Russia’s vast territory and diverse ecosystems provide a wide range of fishing opportunities throughout the year. From the icy waters of Siberia to the temperate zones of the Volga River, the country offers abundant fish species, each with its own seasonal patterns. Understanding which fish are in season during different times of the year is essential for planning a successful fishing trip. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the fish species that are in season in Russia throughout the year.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Russia can be harsh, but it also offers the opportunity for ice fishing in many of the country’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. During the winter months, many fish species are less active due to the cold, but certain species remain active beneath the ice, making this a productive time for fishing.
- Pike: Northern pike remains active in colder waters and can be found in shallow waters and reservoirs. It’s a popular species for ice fishing.
- Perch: Both European perch and yellow perch are abundant in Russia’s rivers and lakes, and they are a favorite target for ice fishing in winter.
- Grayling: In colder rivers, grayling can still be caught using ice fishing techniques. They are known for their aggressive feeding behavior during winter.
- Bream: In deeper waters, bream can be caught beneath the ice. While they are not as active as in warmer months, they are still present and available for anglers.
- Sturgeon: Some species of sturgeon, particularly those found in the Volga River and Caspian Sea, remain active in winter. Ice fishing for sturgeon is a unique experience in certain regions.
Practical Tip: Ice fishing requires specific gear, such as augers, ice shelters, and winter fishing rods. Always be prepared for extreme cold temperatures and check ice thickness before venturing out.
Spring (March to May)
As the ice melts and the weather warms up, spring brings a surge in fish activity. Many fish species begin their spawning runs, and rivers, lakes, and reservoirs become increasingly productive.
- Salmon: Salmon species like sockeye and chinook begin their spawning migration in rivers like those in Kamchatka and Karelia. This is the start of the salmon fishing season, especially in the rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea and Pacific Ocean.
- Taimen: Taimen (the Siberian salmon) becomes more active in spring. Rivers like the Lena River and Kolyma River are prime spots for taimen fishing in March and April.
- Pike: As water temperatures rise, northern pike become more active and are often caught in spring in shallow waters and rivers. It’s an excellent time to fish for pike in places like the Volga Delta and Lake Ladoga.
- Perch: Perch become more active as temperatures rise, making spring an excellent time to target them in both rivers and lakes.
- Roach: Roach is another species that thrives in spring, particularly in shallow waters of lakes and rivers.
Practical Tip: Spring can be unpredictable in terms of weather, so be prepared for changes. Many fish species begin migrating and spawning during this season, so it’s essential to time your trip according to fish migration patterns.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the height of fishing season in Russia, with the warm weather and abundant fish making it the most productive time of year. This is when you’ll find the widest variety of fish species, and the rivers and lakes are fully accessible.
- Salmon: Summer is peak salmon season, especially in regions like Kamchatka, Karelia, and the Volga River. Fish like chinook (king salmon) and coho (silver salmon) are migrating and feeding in rivers.
- Sturgeon: Beluga sturgeon, stellate sturgeon, and other sturgeon species are abundant in the Volga Delta and Caspian Sea during the summer months. Summer is one of the best times for sturgeon fishing.
- Pike: Summer is an excellent time for northern pike fishing in rivers and lakes. Pike are more active during the warmer weather and can be caught in shallow waters.
- Perch: Perch fishing remains productive throughout the summer. Anglers will find schools of perch in lakes, reservoirs, and slower-moving rivers.
- Carp: Carp fishing is also popular in Russia, especially in the Volga River and lakes. Summer provides the best conditions for carp fishing, as they are more active and feeding aggressively.
- Grayling: In colder rivers, particularly in Siberia, grayling are very active and can be targeted by fly fishing during the summer months.
- Caspian Shad: In the Caspian Sea, shad fishing is most productive during summer, especially along the coast and in river mouths.
Practical Tip: Summer is the peak season for fishing in Russia, and some popular fishing areas can become crowded. It’s recommended to book fishing tours or secure permits in advance.
Fall (September to November)
Fall is a fantastic time for fishing, as fish species become more aggressive in preparation for the colder months. The fall migration and feeding patterns make this one of the most productive seasons for anglers.
- Salmon: Fall brings the peak of salmon runs in rivers like those in Kamchatka, Karelia, and the Volga River. This is a prime time for chinook and sockeye fishing.
- Taimen: Taimen fishing remains excellent in fall, as these large salmonids feed heavily before winter. Rivers like the Lena and Kolyma are prime spots during this season.
- Pike: Northern pike fishing reaches its peak in the fall, particularly in Karelia and the Volga River, where the fish become more active as the water cools.
- Perch: Perch remain abundant in fall, especially in rivers and lakes. This is a great time to target perch, as they feed aggressively before the colder winter months.
- Sturgeon: Sturgeon fishing remains strong in the fall, particularly in the Volga River and Caspian Sea. Fall is a good time to target large beluga sturgeon as they are more concentrated in certain areas.
- Roach: Roach is abundant in fall, and fishing for them can be quite productive in shallow areas of lakes and rivers.
Practical Tip: Fall is one of the best times for fishing in Russia, especially for salmon and taimen. Be prepared for cooler weather, and ensure your gear is suitable for fall conditions.
Winter (December to February)
Winter fishing in Russia, known as ice fishing, is a popular and challenging activity in many regions. While the cold temperatures limit fishing opportunities in some areas, many species remain active beneath the ice.
- Pike: Northern pike can still be caught under the ice, especially in shallow waters and reservoirs.
- Perch: Perch fishing is extremely popular during the winter months. Ice fishing for perch is widespread across Russia, particularly in lakes and rivers.
- Grayling: In the colder rivers of Siberia, grayling can still be targeted during the winter months using ice fishing techniques.
- Bream: Bream can be found in deeper waters during winter, and ice fishing for bream is common in places like the Volga River and Lake Baikal.
- Sturgeon: In the Volga River and Caspian Sea, sturgeon remain active during winter, and ice fishing can be productive for catching large fish in these areas.
Practical Tip: Ice fishing requires special equipment, such as augers, ice shelters, and winter rods. Make sure to check ice thickness and conditions before heading out.
Conclusion
Fishing in Russia is a year-round activity, with each season offering unique opportunities to target a variety of fish species. From the ice fishing season in winter to the abundant salmon and sturgeon runs in spring and fall, there’s always something to catch in Russia’s vast rivers and lakes. Whether you’re chasing pike in the Volga, fishing for taimen in Siberia, or targeting sturgeon in the Caspian Sea, Russia’s diverse fisheries ensure a rewarding fishing experience throughout the year. Planning your trip according to the best time to catch your target species is key to having a successful and enjoyable fishing adventure.
