Nelma taste qualities. Nelma fish: habitat and fishing features
Nelma- a fish belonging to the salmon family. Nelma lives in desalinated sections of the lower reaches of rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean. Nelma is a large fish, the average weight reaches 30 and even 40 kg. It is easy to recognize the nelma by its appearance. The mouth of the nelma is large with numerous small teeth. The body of the fish is elongated, somewhat laterally compressed, with large silvery scales. Adult nelma have a special color - the body is silvery, the back is purple with a greenish tint, the belly is white. In young individuals, the back is blue or almost blue, for which the locals gave the fish the nickname "bruise". Nelma is a predatory fish whose main food is young whitefish, whitefish, grayling, burbot and ruff.
Nelma migration is associated with spawning, begins in the first half of July and continues until autumn. Nelma fish leave the walking areas and go to spawning grounds, which are located in the middle of the Yenisei. In autumn, after the end of spawning, the fish descends to the lower reaches of the Yenisei.
The meat has an extraordinary delicate taste, Siberians prefer to cook nelma in the form of a wide variety of dishes, the most favorite of which is stroganina.
Today, nelma is a valuable commercial fish, therefore, its production is allowed only as by-catch to other fish species. Industrial catching is prohibited.
Nelma habitats
Nelma fish is one of the many relatives of the Siberian celebrity - omul. However, not as close as, for example, chir or whitefish. Rather, this fish is a cross between omul and salmon (did you know that omul and salmon are also related?). The closest relative of the nelma is the white salmon. Some scientists even suggest combining these two fish into one species. But still they are different and differ primarily in habitats.
The white fish loves warm and calm waters. It lives in the middle lane and in the south of the European part of Russia and the Urals. But nelma behaves completely differently. She, on the contrary, prefers cold and harsh waters, so they are not so similar to the white fish.
The main habitat of nelma fish is Siberia. If you already know something about the omul and its relatives, then this fact will hardly surprise you. Siberia is a true paradise for whitefish, and white salmon is no exception. However, unlike many of its relatives, it is not limited to the territory of Siberia and the Far East alone. If omul, broad whitefish, muksun and other whitefish are found only in the rivers connected with Baikal and the Arctic Ocean, then the range of distribution of nelma is much wider.
This fish also finds its home in the rivers connected with the Pacific Ocean and this already immediately stands out among its close and not very relatives. In addition, it is found on another continent. So our country cannot boast that there is no such fish as nelma anywhere else. It is also found in the rivers of Canada and the USA (Alaska). In these zones, the climate is very similar to the climate of Siberia, just as cold and harsh, and this is exactly what the nelma needs.
If we talk about the habitats of nelma fish more specifically, then it is found in almost all rivers located beyond the Arctic Circle. In the west, the habitat of this fish is limited by the Ponoi and Onega rivers, in the east (already on the North American continent) by the Yukon and Mackenzie rivers. Of course, it cannot be said that fish is evenly distributed over these reservoirs, on the contrary. Somewhere there is quite a lot of it (for example, in the Northern Dvina River and some lakes associated with it: Zaisan, Norilsk, Kubenskoye), and somewhere it is found literally in single copies.
This uneven distribution is due to many factors. Here the climate also plays a role, which is far from always the same at the same latitudes, and the types of rivers (fast or slow), and, of course, ecology.
Ecology in general has a significant impact on the habitat of nelma. For example, half a century ago, it was found in abundance in the Ob River and its tributaries, for example, in the Biya, Charysh, Peschanaya, Anue and others. And then the Ob was blocked by a dam, and the number of nelma decreased tenfold. If earlier this fish was caught there almost on an industrial scale, now it is necessary to keep the catch under strict control, since its number has decreased almost to a critical level.
The same can be said about other rivers of Siberia and the Far East. Somewhere, environmental problems became the reason for the reduction in the number of nelma fish, somewhere hydroelectric power plants are to blame, somewhere it was simply caught uncontrollably for a long time. Today, the number of nelma has decreased so much that scientists are already beginning to sound the alarm. In some areas, this fish has already been banned from being caught in any quantities.
If we talk about the habitats of nelma in general, then, as you probably already guessed, she prefers rivers, moreover, the rivers are calm, wide. She does not disdain lakes either. Some scientists even try to divide nelma fish into two groups: lake-river and river, like chir or muksun. One group, respectively, lives in lakes, and goes to rivers for spawning, the other lives and spawns in the river, but in different places. By the way, this feature is inherent in all whitefish.
The main food for nelma fish are crustaceans, insect larvae, and fish fry. They are most numerous in those parts of the river where the current is not very strong. That is why the nelma fish prefers to stay there. In lakes, she chooses places near the mouths of rivers, because they bring silt with crustaceans, larvae and other “products”.
But nelma spawns exclusively in rivers. In autumn, fish gather in schools and go on a long journey upstream, to where the water is a little warmer. Caviar is spawned in areas with a flat sandy or rocky bottom, and the fish returns. In total, this path takes about six months, and therefore it does not spawn every year.
Today, nelma fish is considered a delicacy. It is famous for its tender meat with lots of fat. Unfortunately, this does not benefit her numbers. The habitat of this fish is gradually narrowing, and where it still remains, it is not as much as it once was. However, the catch of this fish is still allowed in some areas, albeit in limited quantities. And this means that you have the opportunity to try this yummy.
Nelma freshly frozen
The taste of nelma is difficult to describe. How can one express in words the unique range of feelings that this fish evokes in a person who has tried it for the first time? This is something completely unique.
Nelma fish belongs to salmon fish, but, like whitefish (omul, whitefish, muksun, whitefish), it differs from them in the white color of the meat. At the same time, nelma meat is very, very fatty, which means that the cooked dish will not be dry. And another plus of this wonderful fish is the absence of bones between the muscles. To get a tender fillet without a single bone, it is enough to take out the spine and the large bones associated with it. This is not difficult.
Nelma is practically not found in the European part of Russia. Previously, it was considered an excellent gift from the north, but it was almost impossible to bring it fresh. Due to the high fat content of meat, fish deteriorates quite quickly. However, today everything is different. A great way out for those who love and appreciate good fish is fresh-frozen nelma.
Fresh-frozen nelma are gutted nelma carcasses or ready-made fillets frozen by the shock method, that is, very quickly and as soon as possible after pulling the fish out of the water. Due to the fact that the freezing of nelma occurs within a few minutes, the fish retains all the beneficial properties, and it has a lot of them. Delicious, easily digestible fat, containing a lot of vitamins and other substances useful for the body, tender meat, rich in protein, in a word, the product is truly priceless.
Another plus of fresh-frozen nelma is that it is stored for a very long time. If you do not allow defrosting and re-freezing, it can lie without loss of quality for 2-3 months.
In order to fully appreciate the taste and benefits of fresh-frozen nelma, it is enough to defrost it. As soon as the ice melts, you will immediately smell the aroma of fresh fish, as if it had just been pulled out of the river. And then you can do whatever you want with frozen white salmon. There are a lot of options for dishes, in fact, everything that your imagination tells you. This fish is good in pies and soups, in roasts and salads, stewed, baked, steamed, fried.
What is more profitable to take: carcass or fillet - you decide. The fillet is suitable for those cases when there is no time to mess around with skinning the carcass. But it is from the pieces of fish, together with the spine and head, that the most fragrant and rich ear is obtained. So it all depends on the specific dish.
The main thing is that fresh-frozen nelma be of high quality. If you want to check the quality of frozen fish, this is very easy to do. It is enough to take a long needle, heat it over a fire and stick it into the fish. If you have a whole carcass, then it is better to make a puncture perpendicular to the spine near the head. This is where the fish usually starts to go bad. If the fish is stale, then an unpleasant odor will come from the needle after you pull it out.
Nelma slightly salted
Nelma is considered a delicacy fish and deservedly so. Nelma meat has a delicate taste, which is not inferior, but, according to many, even surpasses the taste of other, more famous fish. Add to this the high fat content of nelma meat, thanks to which you can cook balyki from it, the absence of small bones, and you will get the same nelma, which many have already appreciated.
Salted nelma is especially good. A small amount of salt does not interrupt the taste of the fish, but only emphasizes it, which makes nelma fish an exquisite delicacy. Previously, lightly salted nelma was difficult to bring: because of the small amount of salt, it quickly deteriorated. Today, nelma is packed in a vacuum, and the problem of transportation is solved by itself.
Lightly salted nelma can be eaten just like that, or it can be added to other dishes. Lightly salted nelma will make your salads, sandwiches and snacks a real masterpiece of culinary art. Nelma is the pearl of your kitchen.
How to cook nelma
Nelma, like the whitefish, is related to salmon. In fact, nelma is the same whitefish, only freshwater. Accordingly, any methods of cooking white salmon are also suitable for nelma. A large amount of fat makes it possible to cook this fish on a grill or on a grate over an open fire, and if you put the fish to bake in a pot with vegetables, you get a completely unusual dish, since the nelma fat will soak the vegetables, giving them a wonderful taste.
Ear from nelma is also famous for its taste. It is important to cook the fish long enough, without fuss over low heat. Then the ear will turn out very rich.
Like the whitefish, nelma is perfect for making balyk. In this form, it can be stored for quite a long time.
This is the largest representative of its kind. In adulthood, it reaches one and a half meters in length and 50 kilograms in weight. But, of course, these are the maximum figures. The average weight of fish caught with nets or hooks ranges from 5 to 10 kg.
Nelma is a rather large fish, it has silvery scales. For this, she is also called the "white fish". Body fusiform, elongated. There is, like all whitefish, an adipose fin. The caviar is small. The mouth is pointed. The upper jawbone of this species does not reach the vertical at the posterior margin of the eye. Nelma differs from other salmon in that its silver color is completely devoid of dark spots. It is not too difficult to distinguish females from males - by the presence of a pronounced “nuptial” outfit in the latter.
Nelma spawns, like most northern fish, at the end of September and in October.
The water temperature in this case is from 3 to 10 degrees. At the same time, he prefers places with sandy-pebble soil. Nelma is a prolific fish. During one spawning period, she spawns up to 420 thousand eggs. Caviar develops throughout the winter period, being in small crevices between stones. Malek is developing rapidly. In five years, the fish can grow up to one meter, and gain up to seven kilograms in weight. This is an undeniable and very voracious predator. In the stomach of monthly fry, scientists find not only various eggs, but also newly appeared juveniles of other fish species. Adults feed mainly on vendace, smelt and, of course, juveniles of other whitefish representatives. Immediately after spawning, nelma again rolls into the sea. But sometimes she lingers in spawning rivers for a couple of years, and sometimes even comes in search of food to floodplain, flood lakes.
Nelma is a freshwater and semi-anadromous fish. It is common in the rivers flowing into the Irtysh, Ob, Lena and Yenisei. The fish lives in the mouths and deltas of large cold Siberian rivers. She comes here immediately after the opening of the river and ice drift. The most intensive period of the course is June-July.
All fishermen treat nelma with reverence and respect. After all, this is a real giant of the northern rivers. Catching such a serious trophy is not so easy. Catching nelma is an occupation only for those who are ready to face difficulties. After all, the weight of this northern fish sometimes reaches 40 kg. The problem is also complicated by the difficult northern habitat conditions of this species. Sometimes fishing for salmon is more like hunting. Nelma has impressive strength, cunning resourcefulness and stubbornness. Needless to say, catching the northern white fish is so reckless that it wins the hearts of anglers from the first trophy caught. This active fish is caught on large-sized narrow spinners - "spinners", which, in outline and color, are similar to the vendace or smelt so beloved by the white salmon. The best time to fish is early morning or evening. There is, perhaps, no other species in the northern rivers that would attract lovers of complex and tricky fishing like nelma fish. A fishing photo with such a weighty trophy will be a real decoration of any fisherman's album of achievements.
Unfortunately, recently in the Siberian and North Ural rivers it has become much less than before, and this is not only the fault of poachers, although they also make a significant contribution: nelma are caught en masse and uncontrollably, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for it to breed - places, where you can safely spawn, there is not much left. Many hydroelectric power stations have been built on the rivers of Siberia, and people need more and more electricity - already more than half of the areas for fish spawning have been cut off, and in the remaining places the water has become dirty; nelma, on the other hand, spawns - like all salmon - only in clean and clear water. Of course, they are trying to breed it artificially, but so far it is not working out too well: nelma fry do not survive well in captivity.
But this fish belongs to valuable commercial species, and is strictly protected: it is strictly forbidden to catch it industrially in Russia - precisely because it has become worse to multiply, and only in one region - in the northern part of Siberia - fishermen's artels work legally. Catching nelma in other areas is possible only at the expense of by-catch, when it gets into the nets along with other fish.
The situation is likely to change for the better in the near future, since the meat of this fish is characterized by high palatability, which makes nelma a promising object for commercial fish farming.
Video: Fishing for nelma
For many representatives of the strong half of humanity, fishing is a hobby, but not a means of profit. Although, quite recently, some 100 years ago, fishing was of no importance to many, as an occupation solely for pastime. For many, fishing was a means of survival.
Nowadays, most anglers come to a certain, interesting place to catch a rare but valuable specimen that can leave a memory for a lifetime. Siberia and the Far East are also visited by many lovers of fishing and catching tasty and valuable fish, especially since there are many types of fish and in sufficient quantities. In addition, the places attract anglers also by the fact that fishing here is mostly free.
Here, some sections differ in that it is really only possible to get here in winter. Unfortunately, there is nothing to do here alone, since the places are distinguished by harsh conditions, and you need to know the places. Therefore, it is better to buy some kind of voucher and go fishing with a whole team along with an escort.
Winter fishing competitions are regularly held on Lake Baikal. There are plenty of similar, interesting places in Siberia and the Far East, you just need to choose the right place.
Many anglers dream of fishing on Baikal, because grayling and omul are found here, as well as pike, ide, catfish, perch and other fish, both predatory and non-predatory. In addition, there are very picturesque and interesting places with wildlife.
Exact fish habitats in Siberia and the Far East
The reservoirs of Western Siberia are considered one of the richest in terms of the number of fish that live in them. The Ob River is also considered one of the richest in fish resources. It also includes its tributaries. In such rivers as the Yenisei, Tom, Amur, Yaya, Lena, Kia, Mris Su, Ters, Uryuk and others, there is a huge number of different types of fish.
The reservoirs of the Far East provide the largest variety of fish, which corresponds to more than 60% of all fish caught in Russia. The seas of the Far East replenish the commercial catch with cod and salmon, which are highly valued for their delicious meat. As a rule, they are caught in the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan and the Bering Sea, which belong to the Pacific expanses.
The following types of fish are caught in the Far East:
- 40% herring.
- 100% crabs.
- 99% salmon.
- 90% flounder.
- 60% shellfish.
In other words, no less than 80% of all fish caught on an industrial scale throughout Russia is caught here. In addition to fish, there is fishing for algae, which is almost 90% of the mark, in general, in Russia.
Species of fish living in Siberia and the Far East
Grayling
Grayling belongs to the salmon fish species and is the most common species inhabiting water bodies located closer to the northern latitudes. The largest number of this fish is observed in the rivers of Siberia. He prefers rivers and lakes with clean water, while the water should be cold.
The most common individuals reach a weight of about 1 kilogram, although specimens weighing up to 3 kilograms come across. Despite this, a grayling weighing 6.8 kilograms was caught.
This fish is considered omnivorous, since the diet includes midges, grasshoppers, flies, algae, mollusks, and insect larvae. If he comes across caviar of other types of fish on his way, then he eats it.
Prefers to stay close to rifts, near huge stones, on thresholds, etc., where anglers with gear are waiting for him. Grayling is caught both on a regular float rod, and on spinning or fly fishing. In the case of using various spinners, small specimens should be preferred. If you take a larger bait, then you can catch larger fish, although in this case you will have to wait much longer for bites.
Belongs to the whitefish family, and is also a valuable industrial fish. This fish is found in any major river in Siberia. Fish is valued due to the presence of a sufficient amount of nutrients in the meat.
Muksun grows up to 75 cm in length and can gain weight up to 12 kilograms, although, mostly individuals come across, weighing no more than 2 kilograms. Despite this, fishermen catch specimens that are more catchy, weighing up to 7 kilograms. If a fisherman caught a fish weighing about 3 kilograms, then this is a great success for him. They catch this fish with nets if there is no ban, since in some regions there is still a ban.
This fish does not have to be caught with nets, as the muksun responds well to artificial baits such as flies.
Another fish that represents whitefish. The largest populations of this fish are observed in the Ob and Yenisei rivers. Fish prefer fresh waters, although they can live and develop in semi-fresh waters. Chir is also found in Kamchatka. As a rule, individuals come across, no more than half a meter long and weighing no more than 3 kilograms. Despite this, a fish was caught, weighing about 11 kilograms, which grew in length to 84 centimeters.
Basically, this fish is caught with nets, but it bites perfectly on a fishing rod or spinning. As baits, you can take both living objects in the form of mollusks, insects and larvae, as well as artificial baits that imitate the movements of living objects in water. Edible rubber lures are very popular.
This fish is a prominent representative of the carp family, and has a huge distribution, both in Europe and in Siberia. The ide is considered an omnivorous fish, but prefers rivers or lakes with warmer water. Therefore, the main places where you can find an ide are ponds, lakes and rivers, but not in the mountains, where the water is cold and clear.
The ide grows in length up to half a meter, with a weight of about 3 kilograms, although individuals weighing up to 9 kilograms were found in some rivers of Siberia. The ide is caught on ordinary float gear or spinning rods equipped with artificial catch baits.
The most favorable time for catching it is the onset of darkness. It is also caught on ordinary worms.
This fish is also a representative of whitefish, but the largest of them. It prefers rivers and river basins located closer to the Arctic Ocean, as well as water bodies of Siberia.
On average, individuals come across weighing about 10 kilograms, and nelma grows up to 50 kilograms. Differs in unsurpassed taste characteristics. Thanks to such taste data, this species is caught very intensively, therefore, in some regions of Siberia it is forbidden to catch it.
It is almost impossible to catch this fish on a spinning rod, so it is caught industrially.
Another representative of whitefish, the largest populations of which are registered in Lake Baikal.
Omul grows to small sizes and can weigh no more than 8 kilograms. Omul is caught year-round, both from the shore and from the boat. He takes baits of small size, which are distinguished by bright colors. Quite often, he is caught on an ordinary fish, on meat or just on foam rubber. In winter, this fish can be found at a depth of up to 200 meters, which requires special gear. Therefore, winter omul fishing is fraught with serious difficulties.
Pyzhyan is found in various reservoirs of Siberia. It grows in length up to 0.8 meters and can reach a weight of about 5 kilograms. This fish is caught on cast nets or seines. Recreational anglers use conventional tackle and lures. The diet of this fish includes insects and their larvae, as well as molluscs.
This fish prefers rivers that are located closer to the North. Most of all this fish is in such large rivers as the Lena, Yenisei, Ob, etc. Occasionally, but you can find specimens more than a meter long and weighing almost 100 kilograms. This fish is best caught in spring and summer with a net.
This is a fish that belongs to the salmon species of fish, and which prefers freshwater reservoirs. Lenok is widespread in Siberia and the Far East. Prefers to stay on the rifts, as well as in mountain rivers. Lenok is considered an exclusively predatory fish that feeds on living organisms such as flies, molluscs, insects, worms, etc. Lenok is caught exclusively on spinning, using various spinners, wobblers or flies for effective fishing.
This representative of salmon is listed in the Red Book. It is forbidden to catch taimen in almost all reservoirs. Likes to be in fresh, but cold water. He does not go to sea. It can grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh about 80 kilograms.
Pike is a predatory fish that inhabits almost all water bodies of Russia and Siberia, as well as the Far East is no exception. Here, individual specimens are not at all uncommon, weighing up to 35 kilograms and more than 1 meter long. Spring and autumn are considered the most productive periods for pike hunting. Pike is caught mainly on spinning, using various artificial lures.
Yelets prefers reservoirs with flowing and crystal clear water. It is caught on ordinary float fishing rods. As a nozzle on the hook, you can take a worm, maggot, bloodworm, ordinary bread or cereal.
Burbot is the only cod-like species that prefers fresh water. It is most widespread in places that come close to the Arctic Ocean. In addition, it is found in almost all taiga zones. Mostly individuals weighing no more than 1 kg come across on the hook, although there are individual specimens weighing up to 25 kilograms.
Burbot is more active in cold periods, and it spawns exclusively in winter, in severe frosts. Since burbot also belongs to predatory fish species, it is better to catch it on animal nozzles.
This is the only representative of the Chukuchanov family, which can be found in the reservoirs of Siberia and the Far East. Chukuchan is also a predatory fish and prefers baits of animal origin. Therefore, it is better to catch it on molluscs, worms, insects and their larvae.
Chebak
This is a member of the carp family. Distributed throughout Siberia and the Urals. Although the fish is not large, there are mostly individuals weighing about 3 kilograms. Chebak does not refuse either animal or plant food, therefore, it can be caught with any type of bait, but it is caught with an ordinary float fishing rod.
Peculiarities
The most important feature of fishing in these places is the dispersal of reservoirs over a large area, which is not so easy to get to without special transport. An equally important feature is the current bans on catching certain fish species that are listed in the Red Book. Therefore, fishing in Siberia and the Far East is fraught with some difficulties. In this regard, there is nothing to do here alone, especially without special permission.
The advantage of fishing in these places is that there is just a huge number of fish species. Free fishing is allowed on most waters. Despite this, there are already sites where the territory is either privatized or leased. To get to such a territory for the sake of fishing, you will have to pay a large amount of money.
Fishing in the Far East is especially relevant in the autumn, when grayling is caught. During this period, a huge number of anglers come here.
The most interesting place is the Ob River, as well as a pond in the immediate vicinity of the village of Razdolnoye. Here you can fish under a license with a limit on the number of fish caught. An equally interesting place is Lake Tennis.
No less interesting places await fishermen in the reservoirs of the Tomsk and Omsk regions. In the Far East, anglers choose the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, as well as the Gulf of Peter the Great, the tributaries of the Kolyma and the Indigirka. These places are considered one of the most interesting for fishing. Pollock, lenok, taimen, char, grayling and other types of fish are caught here.
In other words, Siberia and the Far East are a real paradise for anglers.
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Fishing on the Lena River
This river is one of the largest and widest rivers in Russia, into which many Siberian tributaries flow. It is located only on the territory of our state and ranks 10th among the world's rivers in length and 8th in full flow.
Description of the river
The reservoir was discovered by the pioneer Pyanda in 1619-1628. The name Lena comes from the word "Elyu-Yene", which is translated from Evenki as "large river". Subsequently, the word turned into the word Lena, which is more familiar to a Russian person. The river flows through the Irkutsk region, Yakutia and connects with the Laptev Sea. Some of its tributaries go to Transbaikalia, Krasnoyarsk and Buryatia.
Location of Lena
Its total length is 4400 km with an area of about 2500 km2. The reservoir can be divided into 3 parts, which will differ in the speed of the current:
- The distance from the beginning of the river to the confluence of the Vitim.
- From Vitim to Aldan.
- From Aldan to the Laptev Sea.
First plot
The source of the reservoir begins from a lake located at an altitude of 1470 meters near Lake Baikal. A chapel was erected in this place in 1997.
Second plot
The length of this section is 1415 km. Near the confluence of Lena and Vitim, the border of Yakutia begins. The river becomes full-flowing after the confluence with Vitim. Great depths from 10 to 12 meters appear, a large number of islands are observed. The left bank is flat, while the right bank is part of a highland with steep slopes. Most of the slopes are overgrown with forests with coniferous trees, but sometimes they are replaced by small fields.
Until the Aldan, large tributaries do not flow into the Lena. For 500 km the river passes through a deep valley. After Pokrovsk, the valley expands and the current speed decreases to 1.4 m/s, in some areas the current becomes even slower.
Third plot
After Yakutsk, the large Aldan rivers flow into the Lena and a little north of the Vilyui. The river becomes a giant with a width of up to 10 km and its depth reaches 15 m, and in some areas 20 m. The widest sections of the river are located next to many islands and have a width of 30 km. In such places, it is difficult to get close to the shore, and settlements are very rare.
river basin
More than 800 tributaries of various sizes flow into the delta. Throughout the river there are many islands of different shapes and sizes. Road communication along the entire length of the river is poorly developed. But the river is navigable. This has led to a decrease in the quality of the water and the fish in it. Several enterprises and settlements dump wastewater into the river. Throughout the basin, the landscape changes from plateaus to highlands and ridges.
The river and its tributaries are fed with water from melt water after winter and rains. Heavy rains and snow cause large floods in spring. In winter, unlike other rivers of the country, strong traffic jams form on the Lena. The cold winter creates thick and extremely durable ice. Ice drift creates congestion and flooding of vast areas with water. The earliest spill occurs near Kirensk in the upper section of the river. Over time, the northern sections begin to open up, reaching the bottom closer to July. In the main part of the reservoir, the water rise is 8 m, and in the lower reaches it can reach 20 m.
river use
Throughout the reservoir there is not a single hydroelectric station or dam. Much of the landscape has remained untouched by humans. Navigation on the river is considered the main communication between remote villages and large cities. Navigation begins from the Kachug pier. Starting from the port of Osetrovo and further, small transport vessels can pass. There are many places on the river that complicate navigation, in which the bottom is deepened every year.
Passenger shipping exists between Yakutsk and Tiksi. There is an active car ferry activity on the river. Navigation lasts from 120 to 175 days.
The largest ports and marinas:
- Osetrovo;
- Kirensk;
- Lensk;
- Pokrovsk;
- Yakutsk;
- Tiksi.
Settlements
Villages and cities are very rare along the banks of the Lena. Closer to Yakutsk with a high population density, one can find settlements that are several hundred kilometers apart through the taiga. Abandoned villages and temporary settlements of shift workers come across.
The largest cities on the banks of the Lena:
- Yakutsk
- Lensk
- Pokrovsk
- Kirensk
Fish varieties
The reservoir has been famous for its fish wealth since its discovery. The absence of hydroelectric stations and dams allowed fish to move freely along the entire length of the river. This creates large food reserves and favorable conditions for the development of many species of fish. About 40 different species of fish live in the reservoir.
The most valuable trophy is the sturgeon, which in ancient times could reach a length of 2 m with a weight of 200 kg. It can be found near the confluence of the Lena into the sea and downstream. He likes to eat larvae and molluscs.
Taimen is also found along the entire length of the river. It can grow up to 80 cm in length with a weight of 8 kg. Before spawning, they change color to brown shades. Upon its completion, the fish begins to slowly move to the lower parts of the river. This coincides with the fall of leaves from trees and continues until late autumn.
Fish found in the river:
- In the upper and middle parts of the river, lenok is found, some specimens of which reach 6 kg;
- Closer to the delta there is nelma, it rises higher to Aldan, and sometimes further;
- Starting from the Iul tributary, tugun comes across. It inhabits part of the river from the Vitim to a place called "40 Islands" and the Vilyui and Aldan tributaries;
- Muksun has several subspecies and is considered one of the most popular commercial fish. At the beginning of summer, it goes aground and closer to the confluence of the river into the sea;
- In the lower part, peled is found in large quantities. She can go to the Olekminsk area. Her diet consists of plankton;
- Closer to the upper part of the river and at the place where it flows into the Laptev Sea, whitefish is found;
- Chir lives in the lower reaches. It rarely comes close to Yakutsk and mostly stays near the sources. It has a high growth rate and a pleasant taste;
- In the upper part of the Lena to the seaside, grayling is often found. It is distributed in the right tributaries;
- Burbot is found all over the river;
- Catching a 10 kg pike that lives along the entire length of the river is common;
- Perch, crucian carp and other fish found in all water bodies of the country come across in all places of the Lena;
- Burbot in the summer to be closer to the riverbed. Its weight reaches 12 kg, but there are large specimens up to 20 kg with a length of up to 2 m.
What is the interest of fishermen?
Fishing on the Lena is popular among locals and fishermen come from all over the country. It is allowed to catch most of the fish that live in the river, for this you can use various gear. Even an inexperienced fisherman can succeed by using any available tackle and the right bait.
Fishing on this river is a pleasure. Magnificent nature untouched by man, fresh air, many large trophies, all this can be found on the Lena River. For independent fishing, you should contact an experienced instructor who has been to these places, who will select the right equipment and show you the most beautiful and fishing spots. There are many different fish in the river that can be caught with the right gear and patience.
How to catch flies
One of the most exciting and exciting types of fishing is fly fishing - artificial lures that imitate insects, crustaceans and fry. Given its specificity, this activity requires certain practical skills and knowledge of the behavior of various fish species. In addition, you will need special tackle and a set of unusual, at first glance, baits.
- Flies selection ↓
- Gear used for fly fishing ↓
- Top Brands ↓
- Spinning tackle sbirulino ↓
- The wiring technique depends on the type of sbirulino ↓
- Catching chub, grayling, rudd and bleak ↓
Fly fishing is not a widespread type of fishing, but it has its own history and many fans. This type of lure was used as early as the 15th century in England for fly fishing. But this type of fishing has become really popular among the Americans.
Today, fly fishing is both a sport and an art at the same time. Fishermen-athletes compete not only in the number of trophies caught, but also in the ability to make one or another type of flies with their own hands, which have the maximum resemblance to living organisms.
Fly Selection
The advantage of flies over their live "analogues" is ease of use. This versatile lure is suitable for both non-predatory and predatory fish.
All flies are divided into several types:
- dry (DryFlies);
- wet (WetFlies);
- nymphs;
- streamers;
- emergers;
- fantasy;
Dry flies resemble dragonflies, mayflies, flies, caddis flies, gadflies, wasps and other insects that have fallen on the water. They are made in such a way that they do not sink in water, and are designed to catch fish from its surface. On the water, they are held by legs and a tail connected from hard bird feathers. To make dry ones lighter, hooks for them are made of thin wire. Until recently, all dry flies were knitted in a fantasy style that did not require resemblance to real insects.
With the advent of new synthetic materials, they are increasingly being made in a super-realistic style that provides the maximum imitation of living organisms. Dry flies are considered universal and are great for catching asp, bleak, chub, rudd, and roach.
Nymph
Wet flies are baits similar to drowned insects, small crustaceans, water beetles, leeches, tadpoles, as well as insect larvae that develop in water. They are distinguished from dry flies by a very thin body, wings curved towards the bend of the hook, the presence of legs and a tail. Wet flies are knitted on a thicker hook.
Nymphs are designed to mimic various insects at different stages of their underwater development from larva to pupa, which are part of the natural diet of grayling and trout. Because of this, almost all recent sport fishing competitions for these fish have been won thanks to nymphs. They are made in both fantasy and realistic style.
The main requirements for such a bait are a clear imitation of the color of an insect for a particular reservoir, the exact size and segmentation of the body, as well as a hook loaded with lead wire.
Streamers look like fry, and are designed to catch large predators. This is the heaviest type of flies. The streamer hook is additionally equipped with tungsten or steel, which, when properly wired, makes the bait look like a wounded fish.
Emergence
Emergers are a kind of nymphs that imitate an insect at the stage of metamorphosis (between pupa and adult form). Grayling responds superbly to such a bait, especially during the release of mayflies. Independent knitting of emergers has turned into a whole direction in the manufacture of flies. There are even specialized clubs that bring together craftsmen in this business.
Fantasy flies are baits that do not have prototypes in nature. Their size, color and shape can be anything.
They are divided into several types depending on the type of fish that is supposed to be caught:
- grayling;
- salmon;
- trout;
- asp;
- eltsovye, etc.;
There is also such a type of flies as frame or decorative. They are knitted from expensive and exotic materials. Such flies are not used for fishing, but serve only as an exhibit at various collection exhibitions and knitting competitions.
Tackle used for fly fishing
For fishing with flies, you can use several types of gear:
Fly fishing and spinning gear have gained the greatest popularity among fishermen due to the simplicity of design and versatility.
How to increase the catch of fish?
For 7 years of active passion for fishing, I have found dozens of ways to improve the bite. Here are the most effective ones:
- Cool activator. This addition of their dry blood attracts fish most strongly in cold and warm water. Discussion of the bite activator "Dry Blooder".
- Increasing gear sensitivity. Read the appropriate manuals for the particular type of tackle.
- Pheromone baits.
Fly fishing consists of the following elements:
- rod with reel;
- coil;
- cord with backing, running and leash;
- bait (fly);
A special rod is used for fly fishing tackle. Today on sale you can find fly fishing blanks from 2 to 6 meters long. They can be single or double handed. The latter are used for fishing at considerable distances, and the tackle is cast with two hands.
Single-handed rods are more popular because of their ease of use. Most often, blanks up to 3 m long are used. Fly fishing rods are made of ultra-light carbon fiber. The weight of the longest blank does not exceed 200 g. Like all rods, they are divided in formation from very fast to slow.
Also, for convenience when choosing fly fishing blanks, it is customary to classify them into classes:
- 1, 2, 3 class - for fishing for bleak, roach, small chub using a dry fly in ponds with stagnant water;
- class 4 - for the same purposes on narrow rivers with a moderate course;
- 5, 6 class - for catching specimens up to 2.5 kg;
- Grade 7 - for a predator using nymphs or streamers;
- 8, 9 class - for catching large fish from 4 to 8 kg;
- 10-15 class - for sea fishing;
In fly fishing, only inertial reels are used, or rather, their separate variety. The fly reel is not used for casting. Its role is to store the line, backing and running, and also to help with the fish. Fly reels are matched to the class of rod with a balance check.
There are three types of coils:
- direct action;
- reduction (multiplier);
- automatic;
Multiplier reel
The first type is a classic direct action inertial reel, reminiscent of a conventional spinning reel. Reduction models are distinguished by the presence of a multiplier in the design, which increases the speed of rotation of the spool, thereby accelerating the speed of winding the cord.
Automatic reels additionally have a special lever that fixes and releases the cord. Models designed for hunting large fish have a powerful adjustable friction brake.
Since fly fishing tackle does not include any loading, it is simply impossible to cast a regular fishing line with a bait such as a fly for a considerable distance. That is why the light line is replaced by a special heavy line, which flies when cast due to its weight. Fly lines are classified according to the degree of buoyancy, specialization, weight and sectional shape.
For buoyancy:
- floating (used for fishing with dry flies from the surface of the water);
- slowly sinking (used in cases where the bait needs to be deepened a little, and its own weight is not enough for this);
- sinking (for fishing in the water column);
- partially sinking (can be used for various depths, the floating part provides reliable control of the wiring even in strong currents);
By specialization:
- universal application (for fishing on any bait);
- for fishing with small dry and wet flies;
- for fishing with the use of nymphs;
- for catching on a streamer;
- for hunting big fish;
By weight and geometry:
- cylindrical - has a circular cross section and one diameter along the entire length, marked with the letter L;
- double cone - has cone-shaped narrowings at both ends, marked with the letters DT;
- torpedo - the main weight of the cord is in the front, which provides a good casting distance, marked with the letters WF;
- front cone - has a front conical narrowing, marked with the letters TT;
- "shooting head" - a separate type of torpedo with an even greater weight shift at the end, marked with the letters SH;
- "Scandinavian head" - a weighted "shooting head" used for two-handed rods, indicated by the Scandi marking;
A big fish caught on a hook can pull off the entire supply of line from the spool in a matter of seconds and break the tackle. To avoid this, a backing is first wound on the reel - a piece of thin synthetic cord from 30 to 300 meters long, and the main cord is tied to it.
The length of the leash and the thickness of the fishing line for fly fishing gear is selected based on the size and weight of the intended catch, as well as on the fishing conditions. Usually, a leash is used no longer than 30 cm from a fishing line of 0.08-0.2 mm.
Top Brands
Fly Fishing for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Fishing Guide - fly selection and fishing techniques with this exciting fish catch.
A short video course on the method of fly fishing from many famous anglers, see below.
A practical guide to rigging a spinning rod with fishing line and bait: we attach the reel to the spinning rod in the next article.
Fly fishing is best in spring and summer, when the fish feed on insects and spend most of their time in the upper layers of the water.
A correctly made cast includes a soft (natural) splashdown of the bait. At the same time, it should fall into the water earlier than the cord. Otherwise, the fish will simply get scared and leave the place.
There are two types of casting: regular and power. The usual one includes three steps: a back swing, an increase in the length of the cord, and a forward swing. The back swing should be strong enough and end with the rod in a vertical position. When the cord is straightened, you need to pull it up with the fingers of your left hand, and swing it forward, releasing it at the moment of firing.
With a power cast, the cord is pulled up both with the front and rear strokes. This technique allows you to carry out the most distant casting.
For dry and wet flies on the current, you can use the simplest wiring - “to demolition”. To do this, the bait is delivered to the right place, after which it is sent to sail with the flow. At the same time, it can be held by pulling the cord or drowned by raising and lowering the rod. Having determined the bite, you should make a cut and haul with a reel.
Spinning tackle sbirulino
If mastering the technique of fly fishing seems too difficult, you can try a simpler tackle - spinning. Properly selected equipment and bait make it no less effective. In spinning fly fishing, a special heavy float is used - sbirulino or bombarda. His role is to load tackle to deliver the bait to the place of fishing.
Sbirulino spinning tackle consists of:
- rods;
- coils;
- sbirulino float;
- main line;
- leash;
- camel;
- bait (flies);
When choosing a rod, special attention should be paid to two criteria: length and test indicator. You can purchase a special spinning blank, or you can use a match or Bolognese fishing rod with a length of at least 3 m. In this case, the longer the blank, the easier it is to control the tackle during wiring. Considering that Sbirulino floats are quite heavy, it is advisable to use blanks with an average test of 25-50 g. The rod action is selected taking into account the weight of the planned catch, but blanks with medium and slow action are most often used.
The choice of the float itself should be given maximum attention. Sbirulino is a special heavy float, often colorless, used in spinning fly fishing as a load of tackle.
According to the degree of buoyancy, they are divided into:
- sinking;
- slowly sinking;
- floating;
Sbirulino is a loaded float, i.e. it has built-in cargo.
According to the type of its location inside the float, sbirulino are divided into several types:
- with the bottom location of the load (Classiche);
- with a load distributed along the entire length of the float (Moretto);
- with the central location of the cargo (Competition);
- with the top location of the cargo (Match);
- with loading at the top and bottom of the float (Magic);
Sbirulino Magic
Sbirulino with the lower position of the load sharply immerse the bait in the water, and are more often used for deep fishing. Moretto, on the other hand, does it smoothly, counting on the bite in the water column. For sensitive fishing for small fish, a float with a central weight and with an opposite weight is more suitable - they are more maneuverable. Sbirulino of the Match type lie on the water horizontally, and with slow wiring they can turn over, which enhances the game with the bait.
As the main fishing line, it is customary to use a fluorocarbon monofilament with a section of 0.17-0.25 mm or a thin braid up to 0.2 mm.
For fly fishing, the length of the leash must be at least 1.5 m. The thickness of the fishing line for it is selected based on the maximum weight of the intended catch (0.1-0.18 mm).
The swivel is used to prevent twisting of the tackle at the junction of the main line and the leash. The main requirement for it is discreet color and reliability.
Installation of sbirulino spinning tackle is not particularly difficult. To do this, a fishing line is wound on the reel, the free end of which is threaded through the axial hole of the float and knitted into a loop. The leash with the front sight is attached to the main line through a swivel, which additionally serves as a lower stopper for the sbirulino.
The technique of fishing with such tackle is significantly different from fly fishing. If in the latter the main emphasis is on casting, then wiring is more important for sbirulino. The tackle is delivered to the right place by swinging back to the vertical position of the rod and a sharp swing forward. When the tackle is in place, you need to pull it up a little and start wiring.
The wiring technique depends on the type of sbirulino
There are the following types of wiring:
- With a floating float and a sinking bait (after casting, the tackle is pulled up so that the leash and fishing line stretch out in one line, then it is slowly pulled up with a reel, with pauses from 10 seconds to 1 minute);
- With a floating float and slowly sinking bait (uniform wiring with small pauses);
- With a slowly sinking float and floating or sinking baits (slow uniform wiring in the water column, used for trout fishing);
- With a sinking float and a sinking bait (uniform wiring at depth, used to catch a large predator).
Catching chub, grayling, rudd and bleak
Grayling
Both described gears are equally well suited for grayling fishing. This fish is a relative of salmon and is found exclusively in the cold waters of northern rivers and lakes. It is better to catch grayling immediately after spawning in early or mid-June. At this time he is most hungry.
Chub and rudd, although they are not predatory fish, but also actively react to artificial flies. These fish are not only relatives, but also neighbors. They live in almost all European rivers of middle latitudes. The rudd prefers to stick to coastal thickets, the chub, on the contrary, lives in deeper places, but constantly comes out to feed in small flocks to the shore. Both fish are very shy, and react not only to a visual stimulus, but also to sound or vibration.
The best periods for catching rudd and chub on flies are late spring, summer, early autumn.
The bleak is also a big fan of insects and stays constantly in the top layer of water. Her favorite places are coastal zones of rivers with trees hanging over the water. This is a kind of natural dining room for bleak. The best time to hunt it is late spring, when the insects leave their temporary aquatic habitats.
The information given does not serve as a guarantee that tomorrow a beginner spinning or fly fishing will succeed the first time. The best teacher is the experience gained in practical classes. So feel free to practice casting and retrieving on the ground. It will also not be superfluous to talk with professionals or even take a few lessons from them.
Nelma belongs to the salmon family, the order of the whitefish. It lives in the rivers of the Arctic Ocean basin. It can reach a length of up to 150 cm with a weight of 30 - 50 kg. Lives up to 22 years.
Nutrition and habitat of nelma
Nelma is a predatory fish. It feeds on smelt, vendace, young whitefish, cyprinids and perch fish. Its meat is very fatty, ideal for frying, fish soup and smoking. Nelma is considered a valuable commercial fish. You can buy nelma here http://pervie.ru/catalog/nelmaNelma has an elongated body, flattened from the sides, silvery in color, with a brown back and a white belly. She has a large mouth with jaws studded with small teeth, with the lower jaw protruding strongly forward.
Nelma fattens up in the fresh areas of the ocean and the northern seas, where the Siberian rivers flow. For spawning, it rises upstream the rivers, sometimes reaching the very upper reaches. When flocks of these fish go to spawn, they simultaneously destroy a huge number of smaller river fish. It moves along the riverbed, sometimes rising almost to the surface. Resting at the bottom, choosing the deepest pits and whirlpools.
After spawning, the fish returns to their habitats. Caviar develops throughout the winter, and only in the spring does the young appear. The diet of fry consists of small benthic invertebrates and crustaceans. After reaching a length of about 30 cm, nelma begins to feed on other types of freshwater fish.
Spawning in each individual does not occur every year. The break can be 2 or more years.
Poaching
At present, the number of this fish in the rivers of Siberia has begun to decline steadily. The population of nelma is heavily beaten out by poachers, for whom it is a welcome prey. Artificial reproduction is only at an experimental stage, and the measures taken to prevent illegal fishing are not fully working. The fish is listed in the Red Book of Russia, under the heading "The species is disappearing."Useful and taste qualities of nelma
The meat of this fish is very fatty and tender. Nelma forgives all kinds of culinary mistakes and is very tasty with any cooking method. You can cook it even without adding vegetable oils. A variety of dishes are prepared from nelma, including gourmet dishes. It is fried, smoked, baked on coals, steamed and in the oven, dried, etc. It makes excellent fish salads, aspic, fish salmon, sauces and other dishes.Meat is very high in calories (88 kcal per 100g). The high fat content causes the product to be quickly digested by the human body. Due to this, nelma is recommended for use by everyone who monitors their diet, the state of the digestive system and health.
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are very beneficial for many body systems. They have a restorative effect on the cardiovascular system, increase the elasticity of blood vessels, reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol, and regulate the heart rhythm. The beneficial effect of fish oil on kidney function, the endocrine system, the condition of the skin and hair has been studied.
Nelma meat contains a number of useful trace elements: vitamins of groups B and E, amino acids, minerals, etc. They have a positive effect on metabolic processes, the formation and regeneration of tissues, organs and body systems.