Fishing in Altai: popular places, recreation centers
True fishermen are ready to travel thousands of kilometers to enjoy a special action - fishing. Of course, every fisherman dreams of a good catch, so places are chosen very carefully. Fishing in Altai deserves special attention, because there are legends about the reservoirs where various species of fish are found. In addition, Gorny Altai has an extraordinary pristine nature, the landscapes of which can be enjoyed endlessly. There are particularly popular places among fishermen; we will consider their features below.
Altai for fishermen
First of all, it is worth saying a few words about the wealth of Altai . This is a huge territory that captivates with its diversity and splendor of nature. There are more than 7 thousand lakes in Altai alone, and about 17 thousand rivers. There are nature reserves, natural monuments and untouched nature, the water in the reservoirs is crystal clear. The underwater world is no less beautiful, it is rich and delights in diversity.
The most popular season in Altai for fishermen begins in August and ends in September, but this does not mean at all that they come here only at this time. In fact, fishing enthusiasts come here all year round.
There is also a particularly popular fish that everyone dreams of catching, but it is not so easy. This is a Siberian grayling fish, which is very cautious in the aquatic world and is distinguished by the fact that it swims quickly. They say that only experienced fishermen can catch it, although there are claims that it will require luck rather than experience.
Also popular species of fish that people come to this region for are:
- Red pike . It lives in reservoirs with a rocky bottom and always freshwater. They fish with a spinning rod and use a spinner for bait.
- Trout . This species lives only in crystal clear water. The best period for fishing is early spring and late autumn. But insects will serve as excellent bait.
- If we talk about winter fishing, people come here to catch omul, peled and Siberian vendace .
Of course, there are many species of fish that live in other regions within the capital. People come here for an excellent catch of perch, crucian carp, burbot, bream, pike and many others. There are species listed in the Red Book.
Reservoirs of the Altai Republic
The largest rivers in the region are the Katun, Chuya and Biya. They receive many tributaries originating on the glaciers of mountain peaks. Katun and Biya at their confluence form the Ob River. One of the features of the Katun is the high content of mercury in its waters, which is explained by the high content of this element in the soils of the river basin. In many places, wastewater from places where gold is mined by artisanal artisans enters rivers. Mountain rivers are characterized by rapid flows and form a great variety of waterfalls and rapids. Their bottom is often rocky, strewn with large boulders and outcrops of crystalline rocks. Often mountain rivers are squeezed into deep canyons or narrow river valleys. The most picturesque of the mountain rivers is the Abyl-Oyuk River, which originates on a glacier located on the North Chuysky ridge. There is a path along the left bank of the river, along which you can walk along the entire riverbed.
Lake Teletskoye is a symbol of Altai, and at the same time one of the deepest lakes in the world. Its depth in some places is 325 m. It is fed by 70 small rivers and streams, from which the Biya River originates. In addition to Lake Teletskoye, there are about 7 thousand lakes of various sizes and origins in the region. The largest moraine lake is Dzhulukul, located at an altitude of more than 2000 km.
Biya River
It is difficult to call this place quiet and calm, since the river is very stormy. The river is quite large, has rapids and has a strong current. But if you prepare in advance, there will be no problems. It is enough to study the routes and the area, then you can enjoy an unforgettable fishing experience. If you have experience in river rafting, then your capabilities increase significantly.
This river is one of the most beautiful, so in addition to the catch, beautiful nature awaits you. Various greenery, steep rocks, a stormy river and clean air, you don’t want to leave here. Getting to the river itself is quite easy, firstly, the place is very popular among tourists, and secondly, there are a lot of roads leading to it. You can come for your catch all year round; fishing is prohibited during the spawning season.
Regarding fish, there are more than 10 species in the waters of the river. People come here for pike, pike perch, lenok, and perch. You can fish directly from the shore; a short spinning rod is suitable for this. Fishing from a boat is also popular; medium rods or a donka, which has a long line, are used here. Coming here you will get unforgettable emotions, pleasure from fishing and catch, wonderful impressions of nature.
Free fishing spots in the Altai Republic
Lake Alakhinskoye is one of the most popular bodies of water in the Altai Republic, which forces fishermen from all over the world to come in search of trout and grayling. This rare and very tasty fish is caught here using a spinning rod, but especially experienced local fishermen prefer to use a bombard.
Lake Teletskoye very often attracts fishermen who want to catch a rare fish in other regions - burbot. But trophy taimen are also often found here. There are practically no peaceful fish in the lake’s waters, but in the catches of local fishermen you can often see perch, whitefish and grayling, which are also very popular due to their taste.
Many fishermen often go to Lake Sadrinskoye in search of luck. There, fishermen who prefer to fish with spinning rods often catch perch and pike. Less often, predator hunters can catch the owner of the river - taimen, or whitefish, which is also very difficult to catch in other regions. But you can often meet people with a fishing rod here, whose main goal is to catch roach.
Lake Manzherok often attracts not only local but also visiting fishermen to its shores. On this reservoir, fishermen who prefer to fish with a spinning rod will be able to find excellent perch, and those who like quiet fishing with a float rod or feeder rod will have a good time waiting for crucian carp or tench.
Chuya River
A popular place with some special features. Firstly, this river is famous all over the world due to the annual rafting competitions that are held here. Secondly, almost all year round the water is not clean at all, but rather cloudy and not at all attractive. Thirdly, this is where the famous Siberian grayling lives. From August to mid-October, experienced fishermen come here to catch a worthy trophy. It is during this period that the water level in the river drops and it becomes clear.
Lake Teletskoye
No less popular place among tourists and travelers. It is one of the largest reservoirs in this region, and its length reaches 80 km. The reservoir boasts the purest water, an amazingly beautiful coastline and, of course, a variety of fish. There are more than 14 species in these waters. People come here for pike, taimen, perch, etc.
This deep-water lake is the largest in the Altai Territory , its length is more than 80 kilometers. The water in the lake is very clean, and the coastline is dotted with forests. Winter fishing is very popular. The fact is that on the southern side the reservoir does not freeze and is not covered with ice.
Where can you go fishing in Altai for free?
And although it was stated that there are 90% more lakes in Altai than rivers, this is not at all an indication that you can also go fishing for free, often on lakes. No, the fact is that this region is mountainous, so the natural formation of ponds and lakes is rare.
This means that most artificial reservoirs were created by private individuals, and therefore are paid for. The same cannot be said about rivers, of which there are only a few, but fishing on them can be fruitful.
Rivers
So, in order not to make the reader wait long, here is a list of natural rivers, fishing on which will definitely bring the desired results:
- Chuya is a river that is considered one of the most visited in Altai. Moreover, this body of water has international fame, because rafting competitions are often held on its waters. Regarding fishing, the most active fish here is considered to be grayling, fishing for which it is advisable to start closer to autumn and until the end of spring;
- The Ursul is one of the longest rivers in the region (140 kilometers). Such inhabitants of the reservoir as taimen can reach a weight of 14 kilograms, while grayling can reach a maximum of 2 kilograms. These are quite excessive standards, therefore, every fisherman simply needs to try his luck on this river;
- Sumulta - this river has the reputation of being one of the longest and coldest rivers in Altai. Here you can catch more than 5 species of fish, which often bite very well in clear weather. By the way, it is recommended to fish further upstream (closer to the mountains), which will bring more catch, at least that’s what the rumor says;
Lakes
Artificial lakes and ponds, including quarries, are quite actively and purposefully increasing in number.
Since it would be stupid to list the features of many thousands of lakes, it would be more reasonable to note only a few, the attention of fishermen to which is more special:
- Shibaevo is a lake that is quite long for its type - 76 kilometers (many rivers can be smaller than this size). The angler is attracted by the fact that fishing here is not only free, but also surprisingly fruitful: many species of fish such as pike, bream, carp, perch and roach;
- Petrovskoye is a unique lake, at first glance, having nothing “sort of” about it. So, besides perch, few people live in this fauna. But, according to the fishermen themselves, this reservoir is ideal for winter fishing, in which it is fashionable to catch not such a small amount of perch;
- Utkul is a fairly small body of water. But this modest fact pales against the background of a good bite, beautiful nature and a lot of fish: chebak, pike and perch;
Kucherlinskoye Lake
The camp site is located in a beautiful picturesque place. The nearest settlement is 35 km away - the village of Tyungur . Guests can stay in comfortable houses located on the shore of the lake. Landscaped area with a sauna and a cafe with a varied menu. You can visit the herbal barrel and massage room.
Regarding fishing, here you can catch trout, grayling and taimen. At the recreation center you will be offered catamarans, motor boats and boats for fishing on the water. This is the ideal place to combine a carefree holiday and a rich entertainment program.
Paid fishing in Altai
Of course, there is a place for paid fishing in this mountainous region, because as was emphasized earlier, many lakes are made by man, and they are founded at restaurants, cafes, baths, but still they are often located on the territories of tourist centers, where citizens from all over the country come : some to admire nature, some to give a barbecue, and some to do some good fishing.
The best camp sites
It is very difficult to obtain the title of the best in this context, because with such incredible competition it is difficult to name any lake more or less suitable for fishing.
Therefore, it would be correct to start from the opinions and reviews of the fishermen themselves, who, in their “vacation impressions,” noted the following range of the best, in their opinion, bases:
- Baden-Baden is a tourist base located near the city of Barnaul. The landmark for non-residents is the village of Mallorca, not far from which there is a “paradise” for the most avid fisherman. The big advantage of this base is that it receives visitors both in summer and winter, and around the clock. Citizens who come to fish will be able to get their fill of such catch as pike, perch and crucian carp;
- Albagan is a small area on which there is a small pond for fishing, a two-story cottage and a cafe. Also, those who wish can spend the night in tents, which can be pitched next to the mini-hotel. As for fish, immediately after throwing a fishing rod into the water you will be able to catch roach, perch or pike;
- Visyuki - this “institution” consists of a reservoir and a large estate, in which non-locals and everyone could spend the night. Regarding the fauna, it is inhabited by only two species: gudgeon and grayling. The location of this base is simple, it is located near the village of Solnechnoye;
Prices
Having monitored many tourist bases and their pricing policies, we can say with confidence that fishing in Altai is not a cheap pleasure.
So, for example, it will be difficult to find a price lower than 800 rubles for entry. “Establishments” whose range of services includes not only fishing, but also accommodation, food and other types of entertainment will cost a citizen much more - from 2,200 to 5,000 rubles.
Corsair
This camp site is located on the banks of the popular Elekmonar River . There are beautiful landscapes around, forests, silence and comfort. Guests are offered different accommodation conditions. You can choose a room in a dormitory, settle in a separate house or choose a campsite. Guests can eat in the cafe, where the chefs offer a varied menu. There is a Russian bathhouse, and you can play volleyball on the equipped sports ground. You can rent a boat or motorboat. Fishing tours are also held here, and you can become a participant.
Altyn-Tuu
A comfortable campsite where you can relax, gain strength and have fun. Located on the shore of the beautiful Lake Teletskoye. But the campsite itself can only be reached by boat. Vacationers are offered comfortable cottages and bungalows. Meals are included in the price. The rooms offer beautiful views of the lake.
Guests are offered a very rich entertainment program. There is a Russian bathhouse on site, where you can play billiards, volleyball and other games. For fishing, you can rent a boat, gear and any other equipment. The services of a professional instructor are also offered.
Here you will be pleased with the catch of pike, taimen, and grayling. Be sure to bring rubber boots, preferably high ones. This place will be interesting both for a cheerful group and for families with children.