Fishing in Karelia in August. Summer fishing in Karelia. Most visited lakes

Republic of Karelia is a favorite vacation spot for many travelers who are attracted to this place by its indescribably beautiful nature. Today, many hotel complexes and tourist centers have been built here, but they do not attract all people.

Many anglers feel the desire to set up their own for a semi-wild or completely wild holiday, which will allow them to be alone with wild nature.

Eco-tourism and wild fishing are becoming more and more popular every year, which is due to the presence of support from the state, which is aimed at maintaining conditions suitable for such recreation.

Semi-wild fishing involves spending most of your time in the wild, but at night it is possible to return to the territory of fishing bases, which provide overnight accommodation in wooden houses for a fee.

Karelia

Karelia is a region with fairly mild climatic conditions, but there is still a certain risk of falling into a period of persistent rainy weather with rather cold nights.

No time of year is an exception here, so this probability remains in the summer season.

It is for this reason that many travelers who have already visited Karelia advise all fans of wild fishing to plan in advance and have a backup option that will allow them to spend the night in more favorable conditions.

Besides You can always find a guide at local fishing bases a who is ready to guide travelers to a certain place or simply suggest the most successful places for fishing.

Local reservoirs are very clean and have not yet been darkened by human activity; it is for this reason that every person who has been wild fishing in Karelia at least once often feels the desire to visit these places again.

All reservoirs are distinguished by the variety of prey available for catching, which makes fishing even more exciting and interesting.

Here you will find a similar article about fishing on ponds.

Choosing a lake for fishing in Karelia

There are about 60,000 lakes in Karelia, so fishermen always have plenty to choose from.

Availability of access to the coastline. They are found near all of the largest freshwater bodies of water, including Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga, Pyaozero, Segozero, Vygozero and Topozero.
Availability of a boat ramp, if you plan to use them while fishing. They are also available at most large lakes, near which fishing bases or tourist complexes are located.
Possibility of fishing on wild lakes. On the territory of Karelia there are many reservoirs where people rarely visit. First of all, those fishermen who want to replenish their catch with trophy specimens tend to get there. However, it must be taken into account that you will have to walk to such places, since it is often impossible to approach them even on all-terrain vehicles. Crossing on foot is also not easy, since you often have to cross swampy and rocky areas, but an unforgettable vacation on the shores of such lakes completely compensates for all the inconveniences along the way.
Species of intended prey. The most popular fish, which include pike, bream or perch, are concentrated mainly in the waters of southern lakes. Fishermen who want to supplement their catch with salmon are recommended to go to the northern part of Karelia. Moreover, the strongest and largest prey, including trophy specimens, are most often found not in lakes, but in rivers.

Best fishing spots

A large number of lakes greatly complicates the selection process. To facilitate this process, the most promising places that are suitable for savage fishing will be discussed below.

"Olgino"

The fishing base "Olgino" is ideal for fishermen who travel to Karelia with their family.

This type of recreation allows them to go fishing and stay on the reservoirs for any amount of time, while their wives and children can stay on the territory of the base, where there are cottages, a children's room and playground, a cafe, a billiard room, a beach, a bathhouse, and also the opportunity Cook your own barbecue or participate in an excursion program.

Fishing near Olgino has the following features:

It is possible to fish from the nearest pier or from the side of a boat.
The main prey here is pike, roach or perch. The likelihood of encountering other breeds is minimal.
Any fishing equipment, as well as motor or rowing boats of various types can be rented.
In winter, snowmobiles are available for rent, which greatly facilitate the journey to fishing spots.

How to catch more fish?

I have been active fishing for quite some time and have found many ways to improve the bite. And here are the most effective:

. Attracts fish in cold and warm water with the help of pheromones included in the composition and stimulates its appetite. It’s a pity that Rosprirodnadzor wants to impose a ban on its sale.
More sensitive gear. Reviews and instructions for other types of gear can be found on the pages of my website.
Lures using pheromones.

You can get the rest of the secrets of successful fishing for free by reading my other materials on the site.

Ladoga lake

Lake Ladoga is the largest body of water located in Karelia.

The main features of fishing in its waters are discussed below:

The lake shore is overgrown in many places, which makes it unsuitable for fishing. For this reason, it is recommended to go to Lake Ladoga if you have a swimming device available.
The most promising places for fishing are waters near rock formations located near numerous islands, as well as bays and straits.
Pike perch are mostly concentrated in the southern part of Lake Ladoga, this is where most of the fishermen rush, wanting to catch this prey.
Salmon and trout live mainly in the northern part of the reservoir, sturgeon, palia, grayling, whitefish or sterlet are also occasionally found there. Here you will find everything about.
During spawning, sturgeon moves from Lake Ladoga to nearby rivers, including Vidlitsa, Burnaya or Svir.
In addition to the named fish, Lake Ladoga is home to about 50 different breeds, so fishing will be distinguished by its diversity.

Lake Onega

This body of water is much smaller in size than Lake Ladoga, but it is no less popular fishing spot, which has the following features:

Lake Onega is known for its impressive salmon populations, it is for this prey that most fishermen rush here. On average, the weight of the fish varies from 5 to 7 kg, but catching it is allowed only with a sports license, and penalties are applied to violators.
In the absence of a license You can fish for other popular prey, such as pike, white fish, pike perch or perch.
Fishing on Lake Onega is very popular in winter.. For this purpose, there are many suitable places for fishing from ice with a depth of 2 to 10 meters, the most common catch is burbot.
In the waters of Lake Onega you can also find grayling, whitefish, brown trout and other species. This variety of fish allows you to use virtually any variety of natural bait or artificial bait. Many fishermen noted that using a jig is a very effective practice, but for this you need to have a special fishing rod.

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Syamozero

Syamozero is one of the largest reservoirs located in Karelia, and is also the largest reservoir in the southern part of this region.

There are picturesque landscapes around it, and the water of the lake itself is distinguished by its crystal purity, so it is consistently popular among fishing enthusiasts.

Some features of fishing on Syamozero are discussed below:

The shore on Syamozero is sandy, therefore, there should be no problems with choosing a place and the presence of a swimming device is not a prerequisite.
Should be considered that during coastal fishing the main prey will be pike and some other species of predators. If you want to catch other fish, it is still recommended to use a boat.
Fishing on Syamozero is popular throughout the season, in winter the main prey is whitefish.
The lake has almost a hundred islands of different sizes, numerous bays and bays located around them are ideal places for fishing.
Pike and pike perch are found in different parts of the reservoir, since they are each other's main competitors, but perch weighing more than a kilogram are ubiquitous.

Pyaozero

The last body of water considered will be Pyaozero, the largest lake located in the northern territory of Karelia.

The specifics of fishing in this place are discussed in more detail below:

Reservoir depth depending on the chosen area, the average varies from 15 to 50 meters.
On Syamozero it is possible to fish for trophy specimens of prey, including brown trout weighing up to 12 kg, as well as pike, trout and grayling weighing up to 20 kg.
It is not recommended to choose the northern part of Pyaozero for shore fishing, since the coast there is wooded and quite high, which makes the fishing process very difficult or virtually impossible. However, they contain a lot of large bark beetle, which can be caught and used as bait to catch a predator.
The surface of the lake bottom has a rather complex topography. and a large number of irregularities; depth differences in some areas can range from 5 to 30 meters.

What should you take on a fishing trip?

Before you go fishing in Karelia, you need to collect a minimum set of things and essentials.

An approximate list of what may be required during a holiday in the wild is given below:

Personal car transport, which will greatly facilitate the journey to many promising fishing spots. The main requirement is capacity, and if you have a boat, you will also need a trailer to transport it. Depending on the characteristics of the chosen route, the vehicle may need to be equipped to enable off-road travel.
Rowing or motor boat, if you plan to visit places that are not intended for fishing from the coastline. In addition, swimming devices can be useful when fishing in large bodies of water, since there is often a need to make long journeys. If the selected lakes are small in size, then it is quite possible to limit yourself to an ordinary PVC boat.
Fishing rods, equipment, bait, lures and other devices. You will need to initially decide which prey will be preferred in order to select everything you need.
Camping tent and all the necessary bedding to ensure a comfortable overnight stay even in cold conditions.
Several sets of warm clothes, fishing suits with protection from moisture and wind, boots and lighter shoes, hats. These rules should not be neglected, even when going to Karelia in the summer.
Bowler, as well as all the necessary kitchen utensils that may be useful for eating food, as well as cooking it over a fire.
Drinking water supply and food products. The choice depends on individual culinary preferences, but it is recommended to take food that can be stored for a long time. During such trips, potatoes and table salt are always useful.
Personal hygiene items.
First aid kit with a minimum set of pharmacological drugs and first aid supplies.
Products that protect against various types of insects.
Set of tools, first of all, it should include an axe, a shovel and knives.
Watch.
Tourist lanterns, as well as matches and candles.
Identity documents, as well as various permits and licenses for catching or fishing for certain types of fish.

Features of wild fishing in Karelia

There are a large number of different rivers and lakes on the territory of Karelia; it will not be possible to visit them all in one trip, so you must first plan your route in as much detail as possible.

Reservoirs also differ in their inhabitants, so carefully thought-out fishing will allow you to prepare all the necessary gear in advance.

The most easily accessible places, which can be easily reached by road, usually always attract fishermen and tourists, so they are usually crowded. In such conditions, pressure on potential prey increases, so the chances of a good catch are low.

Even asphalt roads are not well-paved in all places, so taken the car must be prepared for off-road use. This is especially true for fishermen who are planning a trip to the northern part of Karelia.

For the first time, the most rational decision would be to travel together with friends who have already been to this region. If this option is not possible, then you can use the services of one of the local guides.

Fishing in Karelia as a savage in summer

Fishing in Karelia is popular all year round, but in the summer it’s time for vacations, and many people flock to vacation during this period.

Fishing in Karelia at this time has the following advantages:

The possibility of fishing both from the shoreline and from the side of the boat is at the discretion of the fisherman.
Increased chances of catching trophy specimens.
Variety of prey; in summer, about 50 different species are actively biting.
Stable bite not only on lakes, but also on rivers.
Possibility of using virtually any bait and gear.

Even if there are no plans for fishing from a floating device, it is recommended to take an inflatable rubber boat with you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Even when traveling in summer, you should not neglect the supply of warm clothes, since the nights can be quite cold.
Fans of winter fishing are advised to choose the period from late December to mid-January.
Fishermen who visit Karelia for the first time are recommended to go there in the summer.

How long has it been since you had a really BIG CATCH?

When was the last time you caught dozens of HUGE pike/carp/bream?

We always want to get results from fishing - to catch not three perch, but ten kilogram pikes - what a catch! Each of us dreams of this, but not everyone can do it.

A good catch can be achieved (and we know this) thanks to good bait.

It can be prepared at home or bought in fishing stores. But stores are expensive, and to prepare bait at home, you need to spend a lot of time, and, to be fair, homemade bait does not always work well.

You know that disappointment when you buy bait or prepare it at home and only catch three or four bass?

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Why for relaxation and fishing Karelia? More than 60 thousand beautiful lakes, about 27 thousand deep rivers, and, of course, the White Sea itself make Karelia attractive for fishing lovers. Fish here are divided into three groups.

Lake and river fish of Karelia

The first, most popular and numerous, is lake-river. Such representatives as pike, perch, roach, burbot, vendace, bream, and in the south - pike perch can be caught without much difficulty in almost any Karelian reservoir.

Migratory fish of Karelia

The second group includes the so-called migratory fish: whitefish, salmon, salmon, brown trout (one of the types of trout), smelt, grayling. These cold-loving fish mainly live in the sea and large lakes: these are primarily Onega and Ladoga, as well as Ondozero, Topozero, Kuito, Pyaozero, Samozero, Vodlozero, Segozero. However, fishing luck can smile on you on the river, where worthy representatives of this group come to spawn.

Marine fish of Karelia

Representatives of the third group - sea fish (, navaga, flounder,) - with certain skills, are caught in the White Sea. Are you impressed by the abundance of fish? Do you already see yourself tenderly clutching a huge pike or a spotted log called a brown trout to your chest? Then it's time to answer two main questions about fishing in Karelia: what to fish for and where?

Where to fish in Karelia

The answer to the last one is simple: everywhere! It all depends on your ability to get to a particular body of water. You can easily get to Lake Ladoga or Onega; it won’t be difficult to get to Vodlozero or visit a true paradise for fishermen - Pyaozero, where sixteen species of fish live. The rivers Suna, Shuya, Vodla, Keret are accessible. Excellent fishing on the Pistajoki and Okhta rivers, but the path there is not easy.

What to fish with in Karelia

What to fish with in Karelia? This also depends on personal preferences. If you are a fan of a regular fishing rod, take a set of your favorite floats and a spinning reel with a fishing line up to 0.25 mm thick. Just keep in mind that it is difficult to dig up worms on Karelian stones.

Fish are caught using bread, semolina and pearl barley porridge, corn, and caddis flies. Maggot has no competition, but it is not easy to preserve for a long time. You can use a riding setup on an artificial fly, especially if you are fishing below the rapids. So, you have the opportunity to catch or.

Fishing gear in Karelia

Popular fishing in Karelia for spinning. Any will do. Typically, a three-meter rod with a 0.35 mm fishing line is used. Don't forget to stock up on enough equipment. The bottom of Karelian rivers is rocky, snags are not uncommon. You need to have a lot of spinners: both spinners and oscillating ones. Various sizes and colors, since it is impossible to guess what exactly the fish will bite on.

If you are planning to go fishing in South Karelia, you should take into account that the water in the rivers there is dark and has a brownish color, which is given to it by swamp waters. In such rivers, fish go for silver-colored spoons. In the rivers of North Karelia, the water is clear, greenish-blue. Yellow spinners have performed well there.

In the lakes, you should not neglect the opportunity to go fishing along the path. In this way, there is a high probability of catching not only large perch or pike (), but also trout, salmon, pike perch, and pike perch. For fly fishing lovers (

Many men cannot imagine their life without fishing. Either primitive instincts find a way out in this way, or maybe it’s just a way to escape from the daily hustle and bustle and difficulties, to be alone with yourself.

It is especially enjoyable to fish where nature has still retained its original appearance. Unfortunately, there are not many such places anymore. But Karelia is one of them. The wildlife and abundance of noble fish have made it a kind of Mecca for avid fishermen.

Advantages and disadvantages

Now there are many bases that provide comfortable conditions for fishing. However, many people prefer to live in the wild.

This method of traveling and fishing has its advantages:

Romance. It is an incomparable pleasure to independently find among the many Karelian reservoirs the very one where fishing will be successful. And in the evening, make a fire on the shore, cook aromatic fish soup and sing songs with friends with a guitar.
Lower financial costs. You won’t have to spend money on accommodation or pay for additional services.
Privacy. An opportunity to be alone with nature without a crowd of other fishermen nearby.
Mobility. If you didn’t like fishing in one place, you can move to another at any time.

But even this jar of honey has its own fly in the ointment.

The disadvantages of “wild” fishing include the following:

You will have to take a lot of things on a trip. You need to provide everything you need for sleeping, cooking, not to mention how many necessary paraphernalia you will need for the fishing itself. When traveling to an equipped vacation spot, the list of what you need is much shorter.
Ignorance of the area. In Karelia, the forests are quite wild, so there is always a chance of getting lost, wandering into a swamp, or meeting a not-so-friendly animal. And you can simply end up on a bad body of water, with an inconvenient approach and sparse fauna.
Lack of comfort.

What at first seems unusual and original can later cause severe inconvenience:

Karelia is a northern region, so if you spend the night in a tent you can get very cold.
Mosquitoes and other insects threaten with bites and other troubles.
Lack of shower and other usual amenities.
The need to cook food in spartan conditions.

What should you take with you?

You can read a detailed article about what to take with you when fishing.

For fishing and outdoor living you will need:

Transport. The most suitable option is a car, preferably an SUV. Thanks to it, you can get to almost any destination and not experience problems in difficult places. It’s better to take a spare tire, a jack and a small container of gasoline with you just in case.
Boat. Fishing from the shore is, of course, possible, but not every body of water has sufficient coastal depth for a decent bite. Nowadays they are most often found on sale. They are not too heavy, but at the same time roomy and durable. For pumping you will need. It would also be nice to have an emergency kit on hand.
Tent with sleeping bag, warm clothes. As already mentioned, the trip will not be in the warmest area, so it won’t hurt to warm up.
Means of protection against insect bites. Mosquitoes and other midges can ruin your stay even in the most beautiful place, not to mention the danger of a tick bite.
Canned food, fast food. They will help you out when you have neither the energy nor the time to cook food for a long time.
Matches, alcohol tablets, lighters, portable alcohol burners. Anything that can help quickly start a fire.
Bowler, dishes and cutlery.
First aid kit with essential medicines.
Hygiene products(soap, wet wipes, towels, etc.).
Camera. How can you not capture a record catch?
And of course, gear. Depending on your preferred fishing style. Experienced fishermen take with them at least two equipped fishing rods and, in addition to them, reels, lines, spoons, bait, etc.

Best places

Fishing in Karelia, depending on the type of reservoir, can be divided into lake and river.

Place options for those who prefer to go to a larger body of water:

Ladoga lake. A large body of water with clear water, natural skerries and reef mountains. You can get to it by any convenient transport. The shortest route for residents of the Central and Northern regions is through St. Petersburg.

Not only the lake itself is picturesque, but also its coast. Picturesque villages are scattered throughout it, in which ancient buildings in the best traditions of Karelian architecture have been preserved.

You can get to the lake by first arriving in Petrozavodsk, the capital of the republic, and from there using public or private transport to get to the reservoir.

The most popular fishing rivers:

Chirka-Kem

A turbulent river with many turns, bends and rapids. This bottom structure is due to the fact that the river flows at a fracture site in rocks.

The river is located in the northern part of the republic. It originates at the border of Russia and Finland. This is the longest river in Karelia, so to get to it, you just need to first get to Petrozavodsk, and from there choose the direction you like to the river.

Elma

A river that used to be used for timber rafting. You can get there by first reaching the Nadvoitsy station. Next follow to Lake Elmozero. Move along it until it goes to the source - Yelma.

Shuya

One of the most picturesque and fish-rich rivers in Karelia. It's not difficult to find. If you get there on your own, you should drive from Petrozavodsk to Pryazha.

It is also possible to use railway transport. But due to the wildness of the banks and abundant forest vegetation, you can only get directly to the river on foot.

How to increase your fish catch?

Over 7 years of active fishing, I have found dozens of ways to improve the bite. Here are the most effective ones:

Bite activator. This pheromone additive attracts fish most strongly in cold and warm water. Discussion of the bite activator “Hungry Fish”.
Promotion gear sensitivity. Read the appropriate manuals for your specific type of gear.
Lures based pheromones.

What kind of fish are there?

Karelian reservoirs are rich in fish.

The following species are mainly caught by fishermen:

Roach. Belongs to the carp family. One of the most common fish species in Russia. The average size of roach ranges from 200 to 700 grams. Catching a specimen weighing a kilogram or more is considered incredible luck.

Perch. A handsome predator with an openwork fin on the back, red lower fins and tiger stripes across the body. It is found both in large reservoirs and small ponds.

Bream. Like roach, it belongs to the cyprinids. Prefers ponds with depth, muddy bottom and aquatic plants. It reaches a considerable weight - on average from 3 to 7 kilograms. Larger individuals are also found. Bream has gained particular popularity due to its tasty meat. Often used for smoked cooking.

Ide. Outwardly it resembles a large roach. And this is no accident, because they belong to the same family. Ide can often be found in small fast rivers with cold, clean water. You can interest him with plant bait, although he won’t refuse a worm either.

Pink salmon. A unique fish that, living in salt water, moves to cold freshwater rivers to spawn. For temporary habitat, it chooses reservoirs with clean water, so it is in Karelia that this representative of salmon can be found.

Burbot. Large fast predator. Selects clean reservoirs with a rocky bottom or sandstone. It stays at the bottom, looking for shelter in the form of snags, holes and caves. This is a valuable commercial fish of the cod family. It acquires color depending on environmental conditions and age.

Pike. One of the most common and coveted trophy fish. A fast and cunning predator. Mostly its victims are small fish, but pike can also encroach on its smaller brother. The color of the fish can be from golden to dark, almost black, depending on its habitat.

Arriving in Karelia, fishing enthusiasts can meet other representatives of the aquatic fauna. After all, this region is truly rich in natural resources.

Fishing in Karelia is one of the most popular types of recreation. However, going wild fishing without some experience and information can be dangerous.

For those who want to preserve their catch and bring it home fresh, there are some tips. In the case of large fish, you need to pierce the top of its head with a knife and cover the puncture site with salt. It is also necessary to wipe the gills of the prey with salt.

After this, the catch must be hung upright in the shade in the fresh air. When the scales are dry, you need to place the fish in a basket, covering it with picked nettles or rowan leaves.

It is better not to store the catch in the refrigerator, but if you have to take such measures, be sure to close the container with the fish with a lid and set the temperature to about 4 degrees.

In Karelia, due to the large number of reservoirs, there are many insects. Many people get used to them, but knowing some of the features helps make their presence less noticeable and avoid consequences.

So, if you are going on a trip to Karelia, then remember that the mosquito season here lasts from late spring to early autumn. There will be especially many of them in June and July.

Fishermen and travelers should check themselves and those they know for ticks every day. If this insect is left unnoticed, the health consequences can be very dangerous.

If you find a tick on your body, you need to remove it from your skin as soon as possible. To do this, pour oil over the insect and carefully pull it out using a loop of thread. This should be done slowly and carefully, as the head may come off in the process, and then the sting will remain under the skin.

It is even more difficult to remove the head because it is very small. This can be done with a needle, but it must first be disinfected.

But there is no need to worry about the widespread presence of ticks, because they are found only in forests or bushy areas. On the edges, where there are no trees and a lot of light, they do not exist, so keep this in mind when choosing a place to relax or have a picnic.

Also dangerous fauna in Karelia are snakes. Among them, only one is poisonous - the common viper. It can be found everywhere in Karelia, but most of all it is in the southern regions.

It is impossible to recognize it by its color or pattern on its body, since the viper can be gray or brown in color, and on its back it can have stripes, diamonds or zigzags.

However, if we consider the shape of its body, then the snake can be classified as a common viper based on the following characteristics: the head is clearly defined and has a spear-shaped shape, the tail is short and pointed, and the body is thick and flattened. Also a sign is the belly, which is always lighter than the rest of the body color.

Vipers are found in forests with deciduous trees, in long grass and on the edges of swamps. They live in rotten stumps, piles of stones or bushes.

After a viper bite, you need to suck out or squeeze out the venom from the skin. The victim should be left alone in a warm place, given hot tea, and also taken medications that support the functioning of the heart.

Preparation

It's best to start packing your things two days before departure. In this case, you will have one day left when your things will already be collected and you can calmly remember what else you forgot to put.

If during the day you remember something you forgot to take, be sure to write it down in a notebook. Before leaving on a trip, every person is overwhelmed with emotions, and everything goes out of their heads.

It will be very unpleasant if after departure you remember that you forgot some necessary thing. Most likely, you will not return for it, even if you have gone far, because, as you know, returning is a bad omen.

The list of necessary items must be compiled based on your own plans and capabilities. However, there are standard things that every fisherman will need on his trip.

It is best to travel by private car. Therefore, it is worth taking care of preparing him for a serious test.

Of course, many people buy group tours or excursions and fish in the surrounding area on foot. However, a car gives you more freedom in choosing your seats. With it you will have access to the most picturesque places with a good bite.

You can travel across the vast expanses of Karelia by car or jeep, it all depends on the cross-country ability of the chosen route. Always consider the capabilities of your vehicle when planning to visit certain places.

When fishing in the country of lakes, a boat can be very useful. Of course, you can do without it and fish only on the shore. But here the fisherman will encounter many restrictions, since most of the coasts of Karelia are impassable - here you can find a swamp, a rock, or just a shoal.

You can take an inflatable or metal boat with you. But the latter will cost a pretty penny and can only be transported on a trailer. Therefore, the best option is an inflatable boat, which easily folds and fits in the trunk.

By the way, a motor would be a good addition to the boat. Of course, it will not be needed in small bodies of water, but what could be more wonderful than taking a breeze across the mirror of a huge lake and choosing any place on it for fishing.

A must-have item for a fisherman on a trip is bait. It's better to take it with you, because the trip can be unpredictable. Not everywhere you can buy it or get it yourself.

A safe bet is an earthworm. If you decide to dig it yourself, be sure to look under the stones and planks lying on the damp soil.

For fishing to be successful, you need to take a complete set of gear. So, you will need a regular fishing rod to catch small fish for bait. It’s also very nice to just sit on the shore with her for your own pleasure.

For a serious catch you will need a spinning rod and spare parts. Take fishing line, hooks, sinkers, floats, spoons and other useful things. All of them can accidentally break or get lost, so they will definitely be useful.

For an overnight stay in Karelia, you can rent a cozy house or a luxurious cottage on the lake shore. But fishermen are often carried into wild places, so sometimes they have to spend the night in the forest or in a clearing.

Here you can just sleep in the car, but by taking a tent with you, you will not only provide yourself with comfortable conditions without wind and insects, but also feel the romantic atmosphere of traveling in nature to the fullest.

When traveling around Karelia, you should definitely take warm clothes, even if you are vacationing there in the summer. The expanses of this region are located at northern latitudes, so it is cold here at night even in the warm season.

Fishing enthusiasts will need rubber boots, warm pants, several sweaters, a hat and a jacket. If you're planning to fish at night, bring a blanket as well.

You should not be careless about warm clothes in spring or autumn, because at night during these periods the temperature sometimes drops below zero. You will need an inflatable mattress in your tent for an overnight stay at this time to eliminate the influence of cold from the ground.

Experienced fishermen advise, if there is no mattress, to lay spruce branches on the bottom of the tent, and also to make a supply of dry firewood.

Where to go fishing

Karelia is a favorite place for fishermen. There are so many lakes and rivers here that you can leave almost anywhere with a good catch. Those who choose to travel by package are limited in their choice, but they know exactly where they will go.

Fishermen who set off to travel as savages encounter a problem on their way with choosing a place. Of course, it all depends on personal preferences and capabilities. Depending on them, the choice may fall on a large lake with developed infrastructure and comfortable recreation centers, or perhaps on a wild small pond in the middle of the forest.

Due to the huge number of fishing spots in Karelia, entire reference books and guides have been published. Even experienced fishermen are lost in the variety of options.

If you want to catch a lot of trout, then you need a very clean lake - only this type of fish lives in such water. An unnamed lake near the Heksel recreation center is suitable.

In addition to trout, there are pike and grayling here, and at the base you can rent a cozy holiday house.

There are about 50 species of fish in the huge Lake Ladoga. The main part is salmon - sea and lake salmon, trout, whitefish.

In the southern part of this reservoir there are specimens of bream whose weight reaches 2 kilograms.

On Segozero it is convenient to fish with a spinning rod from a boat. Here you can catch pike, burbot, bream, perch or roach. There are many small islands on the lake where it is convenient to spend the night in order to continue fishing on the lake in the morning.

Of course, Karelia is rich in other fishing places, no less beautiful and picturesque. The lakes presented will be best suited for beginner fishermen whose experience is not yet extensive.

Untouched pristine places, beautiful forests, rivers and lakes attract many lovers of tourism and fishing to Karelia. Fishing fans have heard a lot about these unique places, which number more than 60 thousand reservoirs and lakes, as well as more than 27 thousand small rivers. Karelia is very popular among lovers of outdoor recreation at any time of the year, but it has its own characteristics. Vast areas can be dangerous for inexperienced tourists.

Features of autumn fishing

True fishing professionals who have visited Karelia more than once know that the largest number of like-minded people can be met in the autumn. Some fishermen prefer a relaxing holiday at popular bases, where they can comfortably stay in cozy houses, take advantage of boat rentals and the help of experienced guides. But many people strive to touch pristine nature, go as far as possible from popular bodies of water and enjoy the process in silence. However, in the autumn the excitement is so high that you can meet colleagues in the workshop even in the most remote and wild corners.

Such a high influx of tourists in the autumn is associated with active feeding of pike, perch, whitefish and roach. Karelian fishing during this period allows you not only to enjoy outdoor recreation, but also to return with an excellent catch. Each month of the autumn period has its own characteristics:

September. It is better to catch fish using a boat and spinning rod. It is recommended to swim in the middle of a lake, reservoir or river. In September, living creatures try to swim into the depths and carefully camouflage themselves.
October. No matter how experienced a fisherman is, achieving a good result will require maximum effort. Experienced professionals know that during this period some fish are just starting to actively feed, so it’s easier to catch them. But the other half freezes and sinks to the bottom. The process is also complicated by weather conditions; some of the reservoirs are covered with ice. This is especially true for fishing in the north of Karelia.
November. By this time, almost all lakes are covered with ice, and the main trophies are predators. Winter lures are used to catch them.

Difficult weather conditions in autumn do not deter avid fishing enthusiasts. Ecologically clean areas, a large number of wildlife and quiet places take over.

Winter and spring period

It is not customary to separate the winter and spring periods in Karelia. Severe cold sets in already in November. By December, all reservoirs and lakes are covered with ice, which begins to melt only in April. During very low temperatures, fishing is suspended, since returning home with a large catch is hardly possible. One of the distinctive features of the winter-spring period is the need for wild fishing in Karelia. Experienced guides and local residents know where to go to get the maximum catch. Comfortable, popular recreation centers are closing. Difficult weather conditions can be compensated by a good catch:

Fishing in winter and spring is not suitable for inexperienced fishermen who have never gone to wild places. It is better for such people to take the help of guides.

Summer fishing in Karelia

It is best for novice fishermen to go to Karelia in the summer. At this time of year, you can get any of the 50 possible species of fish as a trophy. Warm, comfortable weather and high fish activity make it possible to catch prey from the shore or using boats. June, July and August are characterized by an abundance of pike, roach, bream, salmon and perch. With the onset of warm weather, many recreation centers open where you can stay comfortably.

Best fishing spots

It is not possible to list all lakes, reservoirs and rivers due to their huge number. Large recreation centers are perfect for both experienced fishermen and beginners, as they have everything you need for a good time. Convenient approaches to the water and special places for launching boats make life easier. For lovers of large trophies who strive to set personal records, reservoirs and rivers untouched by man are better suited. Fishing in such conditions can be complicated by cross-country conditions and the need for long walks through swampy or rocky terrain.

The choice of body of water on the map also depends on the preferred type of fish. You can go fishing and get perch, pike, bream or any other white fish as a trophy in the south of Karelia. In search of salmon, you should go to the northern part, to fast-flowing rivers.

Ladoga reservoir

This is one of the most popular places in Karelia. The size of the lake is impressive; for successful fishing you will need a boat. Lake Ladoga is considered the largest in this area. Fishermen flock to the reservoir in search of 50 species of fish, including salmon and trout. Experienced professionals advise going for trophies to the straits and bays, which are located near numerous islands. The need to have a boat is associated not only with the size of the lake, but also with the specifics of the coastline, most of which is not suitable for fishing from the shore.

Lake Onega

The size of the reservoir is significantly smaller than Ladoga, but the number of salmon species here is even higher. Many species are protected. Wild fishing on Lake Onega is only possible with a sports license. Many types of salmon fish can be caught as trophies. The average weight of a representative is 5-7 kilograms. There are also pike, perch and pike perch, which are more familiar to most anglers.

Rest on Pyaozero

Of all the reservoirs in the north of Karelia, Pyaozero is considered the largest. The maximum depth is 50 meters and the average depth is 16 meters. The number of fish species here is not so large, so the reservoir is not fully suitable for beginner fishermen. But professionals can count on trophy specimens of brown trout, whitefish, trout and pike. Individuals of the latter can reach 20 kilograms. The undeniable advantage of the reservoir is its remoteness from civilization. The lake is located in the border zone, which allows you to fully enjoy the pristine nature.

Base "Olgino"

Karelia is not only suitable for lovers of wild holidays. Entire families come here because you can stay in tourist centers. Such places offer a comfortable rest after intense fishing. On the territory of many bases there are bodies of water; you can rent ordinary boats or equipment with a motor. The most popular recreation center in Karelia is Olgino. There are 2 houses and a bathhouse on the site. The apartments can accommodate up to 16 people. If you are planning a vacation with a very large group, then the base offers a large tent city.

The area around is not only amazingly beautiful, but also suitable for successful fishing. The base is located right on the shore of Lake Syapchezero and is surrounded by forest. The reservoir is considered one of the largest; it contains a huge number of islands. The distance to the nearest settlement is 25 kilometers. In the surrounding area you can find 5 small lakes and 2 rivers.

Getting to the Olgino recreation center is not difficult. If you don’t have a personal car, you will only have to get to Petrozavodsk. The rest of the organization of the holiday can be taken over by the management of the tourist base. All guests are offered the services of a huntsman for organizing fishing, cooking, and comfortable living conditions.

All you need to have with you is fishing gear. As a trophy you can get ide, burbot, bream, perch, pike perch, and roach.

Necessary equipment

Whatever holiday option is chosen as the main one, a trip to Karelia requires careful preparation. Firstly, even after staying in the comfortable conditions of a tourist base, you may always want to go to other lakes. Secondly, local residents and rangers can always give valuable advice on where good fishing in Karelia will bring not only positive emotions, but also a big catch. Traveling through the wilderness will require a maximum supply of all the necessary attributes. The main ones are:

Another important point is the company. Going on long journeys for several days alone is an unjustified risk. In the wild, anything can happen. An ordinary dislocation of the leg can turn into big troubles if you are very far from populated areas.