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The broad whitefish, a native of Siberian rivers, has several different names. It is considered a very interesting fish and is especially prized for its use in various dishes. Fishing and trophy fishing trips in Siberia offer the chance to catch this species. It can also be caught on a trip to the Yenisei River. However, locals there give it a different name: mokchegor or makchugor.
What does this species look like?
These individuals have a small head and small eyes. The color of this trophy, which belongs to the whitefish family, is silvery, but darker. Silvery-yellow stripes may run along the sides of the whitefish (shokur). This fish grows up to 60 cm in length and can weigh up to 16 kg. Smaller trophies are more common, but they are still substantial, ranging from 5 to 6 kg.
Where to catch a whitefish (schokur).
The broad whitefish inhabits the cold, clear waters of Siberia and is believed to be found in all rivers of the Arctic Ocean basin. On the Putorana Plateau, broad whitefish are abundant in the Yenisei River. By taking a "pike tour," you can test your skills and abilities in catching one.
It's also found in the Podkamennaya Tunguska and many other rivers and lakes in the taiga nature reserve. It's also caught in the Ob and Irtysh rivers. Like the muksun, the whitefish can live quite a long life, if it doesn't become a long-awaited trophy for anglers.
Methods of catching whitefish (schokur):
Whitefish, like many other trophy fish such as muksun and nelma, are caught using fly fishing, spinning rods, and rods. Lures can include artificial baits, larvae, insects, and the like.
How to catch whitefish in a lake
In lakes, it can be caught in various shallows when the fish come to them in search of food. Whitefish most often bite near sandy shallows on leeward sides. Flies (nymphs, amphipods, etc.) make excellent bait. Brown and gray lures are best.
Experienced anglers recommend casting parallel to the shore. When a broadbill bites, it's indicated by jolts or a change in line weight. You can land some decent catches when various insects are flying. During these times, broadbills respond well to wet flies.
After catching your first fish, it's a good idea to cut open its stomach and see what it's been feeding on. This helps you choose a fly of the right color and type. Only then should you cast perpendicular to the shore, and cast longer distances.
How to catch a whitefish in a river
River fishing for broad whitefish is considered a unique experience. They can also be caught with a fly. However, a small, weighted nymph is considered more successful. In rivers, broad whitefish are most often found in widening areas of the water or in shallows. There are times when a school of fish can be found right near the shore.
A bite can be detected by the alignment of the line, especially when the nymph rises with the current, closer to the surface. A distinguishing feature of these lures is that wet flies attract smaller specimens. Large schooker are more often caught with dry artificial lures.
This fish is best caught in mountain streams. Mountain rivers have strong currents, which is a plus for anglers. Schools of fish gathered in one area try to attack the bait before it's carried away by the current. The water is shallow in such places, which is a plus because the fish aren't too spooked. And they're not overly cautious.
When fishing for the broad whitefish (shokur), whether in a river or a lake, special attention should be paid to the fly's movements. Also, a well-timed hookset is essential. As soon as the broad whitefish bites, a sharp hookset is required. This is significantly different from, for example, the lenok. The fish, sensing danger, spits out the fly and escapes.
After catching a broad whitefish, it must be gutted, as it can spoil quickly. After fishing, broad whitefish can be used to prepare a variety of delicious dishes right on the shore. Alternatively, you can freeze the trophies and prepare delicacies later.
