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Trophy fishing tours offer many different itineraries. However, one of the most popular and action-packed is the "Yenisei River Tour." The longest river in Russia and the world, this great river boasts a vast abundance of fish species. What other aquatic fauna isn't found there?
Types of fish.
The Putorana Plateau, which enjoys high global status, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This title is further enhanced by the fact that it is home to the world-famous Yenisei River. The most voluminous river in the Krasnoyarsk Territory behaves completely differently in different locations.
The upper reaches of this famous reservoir are home to large numbers of sturgeon, sterlet, pike, and perch. Fishing enthusiasts are never left without a decent catch. However, it's worth noting that sturgeon fishing is regulated by law. Due to the disappearance of this noble "royal" fish, fishing for it is prohibited. And where fishing is permitted, it's only permitted in certain quantities, no more.
A harsh region with an abundance of river "alligators".
Nelma, grayling, omul, and burbot are common in the lower reaches of the Siberian river. Especially popular are the caught river "alligators." This is the nickname given to the huge pikes by locals, which can weigh over 10 kg.
These enormous predators of the Yenisei River greedily seize any bait, bringing fishermen immense joy from the fight and excitement. A variety of fish species—vendace, ide, perch, and many others—make up the daily diet of these river crocodiles.
The same applies to large perch. Their greediness surpasses even pike, indiscriminately and without restraint, grabbing any moving prey that appears in the water. Therefore, local anglers recommend heading out on the Yenisei River routes with a wide arsenal of lures.
What to take with you on a rich Yenisei tour.
The range of lures available here can be limitless. From a simple "balda" (a lead weight with a hook), to various spinners (spinners, spoons, acoustic lures, etc.), wobblers, flies, and even artificial mice, any lure an angler has can yield a substantial, trophy-sized catch.
A good old spinning rod plays an indispensable role. It can catch any predator, and sometimes even non-predatory fish will attack the lures, mimicking their bloodthirsty brethren.
Fish finders and various watercraft, such as boats and rafts, are helpful in catching trophy fish. They significantly reduce the effort of anglers. After all, deep waters, depressions, and holes are always occupied by the largest fish. However, it's possible to land a decent catch from the shore, too.
Differences in catch by season.
All types of fish found in the Yenisei River attack differently at different times of the year and become a trophy for fishermen.
Winter period
When the stern and vast Yenisei River freezes over, the catch becomes richer, with perch and burbot available. Catching burbot is considered particularly popular, as it's a relatively rare codfish species found only in saltwater.
Autumn period
The fall yields decent-sized trophies of omul, pike, perch, and burbot. Not to mention smaller fish, of which there can be an unlimited supply. Minnows, crucian carp, roach, ide, vendace, and many others attack bait with particular greed in the fall. Lenok and grayling add particular value to the catch.
Summer period
The catch rate will be the same as in the fall. At this time of year, you can fish with any known fishing method; even a float rod when fishing from the shore will yield substantial trophy weights. And bottom fishing rods, casting rods, and spinning rods will help you land plenty of "shovelfish," a nickname popularly given to large bream due to their flat, tool-like body shape.
Spring period
After the ice melts from the mighty Yenisei River, crucian carp, ruffs, and roach bite in large numbers, as do, of course, the greedy "alligators" described earlier. Like perch, pike are capable of attacking at any time of the season.
The river's inhabitants listed above aren't all the species found in Siberia's cold waters. Fishermen jokingly remark that you can catch anything from the Yenisei River. This is because it's home to a vast and diverse range of river creatures. Siberians prepare various delicacies from them: khe, malosol, sugudai, cutlets, and much more.
