Nelma: detailed description, lifestyle, habitat, reproduction and fishing

Nelma: a detailed description, lifestyle, habitat, reproduction, and fishing. Nelma (Stenodus leucichthys nelma) is the largest representative of the whitefish subfamily in the salmon family. This unique predatory fish combines enormous size, rapid growth, and high trophy value. Nelma is also known as whitefish, whitefish, nelma-whitefish, and white whitefish. Its meat is white (unlike most salmon), tender, fatty, and delicious, and its caviar is among the largest among whitefish. Nelma is a highly prized commercial and sport fish, especially in Russia's northern rivers.

Nelma is a family of salmon fish.

The nelma is one of the largest and most powerful freshwater predatory fish in the salmon family. It belongs to the whitefish subfamily, but its lifestyle, size, and predatory behavior make it distinct from other whitefish. The nelma is a valuable commercial and trophy species, prized for its white, tender meat, almost complete absence of bones, and excellent taste.

Origin of the species and description

The nelma is endemic to the northern rivers of Eurasia and North America. Its ancestors formed in glacial lakes during the Pleistocene. The modern species exists in two main forms:

• anadromous (semi-anadromous) - enters freshwater sea bays and estuaries
• Residential (freshwater) - spends its entire life in rivers and lakes

The nelma's body is elongated, torpedo-shaped, and laterally compressed, with a large head and a huge mouth. The mouth is dorsal, semi-mobile, and has small, sharp teeth. The scales are small and tightly set. The back is dark gray or greenish-brown, the sides are silvery with a metallic sheen, and the belly is white. The fins are powerful, the dorsal fin is set back, and the caudal fin is deeply notched. An adipose fin is present.

Size of nelma

Nelma is the largest of the whitefish:

• Average length in the fishery: 70–100 cm
• Average weight: 4–12 kg
• Maximum dimensions:
  – length up to 150–160 cm
  – weight up to 40–55 kg (reliably confirmed specimens)

Historical data: individual specimens reached 1.8–2 m and weighed 60–80 kg. In modern waters, such giants have become extremely rare due to overfishing and river regulation.

Nelma spawning

The nelma (Stenodus leucichthys nelma) is one of the largest and most powerful predatory fish in the salmon family, and its spawning is a key event in its life cycle, determining the future of the entire population. Unlike Pacific salmon, which die after the first spawn, the nelma spawns repeatedly and can live for 20–25 years or more. This makes its biology more resilient, allowing large specimens to persist in waters for decades.

When does nelma spawn?

Nelma spawn in the fall, from late September to November (depending on the region and latitude). The peak period is October to early November.

Key conditions for the start of spawning:

• Water temperature: from 0.5 to +6 °C (optimally 2–4 °C)
• The water should be as clean, transparent and oxygenated as possible.
• The water level is stable or slightly rising (after autumn rains)
• Lack of strong ice cover (nelma spawns until complete freezing, sometimes under the ice)

Spawning begins earlier in more southern populations (middle Ob, Irtysh) and later in northern ones (lower Ob, Yenisei, Yana, Lena).

Where does nelma spawn?

Nelma prefer spawning areas with clean pebble, gravel, or coarse sand bottoms and moderate to strong currents. Depths range from 2 to 8–10 meters (sometimes up to 12–15 meters in large rivers).

Typical places:

• Lower and middle reaches of large rivers (Ob, Yenisei, Lena, Pechora, Northern Dvina)
• Mouths of tributaries and channels
• Areas with pebble spits, riffles and dumps
• Places with reverse currents and eddies

Nelma avoid silted areas, quiet backwaters, and areas heavily overgrown with algae. They prefer clear water and strong currents, which constantly wash the eggs and ensure a high survival rate.

How does nelma spawn?

Nelma spawning is a gregarious and fairly lengthy process. The fish gather in schools of 50–300 or more individuals. Males usually predominate.

Main stages:

1. Nelma begin entering their spawning grounds 3–6 weeks before spawning. The fish migrate upstream, often covering hundreds of kilometers.
2. Preparing the nest The female selects a suitable site and digs a small depression (nest) with her tail, 20–50 cm deep and 1–2 m in diameter. The soil is scattered downstream.
3. Egg-laying: The female lies on the nest, trembles, and spawns a batch of eggs (2,000–5,000 at a time). The eggs are large (2–3 mm), light yellow, heavy, and sink immediately to the bottom.
4. Fertilization: A male (or several males) settles down nearby and releases milt simultaneously with the spawning of eggs. Fertilization is external and occurs instantly.
5. Nest filling: After fertilization, the female covers the eggs with sediment by slapping her tail on the bottom. She then moves to a new nest upstream and repeats the cycle.

During a season, a female makes 4-10 approaches and lays an average of 80,000-400,000 eggs (the largest females lay up to 500,000-600,000). Males actively protect the nests from competitors and predators.

After spawning, nelma do not die. Most individuals survive and return to their feeding grounds to recuperate. This allows nelma to spawn multiple times—up to 8–12 times in their lifetime.

Development of eggs and fry

Nelma eggs develop over a very long period—5–7 months (sometimes up to 8 months)—due to low water temperatures. The fry hatch in the spring (April–June), initially feeding on the remains of their yolk sacs, then switching to zooplankton and small crustaceans.

Nelma juveniles are very vulnerable during their first 1–3 years. Survival depends on water purity, the availability of shelter, and the abundance of food. Under ideal conditions (as on the Putorana Plateau), the survival rate of eggs and juveniles can reach 10–20%, which is very high for large whitefish.

Nelma habitats

Nelma lives in large rivers and lakes of the northern part of Eurasia and North America:

• Ob with Irtysh and tributaries
• The Yenisei and its tributaries
• Lena, Yana, Indigirka, Kolyma
• Pechora, Onega, Northern Dvina
• Baikal (rarely encountered)

Prefers clear, cold, well-oxygenated water with a pebble or sandy-pebble bottom and moderate to strong currents. Does not tolerate pollution or siltation.

The lifestyle of the nelma

The nelma (Stenodus leucichthys nelma) is the largest and most powerful predatory fish among all whitefish. It is a true river wolf, leading an active, mobile, and territorial lifestyle. The nelma is a pelagic predator of the upper and middle layers of water, hunting primarily from ambush but, if necessary, can pursue prey over considerable distances. It combines the swiftness of a salmon with the stealth of a bottom predator, making it one of the most challenging and rewarding fish to catch.

Nelma nutrition

The nelma is a pronounced predator. From the first years of life, it switches to a completely predatory diet and never feeds on plankton or benthos in large quantities.

• Juveniles (up to 3–4 years): small schooling fish (young grayling, whitefish, smelt, vendace, minnow), insect larvae, sometimes eggs of other species
• Adults (5–6 years and older): – large schooling fish (whitefish, grayling, broad whitefish, peled, smelt, vendace, young pike) – small fish (dace, gudgeon, perch, ruff) – sometimes frogs, mice, birds falling into the water – large insects and their larvae

Nelma feed very actively and voraciously, especially during periods of intense feeding (spring after ice drift and autumn before spawning). They are capable of swallowing prey up to one-third their own body length. Large specimens often hunt from ambush—standing in holes, under steep banks, behind boulders, or in backwaters, swiftly attacking passing fish.

Daily and seasonal activity

Nelma is active all year round, but its rhythm of life changes greatly depending on the season.

• Winter: It stays in deep holes and pools (6–20 m or more deep), feeding sparingly but still hunting. Its metabolism slows, conserving energy.
• Spring (April–May): After the ice breaks up, the spring feeding frenzy begins. Nelma enter shallow waters, approach the mouths of tributaries, and actively hunt for migrating juveniles and the eggs of other species.
• Summer (June–August): Peak activity. Nelma disperse throughout the river and lakes, staying at depths of 2–10 m. They feed most actively in the evening and at night, often moving into shallow water.
• Autumn (September–October): Pre-spawning run. Fish gather in schools and migrate upstream to their spawning grounds. Feeding becomes less intense, but still active.

On the Putorana Plateau, nelma lead a particularly sedate and secretive lifestyle. In lakes, they dwell at depths of 5–15 meters, and in rivers, in pits and under steep banks. Their activity peaks during the short northern summer (July–August), when the fish actively feed and gain fat before winter and spawning.

Behavior and character

The nelma is a cautious but highly aggressive predator. It dislikes bright light, noise, and sudden movements. In rivers, it stays near the bottom or in the middle layers, often lying motionless in a hole or under the bank, waiting for the current to bring prey. When threatened, it immediately retreats to cover—under rocks, snags, or into the depths.

Large specimens (10–15 kg) become true territorial kings. They occupy the best holes, pools, and areas with a constant water flow, driving away competitors. Small and medium-sized nelma stay in schools of 5–20 individuals.

Nelma are very sensitive to changes in pressure, temperature, and water level. Before sudden weather changes (especially before frosts, warmer weather, or floods), the bite may completely stop for several days.

Life cycle of nelma

The nelma (Stenodus leucichthys nelma) is one of the longest-lived and slowest-growing predatory fish in the salmon family. Its life cycle is spent entirely in freshwater and does not include marine feeding, which distinguishes the nelma from most anadromous salmon. Nelma grows very slowly, matures late, and can live for 20–30 years, and under ideal conditions, up to 35 years or more. This long life cycle and late sexual maturity allow it to reach gigantic sizes and high nutritional levels, especially in pristine northern waters.

1. Caviar and embryonic period (autumn–spring)

The nelma's life begins with the laying of eggs. Spawning occurs in the fall (late September – November) at water temperatures of 1–6°C. The female lays 80,000–400,000 eggs (2–3 mm in diameter) in pebble or sandy-pebble soil at a depth of 2–10 m.

The eggs are heavy and immediately sink to the bottom, burrowing into the sediment or remaining in the spaces between rocks. Embryonic development takes 5–7 months—one of the longest periods among large whitefish. This is due to the very low water temperatures in winter.

The fry hatch in the spring (April–June), before the ice has completely melted. For the first 1–2 months, they feed on the remains of their yolk sac, remaining on the nest bottom or in shelters.

2. Juveniles and early growth (0–5 years)

After the yolk sac is absorbed, the fry switch to external feeding:

• zooplankton (daphnia, cyclops, bosmins)
• small crustaceans
• mosquito and chironomid larvae
• small fish (young grayling, whitefish, minnow)

Juveniles stay in the coastal zone, in quiet backwaters, channels, and the mouths of tributaries. They are extremely vulnerable: survival rates in the first 1–3 years rarely exceed 5–10%, even under favorable conditions.

Growth in the first years is very slow:

• end of 1st year - 8–12 cm
• end of the 2nd year - 15–22 cm
• end of the 3rd year - 25–35 cm
• end of the 5th year - 45–65 cm, weight 0.8–2 kg

During this period, young nelma are very shy, hiding among rocks and vegetation, and avoiding open areas.

3. Juvenile period and transition to adult diet (5–9 years)

At 5-6 years of age, nelma transition to a completely predatory lifestyle. They begin hunting larger prey:

• juvenile whitefish, grayling, rudd, bream, smelt
• small fish (dace, gudgeon, perch, ruff)
• sometimes frogs, mice, birds falling into the water

Growth gradually accelerates, but remains slow compared to anadromous salmon:

• 7–9 years old — 70–100 cm, weight 4–10 kg

At this age, nelma already occupies deep holes, pools and dumps, becomes territorial and displaces competitors from the best places.

4. Puberty and adulthood (9–25+ years)

Sexual maturity occurs late—at 5–9 years for males and 7–11 years for females (later in northern populations). This is one of the latest stages among large salmonids.

After maturation, nelma begin spawning. Females lay eggs annually or every other year. Males spawn more frequently.

Adult nelma are active pelagic predators of the upper and middle waters. They hunt from ambush or pursue prey over considerable distances. Their main diet includes:

• large schooling fish (whitefish, grayling, broad whitefish, peled, smelt, vendace)
• small fish (dace, gudgeon, perch, ruff)
• sometimes frogs, mice, birds falling into the water

Growth continues throughout life, but after 12–15 years it becomes very slow.

5. Longevity and aging

Nelma can live up to 20–25 years, and in exceptional conditions, up to 28–35 years. The oldest specimens caught in the lower Ob and Yenisei rivers were 30–32 years old and weighed 35–45 kg.

Longevity is ensured by:

• very slow metabolism in cold water
• late puberty
• multiple spawning without death after spawning
• the absence of serious natural enemies in adult fish
• life in hard-to-reach, clean bodies of water

Methods of catching nelma

Nelma is one of the strongest, fastest, and most wary freshwater predators. Catching nelma is considered the pinnacle of sport fishing in Siberia and the North. This fish requires a perfect combination of tackle, bait, location, and timing. It rarely bites immediately, often testing the bait several times, making lightning-fast casts and offering incredible resistance when reeling in. A large nelma can easily break 0.30 mm braided line and disappear into snags or under a rock.

The most effective methods for catching nelma are spinning, trolling, bottom fishing with live bait, and bombarda. Each method has its own characteristics and works best during certain times of the year.

1. Spinning is the most popular and versatile method

Spinning is the main method of catching nelma in rivers and large lakes.

• Tackle: 2.7–3.6 m rod, 30–100 g casting weight (for medium-sized rivers) or 60–150 g casting weight (for strong currents and larger specimens). 5000–8000 reel, heavy-duty, with a reliable drag. 0.20–0.35 mm braided line (0.25–0.30 mm recommended). 0.40–0.60 mm fluorocarbon leader or metal (for pike fishing spots).
• Lures (in order of effectiveness) – Spoons 40–120 g (Kuusamo Professor 3, 4, 5; Kuusamo Rasanen; Blue Fox Lucius; Mepps Syclops) – Large minnow wobblers 10–18 cm (Rapala Magnum, X-Rap, Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow, Salmo Hornet) – Silicone on a heavy jig head 20–80 g (vibrotails, twisters, rippers 10–16 cm) – Rotating spoons No. 5–7 (Mepps Giant Killer, Blue Fox Vibrax)
• Wiring technique: Slow and steady at the bottom; Step-by-step with long pauses; Twitching with 3-10 second pauses; Stop-and-go (jerk - pause - jerk - pause)

A nelma bite is a powerful strike or a series of small twitches. The hookset should be sharp and sweeping. The retrieve should be forceful, with no slack, but without jerking. Nelma often make "candles" and sideways movements, so the drag must be perfectly adjusted.

On the Putorana Plateau, spinning is the primary method for catching nelma in large lakes and lower rivers. The best lures are heavy spoons weighing 60–120 g and silicone bait on a jig head weighing 30–80 g. The fish are found at depths of 6–15 m, so heavy lures and a slow retrieve are essential. Bites are powerful, and landing can take 10–40 minutes, especially for specimens weighing 20–40 kg.

2. Trolling is the most productive method on large bodies of water.

Trolling is ideal for large lakes and lower reaches of rivers.

• Fishing tackle: 2.1–3.0 m rod, 40–120 g casting weight. Baitcasting reel or power spinning reel. 0.25–0.40 mm braided line. Downriggers, planers, and wrens or heavy wobblers.
• Lures: 12–25 cm wobblers (Rapala Magnum, Salmo Hornet, Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow). 60–150 g spoons. Silicone minnows on heavy jig heads.
• Technique: Speed: 2.5–5 km/h (for nelma, 3–4 km/h is optimal). Casting depth: 3–12 m. A bite is signaled by a strong strike or tug. The hookset is sharp.

On the Putorana Plateau, trolling is very effective on large lakes (Lama, Keta, and Khantayskoye). The best lures are heavy spoons (80–150 g) and large wobblers (15–25 cm). Nelma prefer depths of 5–15 m, so it's important to maintain a precise line depth.

3. Bottom fishing with live bait and cut bait

Donka is a classic and very effective method, especially in pits and pools.

• Tackle: Rod 3.6–4.5 m, test weight 50–150 g. Reel 5000–8000. Braided line 0.25–0.35 mm. Fluorocarbon leader 0.40–0.70 mm.
• Bait: Live bait – grayling, whitefish, broad whitefish, peled, smelt (the most effective bait). Fresh fish cuts (whitefish, grayling, broad whitefish) – 4–7 cm pieces. Large worm (bunch), shrimp, frog.
• Technique: Cast to a depth of 5–15 m. Set the rod at an angle of 45–60°. The bite is a gentle tug or a series of small strikes. The hookset is firm, but not abrupt (the nelma will take the bait cautiously).

On the Putorana Plateau, bottom fishing with live bait is one of the most effective methods. The best live bait is small grayling or char. Nelma are found at depths of 8–15 meters, so heavy weights and sensitive tackle are essential.

4. Fly fishing and bombarda

Fly fishing and bombarda are used in riffles and in medium currents.

Swing technique, floating the fly downstream, strip.

Tackle: 9-11 class rod (single-handed) or 10-13 class (double-handed). Intermediate or sinking line. 0.35-0.50 mm leader.

Lures: Streamers 8–15 cm, wet flies, nymphs. Bombarda 20–60 g + fly/twister.

Nutritional value of nelma

The nelma (Stenodus leucichthys nelma) is one of the largest and most valuable predatory fish in the salmon family, and its meat is rightfully considered a true delicacy of northern cuisine. The nelma's main distinguishing features are its completely white meat (unlike most salmon, which have a red or pink tint), its extremely tender texture, its high fat content, and its virtually complete absence of small bones. The fat content of nelma meat ranges from 8–12% on average for the population to 15–22% in large, well-fed specimens from northern rivers and lakes. It is this natural fat content, combined with complete protein and a unique set of micronutrients, that makes nelma one of the most nutritious and delicious freshwater fish.

Chemical composition of nelma meat (per 100 g of raw product)

• Caloric content: 140–220 kcal (on average 160–190 kcal, depending on fat content and season)
• Protein: 16.5–19.5 g (high-quality, easily digestible protein with a complete set of essential amino acids)
• Fats: 8–22 g (on average 12–16 g), of which: – polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 — 1.8–4.5 g (one of the leaders among freshwater fish) – Omega-6 — 0.3–0.9 g – saturated fats — 2.5–6 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Water: 60–75 g
• Ash (mineral substances): 1.2–1.7 g

Nelma holds the record among freshwater fish for its omega-3 fatty acid content. Its oil is light, easily digestible, and doesn't leave a heavy feeling, even when high in fat.

Vitamins (per 100 g)

• Vitamin D – 12–25 mcg (120–250% of the daily value)
• Vitamin B12 – 4–9 mcg (160–375% of the daily value)
• Vitamin B6 - 0.4–0.8 mg
• Niacin (PP, B3) - 6–12 mg
• Riboflavin (B2) - 0.15–0.35 mg
• Thiamine (B1) — 0.1–0.25 mg
• Vitamin A - 30-100 mcg
• Vitamin E — 1.2–3.5 mg

Nelma is particularly rich in vitamins D and B12, which is why it is essential in the diet of residents of northern regions, where deficiencies in these nutrients are very common.

Minerals (per 100 g)

• Phosphorus — 250–380 mg
• Potassium - 350-500 mg
• Magnesium - 30-55 mg
• Calcium - 20-40 mg
• Sodium - 50-100 mg
• Iron - 0.8-1.6 mg
• Zinc — 1.0–2.0 mg
• Selenium — 35–70 mcg
• Iodine - 20-50 mcg
• Copper - 0.07–0.18 mg

Nelma is one of the highest freshwater fish in selenium and iodine content. This makes it particularly beneficial for preventing thyroid disease, supporting the immune system, and boosting the body's antioxidant defenses.

Health benefits of nelma meat

Regular moderate consumption of nelma (100–200 g 2–3 times a week) has a powerful positive effect on the body:

• strengthens the cardiovascular system (Omega-3 reduces triglyceride levels, "bad" cholesterol, and blood pressure)
• supports brain health, nervous system health, and cognitive function (vitamin B12, Omega-3, selenium)
• improves the condition of bones and teeth (high content of vitamin D and phosphorus)
• increases immunity and resistance to infections
• helps with anemia and iron deficiency
• has a beneficial effect on skin, hair and nails (vitamins A, E, zinc, selenium)
• normalizes metabolism and blood sugar levels
• promotes recovery after physical exertion, surgery and long-term illnesses
• reduces inflammation in the body
• prevention of thyroid diseases (high content of iodine and selenium)

Nelma is especially useful in northern regions where there is little sun and a deficiency of vitamin D, Omega-3 and iodine is often observed.

Features of preparation and use

Nelma is best prepared with minimal heat treatment to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients:

• lightly salted (stroganina) is the healthiest and most popular method
• cold smoked
• dried
• baked in foil or steamed
• fried or boiled - less preferable (some fats and vitamins are destroyed at high temperatures)

Nelma fat is light and easily digestible, so even with a high fat content the fish does not leave a feeling of heaviness.

On the Putorana Plateau, nelma are found in limited numbers in large lakes and lower tributaries. Here, they thrive in ideal conditions: water temperatures of 2–10°C year-round, extremely high oxygen levels, a pebble bottom, abundant forage fish and larvae, and a complete absence of pollution and civilization. Thanks to this, nelma meat is extremely pure, fatty (up to 18–22%), and rich in beneficial nutrients—omega-3, vitamin D, selenium, iodine, and complete protein. It is in these pristine waters that nelma exhibits all its best qualities and remains one of the most valuable and delicious gifts of northern nature.

Conclusion

The nelma is more than just a fish, it's a true symbol of healthy northern nutrition. Unlike migratory Pacific species, it lives its entire life in freshwater, grows slowly, and accumulates fat. On the Putorana Plateau, these predatory whitefish reach exceptional health thanks to the pristine environment, icy clear water, and abundant natural food. Here, the nelma remains one of the most beneficial, delicious, and nutritious foods found in northern rivers and lakes.