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Hunters and anglers who participate in trophy tours on the Putorana Plateau are familiar with the methods for catching various river predators. One of the tours offered , "Spring Goose Hunting," allows for both fishing and hunting. Some visitors to the protected area are interested in whether it is possible to catch the most prestigious species, the common taimen, while on the ice.
This article will tell you how to catch salmon in winter. As a reminder, trophy fishing trips are conducted according to sporting rules, and no endangered predators are allowed to end up on the table. However, you do have the opportunity to fish for other salmon species, such as lenok, whitefish, and grayling, and prepare various delicacies from your trophies, or treat yourself to delicious dishes made from game, duck, and goose.
Where to look for taimen in winter?
The master of Siberian rivers, like many other predators, leads a more sedentary life during the cold season. It becomes less agile under the thick layer of ice.
- Young fish live in schools during the winter, and if you find their location, you can catch several trophies. Experienced anglers sometimes land 7-10 fish from a single hole.
- Adult taimen hunt alone or survive the cold in pairs. They are possessive and try to protect their territory.
Fishing spots are most often found in pits and slopes. This noble-looking master of Siberian rivers loves when the water boils and churns from mixed currents. These days, predatory fish can be found near technical structures.
Dams create whirlpools, and taimen flock to these spots to feast on the unsuspecting fish. If an angler starts fishing graylings from a hole, expect river tigers to appear as well. The predator feeds on its smaller brethren, meaning the chances of catching one in these situations are ample.
What gear should I use to catch taimen in winter?
Some local fishermen prefer tip-ups. These fishing tackles consist of a leader, a treble hook with a weight, bait, and braided line of a moderate diameter (0.2-0.3 mm). The advantage of this tackle is that it doesn't require any reeling.
Fishing for taimen with an ice fishing rod may not yield any trophies. The rods are fragile and can't support the weight of a large fish. Experienced anglers simply wind the line around a piece of wood larger than the ice hole, preventing the hooked predator from dragging the bait and tackle under the ice.
What do you put on the hook to lure taimen in winter?
Small fish like grayling, whitefish, and lenok are ideal for catching this master of Siberian rivers. Incidentally, the latter species of this noble family is considered the most optimal, active, and long-lived.
Artificial lures can be used, but only large ones. For this purpose, it is recommended to use spoons and wobblers in natural colors, avoiding brightly colored lures.
Conclusion
Catching a taimen, both in winter and at other times of year, is considered extremely lucky. The predator puts up a long fight, and landing it can sometimes take a very long time. By taking a hunting or fishing tour on the Putorana Plateau, you have the opportunity to try your hand at tackling a river tiger.
In winter, catching a small taimen is a joy in itself, but hooking a large specimen is a true celebration. For the largest taimen, anglers receive memorable prizes and a host of the most cherished pleasures of any fisherman.
