, ide, chub, bream, blue bream, silver bream, and ruffe. Perch is widespread everywhere. There are specimens weighing more than 1 kg, which stay at depth. Roach is distributed mainly in the coastal zone; it accumulates for spawning in Chuinavolokskaya Bay, Kurmoilsky and Kishkoilsky bays and in Syargilakht. The average weight of roach is 60g, but there are individuals weighing up to 1 kg. Pike is found throughout the lake, with pike perch displacing it, and both predators share habitat and hunting zones. So pike often stays in the coastal zone, while pike perch prefers the depths. The average weight of female pike is about 2 kg, males about 1 kg. Pike perch lives more in the central part of the lake. There are fish up to 6 kg at the age of 18-20 years, but 4-8 year old pike perch weighing about 1 kg predominates. Bream is distributed throughout the lake, but its numbers are small. There are breams up to 3 kg. Bream spawning grounds are located in Chuinavolokskaya Bay, Lakhta and Kukhaguba Bays. Burbot is found everywhere in the lake. In cold weather it prefers the coastal zone, and in summer it moves to the depths. There are specimens weighing more than 2 kg. Spawning: early May - spawning of pike and perch; end of May - beginning of June - spawning of roach, dace, ide and bream; end of June (15-25) - spawning of pike perch, herring; end of October - spawning of vendace and whitefish. Read also:  Fishing on the Don - the best places, calendar, fishing reports for 2021 Fishing: Perch, roach, bream, ide are actively caught with fishing rods from June to the end of September; Pike, pike perch, and perch are caught using spoons from the beginning of June to the end of September; Pike are especially active in taking live bait from the beginning of June to the end of October; Whitefish are mainly taken in winter at the depths with a spinner, and in the luds with a jig.

Lake Shotozero located in the southern part of Karelia and is part of the Shuya River system. The water surface area is 74 sq. km. Length -15.6 km, maximum width - 7.2 km. The average depth is 3.1 m, the greatest is 10.1 m. There are 43 islands on the lake. Shotozero is oval in shape, stretching from north-west to south-east. The Shuya River flows through it, so it has increased flow. In addition to Shuya, the Mikelitsa River flows into it. The water is brown in color. The sloping, rocky shores are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. The lake is home to 16 species of fish, including: perch, roach, whitefish, vendace, ide, burbot, pike, pike perch, catfish, bleak, and ruff. Perch, the most numerous fish in the lake, sticks to the coastal zone. There are large specimens that are more than 20 years old. Perch grows slowly. Roach is also common in the lake, living mainly in the coastal zone, in areas overgrown with aquatic vegetation. Pike are found throughout the lake. Pike more than 1 meter long and weighing more than 10 kg were caught. Pike perch lives in the southern part of the lake, with adult pike perch weighing about 4-6 kg staying at a depth of 5-6 m. Bream reaches a weight of 2-3 kg and is distributed throughout the lake. Some of the bream go along Mikelitsa to spawn in another lake. Shotozero is of interest to anglers for its variety of fish and active bite due to its high flow.

Lake Vagatozero is located in southern Karelia and is connected to the Shuya River system. The mirror area is 24.5 sq. km. Length - 6.5 km. The greatest width is 5 km. There are no islands. The lake is shallow. The greatest depth is 8.5 m in the southwestern part of the lake. Only 15% of the area is occupied by depths greater than 2 m. Gentle underwater slopes predominate; there are holes at the confluence and source of the Shuya River. Another tributary flows into the lake - the Syapsya River, connecting it with Syamozero. The lake freezes in October-November and opens in the second half of April. There are frequent polynyas on the lake, so you need to be very careful when moving in winter. There are 18 species of fish, including whitefish, vendace, roach, bream, pike, pike perch, perch, burbot, chub dace, silver bream, and bleak. Perch is found everywhere, but prefers to stay in the coastal zone. There are large specimens weighing over 1 kg. Pike perch lives more at depths and reaches a weight of 2.5 kg. The ide holds the confluence of the Shuya River; specimens weighing more than 1 kg are caught. The roach prefers grassy areas of the lake, where it is found in large numbers. Pike are numerous in the same places. Bream lives in the pre-estuary region of Syapsi, in itself and where the Shuya River flows. There are specimens weighing more than 4 kg.

Lake Svyatozero is located in the southern part of Karelia, belongs to the Shuya River system. The water surface area is 9.9 sq. km. Length - 6.1 km, maximum width - 2.7 km. There are 20 islands. The greatest depth is 17.2 km, the average is 7 m. The color of the water is green-yellow. The lake has low flow, is well heated, and has good feeding conditions. Svyatozero is inhabited by 9 species of fish: vendace, perch, roach, pike, burbot, ruffe, bream, bleak, sculpin. Perch is the most common fish, found in bays, pools and near islands. There are a lot of small perch in Oyansuguba near the “grass pool” and on the western shore of the lake. Deep large perch weighing up to 1.5 kg prefers open, deep areas of the lake.

Lake Palyeozero located in the southern part of Karelia and is a reservoir created in connection with the construction of the Kondopoga hydroelectric station. The waters of the Suna River were directed through an artificial channel to Palyezero, and then through the Niva River to Lake Sandal. The area of ​​the lake is 100 sq. km. Length - 22.6 km, maximum width - 5.8 km. The lake is deep-water (maximum depth - 74 m), during the warm period it is cold-water (water temperature at the surface is 13 - 170). After connecting the lake with the Suna River, its water exchange increased 25 times, and the level increased by several meters. Under the influence of the Sun humic waters, the hydrochemical regime of the lake also changed. In addition, during the formation of the new channel of the Suna, about 7 million cubic meters were introduced into the lake. m of soil. The bottom topography is uneven, there are wide depressions, ridges and ridges. The banks are high, steep and rocky in places. Five small rivers flow into the lake. The color of the water in Palieser is brown. The change in the lake's regime also caused changes in the composition of its ichthyofauna. Palaia completely disappeared - its spawning grounds were covered with silt, the number of whitefish and smelt decreased, bream, bleak and dace appeared. In total, the lake is home to 13 species of fish, among them: whitefish, smelt, grayling, perch, roach, pike, burbot, ruffe.

Lake Vedlozero - a reservoir located in the southern part of Karelia. Water surface area - 58.2 square meters. km. Length - 17.7 km, greatest width - 6.1 km. There are 15 islands. The maximum depth is 11.4 m, the average is 7.5 m. 3 small rivers flow into the lake, and the Vidlitsa River flows out. The banks are elevated, rocky, and covered with mixed forest. In the southwestern part of the lake, the shores are low and swampy in places. The bottom topography is flat, with a gradual depression of the basin from west to east. Luds are rare. The bottom is muddy. The lake warms up well in the summer. Vedlozero is home to 11 species of fish: vendace, whitefish, perch, roach, pike, burbot, bream, pike perch, bluefish, bleak, and ruff. The most common species are bream and perch. Bream is found everywhere, reaching a weight of 3.5 kg, but smaller ones are often caught (0.3 - 1.5 kg). Perch is distributed everywhere and its growth rate is not inferior to the perch of Lake Onega, Keretozero and other large lakes. Flooded forest areas are good places for its breeding and feeding. There are perches weighing over 1 kg. Roaches are less numerous and prefer to stay in shallow bays overgrown with aquatic vegetation. Pike is widespread throughout the lake, in particular near the Vidlitskaya dam, in Vedlozerskaya Bay, in the bays east and west of the village of Kibrinavolovok, in the bay east of Saloostrov. Pike also live in flooded forest areas - in the Ligmano and Oyasunoya streams. Its average weight is 1.9 kg. In spring, specimens weighing up to 16 kg are encountered.

Lake Topozero located 90 km southwest of Petrozavodsk. Water surface area - 6.8 square meters. km. The length is about 9 km, the greatest width is 2.5 km. The average depth is 10 m, the greatest is 35 m. There are 25 islands on Topozero. Near the northwestern shore of the central reach, 1.5 km from the village of Topozero, there are many small islands and rocky areas. The banks are steep, rocky, covered with mixed forest. Only the coast of the southwestern reach is low and swampy in places. The lake is a deep reservoir with steep underwater slopes. Underwater boulders are scattered in many areas. Rocky coastal capes sometimes connect with the capes of the islands, forming long stone ridges. A significant part of the bottom is covered with muddy soil. The Tupig and Tuksunpiya rivers flow into the lake. The lake is a little cold. It breaks free of ice in mid-May and freezes at the end of November. Topozero is home to 10 species of fish: vendace, smelt, perch, roach, pike, burbot, bream, crucian carp, bleak, and ruff. Mostly small perch are caught, but some specimens reach a weight of 1.5 kg. Bream is present in significant quantities. Its maximum weight is 3 kg. Pike are common, especially near Särimurot Bay. Its weight reaches 8 kg. Burbot is small, up to 1 kg. Lake Vygozero is located in the middle part of Karelia, turned into a reservoir connected to the White Sea-Baltic Canal. The water level was raised by almost 7 m, large areas of land were flooded, which affected the hydrochemical regime of the lake and its ichthyofauna. Water surface area - 1159 square meters. km. Length - 89.2 km, maximum width - 23.5 km. The greatest depth is about 18 m, the average is 6.2 m. There are 529 islands. In terms of size, Vygozero ranks third among the lakes of Karelia, second in size only to Lakes Ladoga and Onega. The reservoir extends in the direction from northwest to southeast and is divided into separate parts and bays. The coastline is winding, the rocky and rocky-sandy shores are covered with forest. In some places in the lowlands there are swampy peat areas. There are many underwater ridges, depressions and ice in the lake. The underwater slopes in the southern part are gentle, and in the northern part they are steep. On the vast flooded southeastern part of the reservoir there are numerous pools and shallows. More than half of the bottom area is occupied by silty soil.

Lake Vygozero is a shallow reservoir. In the summer, the water quickly warms up, and in the fall there is a significant and rapid cooling of it. In the southern region these processes are more intense. The lake opens in mid-May, but freezes for a long time, almost all of November.

Vygozero water is distinguished by a high content of humic substances. The northern part of the lake is exposed to pulp and paper waste.

The lake is home to 11 species of fish: salmon, whitefish, vendace, bream, perch, pike perch, roach, pike, burbot, ruffe, ide.

In Vygozero there are two forms of perch: small, slow-growing, and large, living in the deeper parts of the lake. Places of mass accumulation of large perch are located in the southwestern region, near the island of Sigovets and in the bays of Puksha, Torkova, Monoruba, as well as in the central and island regions, Koykinitsky Bay. Spawning takes place on luds. There are specimens weighing about 600 g. There are a lot of perch in the lake. Roach is common in the southwestern, southern and island regions of the lake. Its average weight is about 50 g, occasionally roach weighing 250 g is found. Whitefish are found throughout the reservoir. There are two groups of whitefish: lake-river and lake. Vožminski whitefish is famous for its good growth: by the age of 10 it reaches a weight of 1 kg.

Pike is found everywhere, its spawning grounds are located near Sigovets Island, in Puksha Bay, at the mouths of rivers and streams, straits and lips where there is a weak current. The average weight of pike is about 1 kg, but specimens weighing 8–10 kg are caught. Burbot is one of the commercial fish of the lake. Found everywhere.

Bream is found throughout the lake and is also an important fishery target. Average weight - about 500 g.

The pike perch is acclimatized in the lake, has taken root and is caught in catches.

Lake Vokhtozero is located northwest of Petrozavodsk and belongs to the Shuya River basin. Water area - 32.1 square meters. km. The length of the lake is 4.9 km, the greatest width is 1.9 km. The average depth is 4.1 m, the greatest is 10 m. There are 5 islands on the lake. There are several small streams flowing out of the swamps. Vokhtozero is a high-food reservoir. It is home to 9 species of fish, including vendace, perch, roach, pike, burbot, and ide.

Lakes Upper, Middle and Lower Kuito are located in the northern part of Karelia and belong to the Kem River system.

Lake Verkhnee Kuito covers an area of ​​197.6 sq. km. Its length is 42 km, its greatest width is 19.6 km. The average depth is 7.4 m, the greatest, located in the central part of the lake, is 44 m. The bottom of the Upper Kuyto is replete with luds and stones. More than half of its area is covered with silt. The lake freezes from mid-October to November 20, and is freed from ice at the end of May - beginning of June. The coastline is very rugged, with a lot of reeds, reeds, sedges, and pondweed.

There are 12 species of fish in the lake: salmon, vendace, whitefish, grayling, smelt, perch, roach, ide, pike, burbot, dace, ruff.

Whitefish are common throughout the reservoir. Large whitefish enter the Pista River to spawn, and small whitefish enter the Yelman River. The lake is dominated by salmon with an average weight of 2-2.5 kg. Roach is one of the most numerous fish in Upper Kuito. Its average weight is 80 g. Perch is found throughout the lake. Its average weight is about 200 g. Pike is widespread in the lake. Ide is mostly caught near river mouths and weighs an average of 700 g.

Lake Sredneye Kuyto occupies a middle position in the Kuyto lake system. Its area is 275 sq. km. The length is about 42 km, the greatest width is 11.7 km. The average depth is 10.8 m, the greatest is 34 m, located in the middle part of the lake. The bottom topography is very uneven; there are rocks, muddy areas, and ridges. The composition of the fish fauna is the same as in Upper Kuyto.

Lake Nizhneye Kuito occupies the extreme southeastern position in the Kuito lake system. Its area is 141 square meters. km. Length - 30.4 km, maximum width - 7.5 km. The average depth is 9.4 m, the greatest is 33 m. The relief of the day is rocky and uneven. The lake is of the same type as Upper and Middle Kuyto.

List of used literature: Sun. M. Vasiliev/Fishing sport in Karelia - Publisher: Karelia, Petrozavodsk, 1973).

Lake Metsolanselka

Another small lake, located just 19 kilometers from Sorola Village. Metsolanselka communicates with Lake Ladoga through a complex system of straits, so it can be reached by car or boat. If you go by car, take the A-121 highway to the village of Miinala, and then turn towards the village of Mikli. Having driven a little further from the village, you can find a road that goes almost to the shore of the lake.

Lake Janisjärvi

This is a larger body of water, located about 100 km from our recreation center. However, in this case it is worth spending time on the road. Yanisjärvi is one of the most mysterious bodies of water in the Ladoga basin. Let's start with the fact that the history of the origin of the lake is still unknown. Officially, there are two opposing theories:

• Janisjärvi was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption about 700 million years ago;
• 700-750 million years ago a meteorite fell here, in the crater of which a lake appeared.

But these are not all mysteries. A significant part of tourists who come to Janisjärvi are attracted not only by wonderful fishing and beautiful nature, but also by a certain fame of the lake as a place where inexplicable phenomena regularly occur.

There is a lot of evidence of various kinds of mysterious incidents on the lake. Usually local residents talk about a strange buzz coming from under the water, or about a bright glow from the depths of Janisjärvi. This happens especially often in the northern and northeastern parts of the lake.

There are also references to other strange events that took place here at different times. Thus, the first written mention dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when student Pyotr Klemeshev, traveling around Karelia in search of examples of local folklore, observed a mysterious fireball hovering over the waters of Janisjärvi.

After this, several more similar cases were documented, so if you decide to go on vacation to Lake Janisjärvi, then be prepared for any development of events. Although, most likely, you will simply enjoy excellent fishing and amazingly beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Top 10 lakes in Karelia

Karelian Lakes are a popular and desirable tourist destination. It is impossible to single out the top ones, each is wonderful in its own way. Large and small bodies of water are interesting for their history, sights, and landscapes, but they are united by the wonderful northern nature, the abundance of berries and mushrooms in the coastal forests and the variety of fish in the mysterious depths.

We have prepared for you a rating of the most famous, interesting Karelian lakes, and the list is headed by three “giants” that everyone knows.

Ladoga

Coordinates: 60.8414555, 31.711764223970256

The famous Ladoga is the largest freshwater body of water in Europe and the second in Russia after Lake Baikal. Administratively it belongs to the Leningrad region and the Republic of Karelia. The southern shores are located in the Leningrad region, the northern ones are in Karelia.

Some numbers:

• maximum depth of the water area - 220 m;
• Ladoga receives 35 rivers, and one flows out of it - the Neva;
• There are 660 islands scattered across Ladoga. The most famous is Valaam with its monastery.

The shores of Ladoga are strewn with tourist centers, luxury and budget, including tent camps. You can easily find a suitable option according to your finances.

In the period from September 1941 to March 1943, Ladoga became the “road of life.” Under fire from enemy planes, food was transported across the ice for residents of besieged Leningrad.

Onega

Coordinates: 61.726322046383366, 35.39794921875001

It is located on the territory of three constituent entities of the Russian Federation: Karelia, Leningrad and Novgorod regions. There are large cities nearby - Petrozavodsk (the capital of the republic), Medvezhyegorsk, Kondopoga and others.

This is a unique place with a rich history. In ancient times, Karelians and Vepsian tribes lived here.

Some numbers:

• Lake Onega is the second largest in Europe after Ladoga and the third in Russia;
• in the deepest place - 130 m;
• The length of the coastline is 1540 km.

On Onega, as you know, there is a famous reserve and museum of wooden architecture, Kizhi, which is located on the island of the same name.

Kizhi is protected by UNESCO and is Karelia's most iconic landmark.

Samozero

Coordinates: 63.74285675, 34.992801025

Located in the south of the republic, in the Pryazhinsky and Suoyarvsky districts (west coast). The flowing Syamozero is connected with rivers and lambs - tiny lakes. The water system is part of the Shuya River basin. It is considered one of the largest in southern Karelia.

Some numbers:

• water area - 1550 sq. m;
• The body of water is covered by 80 islands;
• 21 species of fish live in the waters of Syamozero, including valuable ones: salmon, whitefish, vendace, pike perch, grayling;
• greatest depth - 24 m, average - 6.7 m.

Syamozero is notorious for the tragic incident when, on June 18, 2021, boats carrying students from a summer camp capsized on it in stormy weather. 14 children died.

Pyaozero

Coordinates: 66.03944655000001, 66.03944655000001

One of the largest lakes on the European continent is located in the Louhi region. Translated from Finnish, its name means “main lake”.

Some numbers:

• the deepest place is at 49 m, the average depth is 17 m;
• formed in 1966 as a result of flooding of the area due to the construction of a dam on the Kuma River;
• Pyaozero is home to 16 species of fish, including valuable commercial trout, burbot, pike and others;
• There are 66 islands scattered across the water surface, some inhabited by local fishermen.

The shores are indented with bays and bays, in places swampy and impassable, especially in the south. Other areas are covered with dense forest.

From 1948 to the end of 1980, passenger ships plied the reservoir, but later shipping was closed due to unprofitability.

Segozero

Coordinates: 63.3268935, 33.662171715128

Geographically, Segozero is divided by Medvezhyegorsky and Segezha districts. The name Seesjärvi is translated from Karelian as “bright lake”. The unique natural complex is famous for its successful fishing; fishing enthusiasts come here not only from Russia, but also from other countries. Nature lovers flock here to enjoy magnificent views of the coast, secluded coves, and bays. The doors of numerous campsites and tourist centers are hospitably open for them.

Some facts:

• Segozero is the third largest in the republic;
• maximum depth - 103 m, average - 29 m;
• there is a trout farm “Segozerskoe” on Segozero;
• Segozero and Vygozero are connected by the Segezha River;
• in the years 1930-1950, the water surface was used as a landing site for seaplanes.

It is protected from the winds by a tall coniferous forest and is perfect for relaxing on the shore.

Janisjärvi

Coordinates: 62.0095, 30.954875000000005

Janisjärvi translated from Finnish means “hare lake” because its shape resembles a forest animal. It is located in the Sortavala region and is part of the Ladoga basin. It consists of two lakes connected by the Luopaussalmi Strait. The reservoir is fraught with many mysteries and mysticism.

Interesting information:

• researchers believe that Yanisjärvi is nothing more than a crater formed by a meteorite fall 700 million years ago;
• sometimes at night the surface of the mirror glows, and a distinct hum is heard in the depths;
• in 1908, a fireball hung above the surface of the water. Three such balls were seen by the Soviet military in 1941.

But scientists have clarified the origin of these phenomena, saying that the hum is the working turbines of a hydroelectric station, the glow is a feature of underwater soil, and the fireballs are just ball lightning, frequent guests in this area.

Topozero

Coordinates: 65.63482375000001, 32.195660154537805

Topozero is one of the largest in Russia, is part of the Kumsky reservoir, located in the Loukhsky and Kalevalsky regions.

Some numbers:

• greatest depth - 56 m, average - 16 m;
• mirror area - 986 km;
• fourth in size in Karelia and 13th in Russia;
• There are 144 islands in the lake.

The surroundings of Topozero are very picturesque and famous for their berry and mushroom spots, which attracts not only fishermen, but also avid “quiet hunters”.

Nearby is the Paanajärvi National Park, popular among tourists, with the highest peak in Karelia - Mount Nuorunen (576.7 m).

Vodlozero

Coordinates: 62.3177996, 36.92918618026079

Vodlozero is located in the Pudozhsky district, on the territory of the protected Vodlozersky National Park. Most of the national park belongs to the Arkhangelsk region, but Karelia has the most beautiful places.

Some numbers:

• this is a shallow reservoir: maximum depth - 16.3 m, average - 2.8;
• it has 196 islands, some with villages;
• pool area - 4960 sq. m;
• The large river Ileksa flows into Vodlozero.

Entry to the national park is possible with a park permit. You can get it by prior application on the official website of the park.

Vygozero

Coordinates: 63.554195750000005, 34.67528548737927

Located in the Segezha region, in the center of the republic. This reservoir is not entirely natural, but is mostly the work of human hands. Formed during the construction of the White Sea-Baltic Canal in 1933, which connected the White Sea with Onega. Then the Nizhny Vyg and Vygozero rivers were limited, as a result of which severe flooding of the surrounding area occurred, from which the Vygozero reservoir was formed.

Other facts:

• on the northwestern coast there is a large city of Segezha;
• there are 529 islands on the reservoir - the highest points of the once flooded land;
• On the island of Gorodova there is a working lighthouse, indicating the way for ships traveling along the White Sea Canal.

There is no organized recreation at the reservoir, but local residents are happy to rent out rooms and houses to visitors. The island of Sigovets is especially popular for its abundance of cranberries and blueberries.

Kuito

Coordinates: 65.13262499999999, 31.315086538461543

The Kuito group is located in the Kalevala region and is part of the Kem River basin. Three beautiful reservoirs stretch in an arc over 140 km:

Name of lakes KuitoArea (sq.m) Maximum and (m) Other Upper 24044.4 and 8.7 In the southwest is the village of Voknavolok Srednee 27534 and 10 In the north of the island is the administrative center, the village of Kalevala Nizhnee 14133 and 8.6 Used for hydropower purposes - regulation of the Kem cascade

Along the banks of Kuyto there are numerous holiday homes, camp sites, and guest houses. Those seeking solitude will find a picturesque spot in a quiet backwater to pitch a tent. This area is a paradise for fishermen and more. The forests around Kuito are rich in lingonberries, blueberries and mushrooms.

If you decide to go fishing, go to Middle Kuyto; according to reviews, the fishing there is good. It is recommended to fish only from a boat.

Syamozero

It is located in the southern part of the Republic, just in the middle between lakes Ladoga and Onega. The area of ​​the reservoir is 266 km². There have never been any industrial enterprises on Syamozero, so this place is perfect for relaxation. Fishing on the lake is also good, with more than 20 species of game fish believed to live here.

In addition, a branch of the international tourist route “Blue Road” runs along the southern shore of Syamozero. There are still villages here that have preserved the traditional way of life and historical layout; the poet Syamozerye is included in the official list of historical and cultural territories of the Republic of Karelia.

Segoozero

The third largest lake in Karelia, located north of the city of Medvezhyegorsk. There are about 80 islands of different sizes. Fishing on Segoozer is as good as on all large reservoirs of Karelia; about 17 species of fish live here. In addition, the coast of the lake is the ancestral territory of a small subethnic group of the Karelian people - the Segozero (Padan) Karelians or Lappis. So lovers of local color and Karelian folklore can find something interesting in the villages surrounding Segozero.

Ladoga lake

The largest freshwater body of water in Europe, the second largest lake in Russia, “Lake Great Nevo”. Ladoga stretches from north to south for almost 200 km, from west to east for more than 120 km. The maximum depth is 233 meters. Large and small islands, the famous Ladoga skerries, long sandy beaches, huge mighty cliffs and ancient forests surrounding the lake along most of the coast - all this and much more you will find on Lake Ladoga.

Ladoga is not only a relief, but also its inhabitants. There are few bodies of water in the North so rich in fish. Pike, burbot, pike perch, perch, roach, asp, catfish - in total more than 53 species of fish live in the depths of Ladoga waters. Going fishing here is the cherished dream of almost every real fisherman.

There are many other natural and historical attractions on the shores of Ladoga. This is the well-known Nizhnesvirsky reserve, the islands of Valaam and Konevets, famous for their rich Orthodox heritage, the “Road of Life” memorial, which includes 7 monuments and many other interesting objects. A tourist planning to relax in the Ladoga region never faces the question of what to visit today. Most often it sounds different: “How to have time to see everything.”

Maybe this is why, having once come to relax on the shores of Lake Ladoga, many people want to come back here again and again. They say that Ladoga does not let go. This lake is a whole huge world that you want to explore again and again, and learn in a new way each time.

Lake Onega

The second largest lake in Karelia. On the shore of Lake Onega stands the capital of the Republic - the city of Petrozavodsk. Onego stretches from south to north for 245 km, and the width of the lake from south to east is 91.6 km. The maximum depth of the lake is 127 meters. The northern shores are heavily indented; here numerous lips extend into the mainland - bays that extend far into the land.

Like Ladoga, many species of fish live here. Lake salmon, sterlet, trout, vendace, whitefish, haris - more than 47 species in total. Fishing on Lake Onega is a real adventure in which both an experienced master fisherman and a novice fishing enthusiast can get their catch.

The main attraction of Lake Onega is the famous Kizhi Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Russia. Without exaggeration, a unique open-air museum of Russian wooden architecture has been created on this island, exhibits for which were brought here from all over Karelia.

Briefly about the main thing

Of course, our list of famous lakes in Karelia is far from complete. But even if you try to collect in one text all the reservoirs about which you can say at least a couple of phrases, you will get not an article, but a whole book, a real guide to the lakes of Karelia. Someday we will certainly write it, but for now, read something in this section of the site. A lot of interesting and useful things have accumulated there.

If you want to get to know the lakes of Karelia better, there is probably no better way than a boat trip along the Ladoga skerries. The service is provided from early May to late autumn. We help our park hotel guests with organizing fishing trips, both summer and winter, at any time of the year. Also in winter, we will help you organize fishing on nearby lakes.

General tips and tricks

It is imperative to have repellents, there are sometimes a lot of midges. However, you shouldn’t be too afraid of it; sometimes it happens that in the same place, with a difference of several weeks, the opposite picture is observed. It depends on your luck, but whoever is forewarned is forearmed.

There is no need to be afraid of wild animals. There are bears in Karelia, but there are very few cases of attacks. According to statistics, bears in Karelia attack people once or twice every 10 years. Most likely, if you light a fire and be noisy, bears will avoid you. Of course, you should not break the simplest rules, which you can read about in this article. Well, there is no need to be afraid of other animals.

We have a separate material about the snakes of Karelia, and there is also material about ticks. There is nothing special here, normal and standard precautions will avoid problems.

There are a lot of mushrooms and berries; lovers will definitely not lose money, although there are seasons when there are few of them. Poisonous mushrooms are found; if you are an inexperienced mushroom picker, you should not collect unfamiliar mushrooms in Karelia.