Trolling Reservoirs: Depth Finders, Downriggers, and Lures

Trolling on reservoirs: depth finders, downriggers, and lures. Trolling on reservoirs is one of the most effective ways to catch predatory fish, especially when you need to cover large areas and find fish at different depths. In large reservoirs (Rybinsk, Kuibyshev, Volgograd, Bratsk, etc.), trolling allows you to consistently catch pike, zander, perch, and asp, including trophy-sized ones.

Successful trolling on reservoirs depends largely on precise depth control and the correct selection of lures. Modern depth finders and downriggers are essential for this.

Features of trolling on reservoirs

Unlike rivers, reservoirs don't have a constant current, but they do have significant depth variations, flooded channels, edges, and extensive shallows. Fish often concentrate at specific depths, so the ability to accurately set the lure's depth becomes crucial.

Necessary equipment

• Spinning rod: powerful, 2.4–3.0 m long, test 30–120 g or 40–150 g
• Reel: 4000–5000 with good drag and baitrunner
• Cord: braided line 0.28–0.40 mm
• Leash: steel or titanium (required when fishing for pike)

Depth gauges in trolling

Modern depth gauges make finding fish much easier:

• Wireless fish finders (Lowrance, Humminbird, Garmin) with DownScan and SideScan functions
• Portable depth gauges (Lucky, Phiradar) are a budget option for small boats.
• Echo sounders with GPS allow you to save promising points and routes

Using a depth gauge, you can accurately see edges, drop-offs, flooded channels, and schools of fish, and then adjust the depth of your bait.

Downriggers - Depth Control

A downrigger is a device that allows you to cast bait at a strictly specified depth (from 3 to 20 meters or more).

Types of downriggers:

• Mechanical (manual)
• Electric (more convenient)
• Canadian (with Quick Release system)

Advantages of a downrigger:

• Precise bait placement at the desired depth
• The ability to fish at multiple depths simultaneously
• Minimal impact on the lure's action
• Convenience when fishing at high speed

In reservoirs, a downrigger is especially effective for catching zander and large pike in the summer, when the fish are at a depth of 8–15 meters.

The Best Lures for Trolling Reservoirs

For pike:

• Large wobblers (12–20 cm): Rapala Deep Runner, Bomber Deep Long A, Salmo Hornet
• Large spoons (Atom, Storlek, Kuusamo Professor)
• Large silicone on heavy heads

For pike perch:

• Deep-diving wobblers (like Deep Diver)
• Large blade wobblers
• Rattlins and rattle wobblers

Universal baits:

• Large spinners (No. 4–6)
• Trolling "tubes" and "octopuses"

Colours: in turbid water – acidic and bright, in clear water – natural and silvery.

Trolling tactics on reservoirs

• Move along the edges and flooded riverbeds at a speed of 2–4 km/h
• Use a downrigger for precise casting at different depths.
• Make periodic stops and accelerations - this provokes the predator
• Fish the exits from pits and underwater elevations
• In hot weather, trolling is best done early in the morning and in the evening.

On the Putorana Plateau, traditional trolling on reservoirs isn't used, as there are no large artificial reservoirs. However, on larger lakes (Lama, Keta, Sobachye), trolling with wobblers and downriggers can be successfully used to catch pike and large char.

Conclusion

Trolling on reservoirs is a high-tech and highly effective fishing method. Modern depth finders and downriggers allow for precise control of the fishing depth, and properly selected lures significantly increase your chances of catching a trophy fish.

Once you master trolling, you'll be able to effectively cover vast areas of water and find fish even in conditions where other methods fail.

Good luck on the reservoirs and may your wobblers regularly bring you worthy trophies!