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Arctic char are native to Siberian rivers and belong to the salmon family. They are widespread in the rivers and lakes of the Arctic Circle and the subpolar region (circumpolar distribution). They are a common inhabitant of the Putorana Plateau, where they reach trophy sizes.
Forms of char.
In nature, there are numerous populations and forms of char, differing in appearance, size, lifestyle, and habitat. Lacustrine char, as you might guess, spend their entire lives in lakes. Lacustrine-river char live in lakes, ascending to rivers only to reproduce. Anadromous char mature in rivers and gain weight in the sea before returning to their natal streams to spawn.
Arctic char spawning.
Spawning occurs when individuals are at least five years old, and this process occurs in the fall, although the migration into the rivers begins in the summer, reaching its peak in August and September. Arctic char eggs are large but not numerous. Furthermore, sexually mature fish do not perform their primary function every year and may skip spawning for several years. Coupled with a long incubation period (up to six months), the low fertility of the eggs makes the char quite vulnerable to indiscriminate human intervention. For this reason, the Arctic char is listed in the Red Book of Russia.
Natural enemies of the char.
Despite its Red Book status, Arctic char are quite common on the Putorana Plateau, as humans only visit these amazing places as visitors, and the Arctic char has few natural enemies. Trophy-sized specimens are not threatened even by large Putorana pike; they are only likely to be harmed by bears or otters. However, the first years of the char's life are not so carefree. Lenok, pike, Taimen and other large predatory fish pose a serious threat to young char.
Diet of char.
The char itself, especially the larger ones, is also a predator and feeds on small fish, including its own young. In addition to fish, its diet includes various insects that fall to the water's surface, their larvae, aquatic crustaceans and invertebrates, worms, and even the eggs of other fish during the spawning season.
Arctic char fishing.
Spinning tackle is most often used for catching char. Typically, this means an 8-9 foot rod with a casting weight of about an ounce, equipped with a suitable spinning reel and reliable line or cord. Preferred lures include spinners, spoons, and wobblers. It has been observed that char may respond dramatically differently to the same type of lure in different bodies of water. Typically, the predator's preferences are determined by trying a large number of lures. However, our expedition participants have the distinct advantage of being accompanied by local gamekeepers who know the waters well and are ready to offer helpful advice at any time. Avoid using too small a lure, as the mouth of this fish is hardly small. As the size of the spoon or wobbler increases, the weight of the caught fish often increases.
Although char prefer to stay near the bottom, fly fishing can also be successful, especially in cloudy weather. Medium-class rods rigged with both floating and sinking flies and streamers are popular.
Fishing for Arctic char with a float rod is exciting and rewarding. Due to its availability and ease of storage, salmon roe or artificial imitation roe, as well as worms, insect larvae, and pieces of raw fish, are often used as bait. It's recommended to set the baited hook as close to the bottom as possible, in potentially interesting spots.
Where to look for char.
In lakes, char primarily dwell near the bottom at depths of five to twenty meters, although they can descend to fifty meters. They thrive on both rocky and pebble bottoms and silted areas. In deeper waters, they lead a pelagic lifestyle, living in the water column. In rivers, char are most often found near the mouths of tributaries, near riffles, and in pools. On bright sunny days, this fish prefers the shade of coastal rocks and trees.
Char on our routes.
If char fishing is one of the main goals of your trip to the Putorana Plateau, consider rafting along the Epekli Lakes system when choosing a route. This route, which runs along Lakes Agata, Severnoye, and Epekli, boasts more than just picturesque scenery. Each of these bodies of water is rich in large pike, grayling, whitefish, and, of course, char. Including trophy char! A participant on our 2019 trip caught a char weighing fifteen kilograms on Lake Epekli! And similar specimens still swim in the depths of the cold Putorana Lakes. Perhaps luck will smile on you, and your trophy will become our new record!
