Pike

On the Putorana Plateau—a fishing paradise located in the northern Krasnoyarsk Krai and adjacent to the southern Taimyr Peninsula—in addition to salmon and other fish, pike and crocodile pike are often found in the clear waters. These very large fish inhabit both near the shore and in mountain rapids and river cataracts. These creatures are quite aggressive, and caution is advised when handling them.

About pikes in the reservoirs of the plateau

The pike is considered one of the most dangerous predators. Its sharp teeth sink into its prey, tearing it apart instantly. It even has teeth on its tongue, which helps it cope with its prey. Its bite is painful to humans, but it cannot seriously injure them.
But the taste of the pike found on the plateau is mind-blowing. Because it lives in crystal-clear running water, rivaling that of Lake Baikal, its flesh lacks the characteristic muddy taste and familiar freshwater smell.
Pike on the plateau can live for up to 30-40 years, and some can reach 1.5-2 meters in length, weighing 35-40 kilograms. 10-15 kilograms is the usual norm.

Where and with what bait is pike caught?

Fish up to 10 kilograms are easily caught on the Maimecha, Yerachimo, Severnaya, Tutonchana, and Anadyakan rivers; in a couple of hours, the catch can exceed 100 kilograms. Large Arctic pike also frequently frequent the mouth of the Amnundakta River. When biting, they must be reeled in carefully; there are frequent instances of the fish breaking lines, snatching lures, breaking spinning rods, and leaving the angler with only a few kilos of disappointment. Pike can be caught on almost any lure and are found, in addition to those mentioned, in all the plateau waters, in some places in greater numbers, in others in smaller ones.

Fishing during rafting

Since the plateau can only be reached by foot or water, pike fishing can begin en route, as soon as the boat is launched. The catch will depend on the river you're rafting down.

• Rafting down the Tutonchana River during the summer months, you can not only admire the natural beauty but also catch pike, which are abundant in these waters. There's no need to worry about surprises; the river's current is very calm, allowing you to meditate on the fish.
• Originating in the deep Severnoye Lake, the river of the same name is characterized by a flat course, although there are rapids below Kunguy. However, the route is generally calm, allowing for fishing throughout the summer and even into early fall. Large pike swim along the river, promising a rich catch of this fish.
• Rafting on the Sukhaya Tunguska is less serene, but safer. Three rapids and several riffles offer stunning views throughout the entire route. Pike are present in the river, but fewer in number; other species predominate.
• The Anadyakan route begins in the mountains, where the current is very swift but eventually slows, making it ideal for fishing. Pike are plentiful in the river, and pike enthusiasts will be pleased.
• The Yerachimo is a calm, slow-moving river with a few easy obstacles, flowing through mountainous terrain. Pike fishing is excellent; the fish are large and delicious.

In addition to those mentioned, the routes  The routes run along the Kochumdek and Nimde rivers, its tributary the Muisma, and through the Epekli lake system. There's little of interest to toothy fishermen in these rivers, except in the lakes, where fishing is primarily for pike due to its abundance.
The Putorana Plateau's ichthyofauna boasts many species, and the voracious pike is just one of them. Whatever route is chosen, an avid angler will thoroughly enjoy the journey, their catch, and the variety of fish dishes prepared along the way.