Lake Peipsi is famous not only for its legendary historical events. Thanks to the rich fish stock, this reservoir has become a favorite place for fishermen. The proximity of pristine nature charges with strength and energy, and the diversity and richness of the animal world is amazing.
And in these places, seemingly almost untouched by civilization, a number of tourist centers, excellently equipped and oriented towards fishing, surprise and delight.
Recreation and fishing on Lake Peipsi
Peipus, a huge freshwater lake separating Russia and Estonia, has been part of one of the most visited tourist complexes for many years. From the east, Lake Peipus washes the hilly shores of Russia, and from the northwest – the marshy Baltic lands. More than twenty islands are located on this lake.
The length of the lake is almost one hundred meters, and the depth reaches fifty kilometers. Many rivers flow into it, but only one of them carries its waters out of the lake. This river is Narva. The natural conditions in the vicinity of the lake are unique.
The combination of deciduous and coniferous forests with coastal dunes, an abundance of rare plants along with reeds and ordinary reeds - all this creates a unique landscape landscape. The area of Lake Peipsi has become a permanent nesting site for various species of birds: herons, goldeneyes, coots, and so on.
But the main attraction of these places was, perhaps, the diversity of lake fauna. This lake is home to several dozen species of freshwater fauna.
Among them are the following representatives of commercial fish:
- Zander. Here are the best places for winter fishing for pike perch. At this time, he is especially calm and almost does not show his predatory habits. The winter diet of the Chud pike perch consists of chased fish, bloodworms and other invertebrate animals. He also does not refuse the ruff and small squints. In winter, pike perch is characterized by inactivity and attachment to the same place. Although, according to local residents, sometimes minor migrations are observed following flocks of smelt. Contrary to popular belief that these fish prefer to hunt alone, in Lake Peipsi they usually occupy the same niche.
- Bream. One of the fisherman's most desired prey prefers greater depth and distance from the shore, avoiding rocky surfaces. Today, stocks of Chud bream are in good condition. In this area, individuals are found to be quite large - up to five kilograms and above.
- Whitefish. Lake Peipus is home to a lake-river species of this fish. Whitefish spawn in shallow waters, but can also swim into neighboring rivers. Its weight can be more than a kilogram. But specialized fishing for whitefish is prohibited, and only when it is included in a set with other fish does it go on sale and can be used in industry. However, some experienced fishermen manage to catch this fish using ice fishing. So there is still a chance to try whitefish.
- Smelt. Half a century ago, this fish did not even exist in Lake Peipsi. It is worth saying that its abundance is periodic and depends mainly on weather conditions. Weather conditions can also affect the size of the smelt. Strong winds and storms drive it into nearby lakes, and rains have a beneficial effect on the germination of juveniles.
- Roach. This fish is present in Lake Peipus in great abundance. There are individuals weighing up to 500 g. It is better to use a worm or maggot as bait. In some cases, bloodworms will do.
- Crucian carp. This fish prefers places densely covered with aquatic vegetation. In calm, calm weather, the Peipsi backwaters are rich in crucian carp. However, experts say that this fish is resourceful and cunning. Perhaps that is why its population does not decrease despite the annual influx of fishing tourists.
- Bleak. This fish is irresistible under the rays of the summer sun. Her scales shimmer and shine. As a rule, bleaks gather in schools. Agility differs. You can even see this fish near the shallow shore of the Peipus.
Lake Peipus is also home to perch, vendace, ruffe, pike perch and other types of commercial fish. The most promising time for fishing is considered to be the beginning of summer. At this time, pike, perch, roach, and pike perch become trophies for fishermen.
As for how to get there, it’s easier to do it by focusing on the capitals. When getting from St. Petersburg, for example, it is better to use the city of Gdov as a reference point. A bus departs from the bus station to Lake Peipsi along the route. You can also get to these places by rail. Trains depart from Baltiysky Station regularly. The trip will take five hours. By car the travel time will be about three hours. By bus - almost twice as much.
From Moscow, the most convenient way to the lake lies through Pskov. This city is located one hundred and twenty kilometers from Gdov. Trains run daily, at night. Then any point in the Lake Peipsi region can be reached by taxi.
Finding fish in rivers
In addition to large and small lakes, many rivers flow through the Pskov region . These include the following:
- Great.
- Issa.
- Lovat.
- Nizhnyaya Belka.
- Plus.
The favorite place of many fishermen is the Plyussa River. In addition, it is visited en masse by true fans of green tourism and active family recreation, because dozens of modern tourist centers with comfortable rooms, wireless Internet, saunas and other entertainment are scattered along the entire coast. And if you move a few kilometers away from civilization into the forest, this will allow you to plunge into complete solitude with wild nature.
In the river you can find a wide variety of predatory and peaceful fish, including perch, pike, gudgeon, roach, rudd, catfish, burbot, trout, and ide. With the advent of summer warming, coastal and bottom areas quickly become overgrown with algae, and the snarled bottom becomes a refuge for all kinds of living creatures. In areas with fast currents, large schools of bleak and roach are found. Fishing will be effective if you do it from the shore, although the boat option also pays off.
Another interesting fishing spot is the Velikaya River. Its length reaches 430 km, which makes the reservoir the largest in the region. The bottom relief is emphasized by many stones, snags, holes and other anomalies that interest fish. Here you can successfully catch pike, burbot, roach and perch. Large catfish are less common.
In the spring, it is possible to successfully catch pike perch, which make shelters in quiet creeks and at bends in the riverbed. As for direct water areas, fish do not stay there long.
Near river mouths there are traces of activity of a small but very tasty smelt, however, due to illegal fishing, its population has decreased significantly. The use of silicone spinning baits and wobblers does not produce good results, but classic spinners work like a charm. Local perch can be attracted with a worm or bloodworm.
A wide variety of fish is found on the Issa River , which is famous for its fast rapids and deep pools. The average depth of a significant part of it does not exceed two meters, while the water area is literally “teeming” with small perch, chub and pike. Fishing in this reservoir will be most successful when using spinning gear and a good inflatable boat.
Base "Prichudye"
This base is located on the picturesque banks of Narva. Small cottages for four people are available for rent. The cost of living per day is from three thousand. If necessary, additional places can be arranged in the house for accommodation. Maximum capacity is seven people.
Children under seven years old stay free of charge. There is also a hotel complex on the territory of the base. Renting a room will cost one and a half to three thousand, depending on the level (standard or luxury). The cost of renting both a cottage and a hotel room is affected by the day of stay: on weekends the price is slightly higher. Until December 29, guests of the Prichudye base can take advantage of a reduced price system.
As for fishing, among lovers of this type of active recreation, there is a wide range of services:
- Rent of rowing and motor boats.
- Departure with an instructor.
- Rental of fishing rods and spinning rods.
- Smokehouse.
Those who are not guests of “Prichudye” can fish on the territory of the base by paying for entry to the border zone and descent to the river from the pier. If necessary, you can use car and boat security services. All this together will cost up to a thousand rubles.
In the vicinity of the base there are up to 35 species of fish. Among them are ruffe, perch, pike perch, bream, whitefish, vendace, and pike. Experienced fishermen sometimes come across very rare specimens. Guests of the tourist base eat at a local restaurant. In-room dining is prohibited. It is worth saying that good conditions have been created here for a family holiday. Guests can enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, a children's playground and a sauna.
Car parking on site is free. The base is located two hundred and fifteen kilometers from St. Petersburg, near the village of Skamya. You can get there by car in the Tallinn region, through the cities of Kingisepp and Slantsy. In the town of Slantsy, driving along the main road across the Plyussa River, turn right at the intersection.
The distance from this city to the base is 31 km. Then follow the signs. You can get to Slantsy from St. Petersburg by train with a change in Gdov. Then by taxi or bus on route No. 107.
Booking phone numbers:
- Reservation phone: 924-76-73, 923-76-78.
- Website address https://narova.spb.ru/.
Base "Friend"
Entry to this base is limited as it is located in the border zone. You can swim to the permitted zone in ten minutes. A motor boat can be rented for 350 rubles per hour. On the territory there is a guest house with three isolated blocks and separate houses. The guest house can be rented either in its entirety or in one of the blocks.
Accommodation options also include camping. The cost of a tent per person is 250 rubles. A real Russian bathhouse and a gentle Finnish sauna. Every holidaymaker will find something to their liking here. For summer holidays, there is a beach on the territory of the base. There is also a barbecue. Near the base there is the Sorokovy Bor natural area.
Location: village of Zalakhtovye, Gdov district. The shallow waters on the beach, natural conditions and comfortable rooms make this holiday ideal for families with small children.
The cost of parking (dacha on trailers) will be 750 rubles, but this amount also includes a toilet, shower, barbecue and firewood.
From St. Petersburg you can get to the base along the Tallinn highway. Muscovites should drive to Pskov, and then 86 kilometers along the lakes.
Booking phone numbers:
- +7-931-900-03-63.
- +7-931-904-75-67.
The cost of a place in a guest house is 500 rubles per day. A separate house can be rented for 3,000 rubles. Each has two wooden beds in two tiers. You can put one more additional one.
The area permitted for fishing is nearby. It can be reached by motor boat in just five minutes. Rowing and motor boats are available for rent to fishermen. Perch bites wonderfully in these places.
Website address: https://chudskoe-ozero.ru/.
Tourist base "Chudskoye Compound"
The entertainment cottage complex is aimed at corporate recreation. Vacationers can enjoy the beach, barbecue, water sports, and snowmobiling. Pike perch, bream and pike are found here. You can get to Chudskoe Podvorye by public transport.
A bus leaves daily from the bus station in St. Petersburg. From the capital it is better to take a night train to Pskov, where, by prior arrangement, the staff of the tourist center can meet you and deliver you in comfortable conditions to Lake Peipsi.
The cost of a hotel room per night ranges from 1200 to 6500 rubles. You can get to the fishing spot either on your own or by snowmobile. Cross-country skis and skates are available for rental. Entertainment options include badminton, tennis, catamaran. Instructor services are provided, so guests of the complex can visit the best places for fishing. Price is negotiable.
In well-equipped conditions, fishing tours are conducted for four hours, with a cost of 250 rubles per person.
This cottage community is located in the Gdovsky district, at the entrance to the village of Spitsino. Or rather, from Gdov thirty kilometers to the south and from Pskov ninety kilometers to the north. The road to the village leads along a good highway and can be reached by car in just three hours. Address: Spitsino village, Gdov district.
Booking phone numbers:
- +7(812)313-99-82.
- +7.
You can book a hotel room or cottage on the website: https://chudskoe.ru/.
Recreation center "Far Away Kingdom"
There is another recreation center on the shore of Lake Peipsi, where, thanks to the picturesque pine forest, sandy beaches and the spirit of Alexander Nevsky, who is present everywhere here, an extraordinary fairy-tale atmosphere reigns. A double guest house can be rented for two and a half thousand rubles. The maximum cost of renting a cottage is 20 thousand rubles.
There is also a more budget option - a small hotel, where a double room per night costs two thousand. The restaurant's interior is designed in the style of the Russian Middle Ages and includes a conference room for 80 people.
There is a yacht club on site. The variety of fish found in these places and comfortable conditions create attractive conditions for fishing enthusiasts. They bite bream, burbot, whitefish perch, roach, pike, pike perch. Distance from St. Petersburg – 240 km. From Pskov – 80 km. The recreation center is located in the village of Zalakhtove.
Booking phone:
- +7(812)6-456-999.
- Website address: https://www.baza999.ru.
Fishing farm "Chistye Prudy"
The recreation center is located in the village of Verkholyane-2. There are paid ponds on the territory. The cost of catching fish is 700 rubles. Fishing holidaymakers also have access to rental equipment and fishing rods. Rent of a double room is 1200 rubles on weekdays. Guests have the opportunity to take a steam bath in a Russian bathhouse and cook barbecue in the open air.
A smokehouse is also available. And fishing lovers can not only enjoy their favorite pastime, but also smoke carp, pike and silver carp for dinner. These fish live in local ponds in sufficient quantities. There is also a forest nearby, where during the season a large number of mushrooms and wild berries will help you spend time not only with pleasure, but also with benefit.
This fishery includes about two hundred reservoirs, which are home to carp, silver carp, tench, pike and crucian carp. Recently, some types of carp have also been bred. In winter, this fish sleeps, but this time promises good catch of trout. And winter fishing here is popular precisely because of the trout pond.
Tourists have six piers, two gazebos and boats for rent (500 rubles per day). You can also rent gear. Fishermen live in guest houses. It is planned to open a cafe soon, where fish caught by guests will be prepared by professional chefs in order to save vacationers from tedious cleaning.
A house for two on weekdays – 2000 rubles per day. On weekends – 2500 rubles. There are no restrictions for those who want to go on vacation with pets, but they will need to pay an additional 200-300 rubles.
Address: village Verkholanye-2, Gdov district.
Booking phone:
- +7.
- Website address: https://www.fishkagdov.ru/.
Pike-perch and pike-perch
Having learned that the fish were still biting and being caught, we quickly moved closer to the pike perch area. But while we were engaged in redeployment, our Sergei Ivanovich surprised everyone during this time. First, I caught a 1.5-kilogram pike, and then, literally a couple of minutes later, I caught a huge pike perch - 3,200. This is a fanged one! “I just changed the wobbler and put in another one - a blackback “Jessie” of size 110, when a one and a half pike bit me,” said a pleased Ivanovich when we moored to their boat. “And we swam another fifty meters - and the judge was caught.” “I immediately realized from the bite that Seryoga had a large pike perch on his hook,” Veniamin echoed his partner. “That’s exactly how pike perch bite: you think there’s a hook, and then you realize that the hook is moving. And it moves in a special way, as if reluctantly, not like a big pike, which often shakes its head and pulls it to the side. And the pike perch presses and presses to the last, surfacing only near the boat. And so it happened. They took him into the landing net without any problems. And it’s necessary! As soon as they dragged it into the boat, the pike perch unhooked itself from the wobbler. He could barely hold onto his beard with one hook. Lucky." Naturally, we couldn’t do without photos and videos (see video). We congratulated a friend on the trophy and on Fisherman’s Day - on this day only he and Veniamin Borisovich, it turns out, were fishing, and the rest were doing nothing.
And I had a chance to distinguish myself on this holiday. The wind continued to gently push our boat, and the hitch moved with us. Yes, not a simple hold, but a moving hold. I clearly saw how the tip of the spinning rod bent and straightened two or three times, not sharply, but clearly and deeply. Bah! Yes, there’s no fish there, and what kind of fish! He gave the command to his partner to prepare the landing net for work. At this time I twisted and twisted the reel, but the hook did not come closer and did not come closer. I thought that I should tighten the ratchet tighter, which I did. I gave it some slack, after that I only managed to turn the reel two turns and... that’s it, I stopped feeling the heaviness. Gathering It wasn’t the fish coming towards us, but the boat towards the fish; I wasn’t dragging it, but it was bringing us closer to itself. Judging by the nature of the twitching and pressure, most likely it was a huge pike perch. It is unknown who was actually there. But I have never had such heavy and lively holds in my life. Most likely, the tee did not penetrate the hard palate of the pike perch and the wobbler jumped out of the predator’s mouth, holding on to the fish for about a minute and a half. But even during this short time I grabbed a lot of adrenaline; the stories and memories will last for a long time
Veniamin said that an acquaintance of his had recently, and in approximately the same place, caught a seven-kilogram perch with great difficulty. So, it’s quite possible that someone no smaller in size was sitting on my hook.
Ustye Beach Resort, Country Club
The club is located on the shore of the lake, a hundred kilometers from Pskov. The capacity of the camp site is more than one hundred people. The smallest cottage house is designed for five to seven people. There are sixteen such houses on the club’s territory. There is also a small cafe.
The cost of renting such a house is only five thousand rubles. New this season is half board with accommodation costs starting from 500 rubles per person per night. You can leave your own boat for storage at the equipped pier. You can also rent a boat or boat.
The location of the club provides an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy fishing. Bream, pike, roach, vendace and large perch are actively biting here. The country club is located in the village of Ustye, one and a half kilometers from the regional center.
Website address: https://www.ustje-resort.com/
More detailed information can be obtained here https://vk.com/club49913596 or by calling +7 (911) 922-79-34.
For relaxation and fishing on Lake Peipsi you can rent a small cottage. There are plenty of similar offers on the Internet. The cost of such a vacation will be the most budget-friendly. But such options are more suitable for experienced fishermen. In winter, practicing various methods of searching for fish, they move far from the shore and make holes.
Even more about recreation centers on Lake Peipsi. you can find out from our article.
When searching for fishing spots, professionals focus on certain natural phenomena and do not need to be accompanied by an instructor. For those who do not yet feel so confident in wild natural conditions, trips under the guidance of a specialist are more suitable.
Fishing
Fishing on the lake is worthy of special mention. Experienced fishermen recommend Lake Peipus to both seasoned fishermen and those who are just getting used to fishing. For first-timers, fishing from a boat is most suitable; for beginners, it will be more convenient to fish from the shore. Both of them simply cannot leave without a catch: there is so much fish here and it is so diverse that a bite is literally guaranteed. The water is transparent to the depths - you will be able to see the shoals moving below, right in the light. Connoisseurs of a variety of fishing come here from all over Russia (and not only), taking with them the most sophisticated equipment and gear, here you can try everything. More than 30 species of fish: impressive bream, cunning pike, nimble pike perch, fat burbot, rich ruffe, silver bream, rudd, ide, whitefish, and this is only a small part of what the lake offers.
Blitz tips
- But you should not forget about the strong wind that prevails in this area, raising high waves on the lake. Therefore, it is not advisable to sail far on a small boat.
- When indulging in winter fishing, you need to remember that Lake Peipus is still a border zone, so you shouldn’t go far. In some cases, a special permit may be required, which, however, is not difficult to obtain in the city of Gdov.
- Although Lake Peipsi is quite deep, it has sufficient shallow water. When choosing a place for fishing, it is better to place it permanently and fish for half an hour.
- If there is no bite, you can move a few hundred meters further from the shore. But there is no practical point in going further than six kilometers.
Lovat and Nizhnyaya Belka
The most visited body of water in the Pskov region is the Lovat River. Many fishermen from different parts of the country come here every year and successfully catch:
- pike perch,
- catfish,
- asp,
- bream,
- ide,
- pike,
- tench,
- rudd,
- roach.
In rare cases, trout is caught in the river, the weight of which does not exceed 1 kg. As for small fish like this? like bleak, a lot of it is caught here. However, the number of the species continues to grow, with the fish being active almost all year round. In the last days of autumn, you can catch it with all kinds of baits all day long. The use of a sinker is not provided, since the bleak is thrown onto the bait in the upper horizon of the reservoir.
A stable bite is observed until the first hot days in July. The increasing heat may dampen the fish's appetite slightly, but this means you can change your priorities and start catching roach or perch. These representatives of the local ichthyofauna with particular greed pounce on maggots, bread circles and semolina. In addition, in the depths of Lovat, trophy catfish often show themselves , weighing more than tens of kilograms.
To search for this predator, you should carefully study the riffles using classic float or bottom gear. When using minnows as bait, fishermen managed to catch seven-kilogram specimens. And this is far from the limit.
At night, catfish can be attracted by small frogs. After identifying a clear bite, it is important not to miss the moment of hooking. Otherwise, the fish will simply get off the hook or even damage the expensive tackle. It is important to remember that large representatives of the species are capable of great resistance and aggression.
The length of the Nizhnyaya Belka River is 41 km, but even in such a relatively small water area there is a wide variety of ichthyofauna representatives. Everywhere there is picturesque nature, clear water and plenty of bushes. Local and visiting anglers place their main priority on searching for pike, bream, pike perch and ide. Trophy individuals are rare, but they still exist.
