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Pike fishing on the Putorana Plateau. The Putorana Plateau is a wild and remote region in the north of the Krasnoyarsk Krai, home to turbulent rivers, countless lakes, and pristine taiga. Fishing here is a true adventure, requiring helicopter transfers, boat trips, and a respect for nature. Pike are found in the plateau's rivers and lakes, reaching trophy sizes of up to 10-15 kg, especially in backwaters and the mouths of tributaries. They inhabit stagnant or slow-moving waters, preying on grayling, whitefish, and lenok. Pike fishing is possible both as a bycatch to the main fish ( taimen, char ), and specifically during the summer and fall seasons. Remember: the region is a biosphere reserve; fishing is permitted only with a license. Practice catch-and-release for trophies over 5 kg.
In this article, we'll explore where to look for pike on the Putorana Plateau, how to choose tackle and bait, and fishing tactics. We'll draw on angler reviews and tour descriptions. Success lies in river rafting and lake trolling: July through September is peak season, when the water is clear and warm.
Why is the Putorana Plateau a pike fishing paradise?
Pike are a secondary, but productive, target here: they are abundant in the plateau's rivers and lakes, especially large ones (up to 10 kg and more). Unlike taimen or grayling, pike prefer quiet backwaters and thickets, where they lie in wait for prey. In the fall (August-September), the bite intensifies before wintering, and in the summer, during the heat, in shallow waters. According to reports, pike weighing 7-15 kg were caught in the Yenisei River near Turukhansk and the plateau's rivers from 2020-2024. Fishing is combined with rafting: 10-30 km per day by boat, with stops at camps. The disadvantage is the inaccessibility, the advantage is clean water and the absence of pressure.
General tips:
- Season: mid-July – early September (water gets warmer, activity increases).
- Tackle: Spinning rod 2.4-2.7 m, test 20-50 g; reel 3000, braided line 0.2-0.3 mm + fluorocarbon leader 0.3 mm.
- Safety: Life jacket, companion - the rivers are stormy, the lakes are deep.
Where to find pike on the Putorana Plateau
The plateau boasts over 20,000 lakes and numerous rivers, but only the western regions, starting from Turukhansk, are accessible. Pike inhabit backwaters, tributary mouths, and coastal thickets, where small fish are abundant. Look for them on rafting trips: guides (gamekeepers) will suggest the right spots. The main areas are the lower reaches of rivers and lakes with gentle currents.
| Place | Why is the pike here? | Search tactics | Examples of reservoirs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backwaters and pits below the rapids | Quiet water, shelter in snags | Rafting on a boat, casting into the pools | Yenisei River (near Turukhansk), Tutonchana |
| Mouths of tributaries and bays | Collection of food (grayling, whitefish) | Trolling or shore fishing | Oron River, Northern |
| Lake shallows and thickets | Thickets of reeds, schools of fry | Boat spinning, surface lures | Lake Sobachye, Kutaramakan |
| Coastal pools with backwater | Protection from the current, hunting on the bottom | Night trolling or jigging | Voevoli-Khan River, Nimde |
Tip: Use a fish finder for holes deeper than 3 m; in cloudy weather, use a fish finder closer to the shore. Avoid the upper reaches of the river—there are few pike there, and more grayling.
Tackle and bait for pike fishing
Pike are aggressive on the plateau, but wary in clear water—choose large lures with sharp treble hooks. Spinning is the primary method; trolling from a boat is for lakes.
Tackle
- Spinning rod: Two-handed for long casting; reel with baitrunner for tip-ups.
- Donka/zherlitsa: For passive fishing with live bait in backwaters.
- Additionally: Landing net, treble hook wringer; boat with motor for movement.
Lures
Favorites are spinners and wobblers that imitate wounded fish. In the weeds, snagless lures are used.
| Bait | Type | Size/Weight | Why for Putorana? | Wiring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spoon bait (Mepps, Kuusamo) | Shiny | 10-15 cm, 20-40 g | Long cast into the backwaters; attracts large fish | Jerky with pauses |
| Minnow wobbler (Rapala, Yo-Zuri) | Wobbler | 12-18 cm | Realistic game in clear water | Twitching, trolling |
| Silicone vibrotail (Keitech) | Jig | 10-15 cm, 10-20 g | For the bottom in deep pools; on hooks | Lacing at the bottom |
| Live bait (grayling, dace) | Zherlitsa | 10-15 cm | Natural for trophies | Static, with a sinker |
| Popper or jerkbait | Superficial | 10-12 cm | For shallow waters in hot weather | Jerks on the surface |
Tip: In murky water after rain, use bright colors; in clear water, use natural ones. Change every 15 minutes; for fish over 5 kg, use a steel leader.
Fishing tactics: from rafting to landing
Fishing on the plateau is a combination of 10-30 km/day boat trips, with 5-6 camps. Fish from a boat for safety and coverage.
- Approach: Rafting down the river, stopping in backwaters; quietly – the pike senses the noise.
- Wiring: Trolling on lakes (5-7 km/h); jerking in rivers for spinners.
- Hooking: Sharp after a pause; playing the fish against the current, 5-15 minutes for large fish.
- Time: Morning/evening in the heat; all day in cloudy weather.
Mistakes: Casting into snags without a snagless lure; ignoring the weather—storms on the lakes are dangerous.
Pike fishing on the Putorana Plateau
The Putorana Plateau is a unique pike fishing region, where pristine rivers and lakes abound with this predator. Here, among hard-to-reach waters, pike reach trophy sizes of up to 15 kg, especially in the Yenisei backwaters near Turukhansk and lakes like Sobachye. For success, it's best to raft down the Anadyakan or Severnaya Rivers, using 12-18 cm wobblers for trolling or spinners in the pools. The best time is July through September, when the water warms and the bite is strong. A license is required, as the region is protected; practice catch-and-release to preserve the population.
General advice and ethics
- Weather: +10-20°C in summer; bring warm clothes for overnight stays in tents.
- Transport: Helicopter from Turukhansk; boats with motors for rafting.
- Ethics: "catch and release" for large animals; no litter. Tours from 450,000 rubles per group.
- Preparation: Bring a spinning rod and 10-15 lures; guides will help you find the right spots.
Conclusion
Pike fishing on the Putorana Plateau isn't just a catch; it's an expedition into the wild, where trophies coexist with waterfalls and taiga. Trolling on the Agata Lakes and rafting along the Putorana Plateau's rivers will provide unforgettable experiences. Respect the nature reserve, get a license, and may the pike bite hard! Good luck in Arctic waters!
Trophy specimens of pike from our tours
