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The Yenisei, one of the largest rivers in Western Siberia, was named "Ionessi" by the Evenki who live here, which translates as "Big Water." It is home to a wide variety of fish. The abundance of sturgeon, nelma, taimen, peled, whitefish, pike, burbot, perch, and many others has made local residents true fishermen. They divide their catches into three categories: black, white, and red. This doesn't determine the color of the fish, as white fish include muksun, omul, whitefish, nelma, and the like, while red fish include sterlet and sturgeon. Burbot, pike, perch, and ide are classified as black.
Yenisei Tour: Four Days in a Fishing Paradise
We offer guests who take the Yenisei River tour in the Putorana Plateau protected area a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Catching hefty pike in the Yenisei isn't particularly difficult. And the picturesque nature of our river adds to the positive experience. Especially when you pull a large "river crocodile" out of the water.
The largest specimen caught by our guests during this route was a pike weighing over 15 kilograms. The average trophy fish we regularly catch in the clear waters of a large river in the Turukhansky district ranges from 9 to 12 kilograms. In 2020, our guests set a record, catching a whopping 62 predators in two days.
Afterwards, a festive feast was held, featuring Siberian delicacies such as sugudai and freshly caught fish smoked over an open fire. Many tourists greatly enjoyed the taste of pike cutlets, a recipe not familiar to everyone, even experienced fishermen.
What you need to know about the Yenisei "crocodile"
Our previous articles about pike described various fishing methods. We also discussed the best baits and lures to use when rafting down the Yenisei River to catch a worthy, hefty predator. We also discussed the incredibly delicious dishes you can prepare right on the bank from freshwater fish, while enjoying the natural beauty of a real fish soup, with its unforgettable flavor and the subtle, pleasant aroma of campfire and smoke. Or we could prepare a fresh, unique salted dish.
Any angler knows that catching a worthy trophy is an art in itself, and for many, fishing is a kind of meaning in life. Because it combines not only relaxation in picturesque nature, but also a distraction from everyday worries and problems. It saturates the body with all the best, unforgettable experiences, along with excitement, drive, and euphoria. Especially in those moments when a bent spinning rod creaks pitifully in your hands, and the terrifying jaws of a predator, filled with sharp teeth, emerge from the water.
An unforgettable journey
After completing a route through the beautiful landscapes of the Putorana Plateau, many guests talk and promise to return again in the future. Many tourists have already become our regulars and try to choose from the various tours available to see everything with their own eyes. They can hunt and fish with their own hands. Catch large trophy fish with fly fishing or trolling. Or simply spend a wonderful time with a fishing rod or spinning reel on the banks of the rivers and lakes of the rich Putorana region. After all, a visit to the reserve is a few days in a fisherman's paradise.
