The best vacation spots on the Volga for savages with tents

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Fishing on Akhtuba

Fishing on Akhtuba requires a careful approach to choosing a place, because each of the river sections has special water conditions. When looking for the best place for fishing, remember a simple rule: the lower you go down the Akhtuba River, the more fish you will catch. Don’t be lazy to get to the Kharabalinsky district - there is something to profit from here.

Photos from “Fisherman’s Pier”: fishing on Akhtuba

Proven places on Akhtuba for trophy fishing:

Gerasimovka - to get to it, you need to cross the river on the bridge in Bataevka;
Mikhailovskoye - you can also take a ferry to this point;
Trekhrechye is a picturesque corner on the Lower Volga. A special feature of fishing in Trekhrechye on Akhtuba is the confluence of the Ashuluka, Mangut and Kharabalyka rivers. You can get to this popular place by ferries in Tambovka, Khabarali, Selitrenny;

The fish prefers to live near trees that have fallen into the water, under massive stones, bridges and other shelters.
Predatory species hide from the fisherman's gaze in underwater stumps and snags. The Akhtuba and Volga rivers are connected by multiple channels and eriks. The banks cannot be called high, and cliffs are often found here. In some areas the depth reaches 17 m and then the bottom becomes shallow to 1.5-2 m. Some fishermen talk about holes 25 meters deep, where large catfish like to live.

The most important question: where to go for a trophy catch on Akhtuba?

The most timid individuals are accustomed to avoiding crowded places, so to catch them you will have to sacrifice comfortable conditions and familiar routes. The winning areas include the following zones:

flow-through, eriki;
deep water areas;
depressions along river banks;
rapid current riffles;
near lakes, backwaters.

When looking for the largest place on Akhtuba for “trophy” fishing, do not forget about safety. Be especially careful on steep banks, as they often collapse. Clay banks are also treacherous: they become very slippery even after light precipitation.

Features of the Akhtuba River and the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain

The Akhtuba River departs from the Volga and is the left branch, has many channels and eriks that connect the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain. The Akhtuba is just under 540 km long, flowing along amazing landscapes of spreading oaks, weeping willows and dense forests.

Climate on Akhtuba

Summer on Akhtuba is characterized by the establishment of a dry and hot climate - rains are infrequent, and if they happen, they are short-lived. The daytime temperature on Akhtuba fluctuates in the range of 27-36 degrees, at night it drops to 20-25. Stable heat sets in in July, but the presence of a slight wind is pleasing, allowing you to safely endure the midday heat. The maximum temperature at this time is 45 degrees.

On Akhtuba, the autumn months are accompanied by a dry climate and little cloudiness. In general, autumn is warm, and September is completely similar to July in the Moscow region: during the day the thermometer can rise to 30 degrees.

Akhtuba in winter is the most unstable season. During the daytime, the column shows from -7 to -15, but in recent years there have been prolonged thaws, freeing impressive areas from ice.

In spring, Akhtuba has fairly warm, dry and partly cloudy weather. During the day, the thermometer will show from 5 to 14 degrees Celsius, but night frosts can last until the end of April.

Preparing and choosing a fishing spot

Fishing begins with choosing a place where you want to sit with a fishing rod by the river, swim on a boat, casting a spinning rod.

One of the places that our family liked was the Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain.

How many times have we come here for fishing? And every time we come back here again with great pleasure. The area here is all cut up by small winding rivers, small swamps, and numerous eriks.

You go down the water surface and find yourself in a protected area with the beautiful name Raskaty. You need to write separately about the trip to Raskaty. This is a protected region where the Volga and its numerous tributaries roll out and fall into the Caspian Sea. The beauty of the water expanses, birds, insects and river inhabitants - all this needs to be seen for yourself.

Here you can fully enjoy the landscapes of nature, breathe in the smells of the blooming steppe and coastal forest. Hear the rustle of reeds and gurgle of water, see jumping frogs, listen to the croaking that never stops for a minute.

On the Akhtuba, Volga and numerous tributaries, from early spring there are so many aquatic inhabitants that fishing is like a gift for everyone. In spring there are not many buzzing and biting insects yet. There are beautiful blossoming landscapes along the rivers all around.

The water warms up to 8-10 degrees, the air is filled with the smells of bird cherry, lilac and other flowering plants. The day is warm and sunny. At night, the thermometers may still drop to negative temperatures, but the daytime sun compensates for the coolness of the night.

Warm and favorable weather sets in throughout Akhtuba and the Volga.

Fishing lovers flock to these deep and fish-filled rivers.

Spawning ban in the Astrakhan region on Akhtuba

It would not be superfluous to remind you of the timing of the spawning ban for 2020. In accordance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts, amateur and sport fishing on Akhtuba is prohibited from 05/16/2020 to 06/20/2020. The exceptions are:

water protection facilities for fishery purposes located on the territory of the administrative boundaries of populated areas;
fishing areas allocated for the organization of sports and amateur fishing during the designated period.

The fishing base "Fisherman's Berth" has its own assigned area on the Lower Volga and Akhtuba for legal fishing during the period of the spawning ban.

On the way to Akhtuba and the Volga

So, we got into the car and hit the road to the river. The road is a separate conversation, it is an unforgettable experience and acquaintance with nature, cities, and people.

To get to Akhtuba and the Volga we need to cover a distance of about 2500 kilometers. This is a full three days on the road and 2 overnights.

When you drive onto the Volgograd-Astrakhan highway, you immediately catch the fishing spirit. Cars with trailers, with boats on top racks. The whole family travels in cars to Akhtuba and the Volga. Judging by the license plates of the cars, all of Russia is rushing to fish.

It’s true that you can’t speed up very much on that road. There are speed limits, which I welcome, since the road is two-lane and narrow. Along the entire route there are turnoffs to the camp sites.

What attractive names. Float. Three minnows. Fisherman's pier.

Everywhere along the road there are fishing shops where you can buy everything for fishing. It must be said that the owners of tourist destinations are trying to create good conditions for living and fishing.

Fishing seasons on the Lower Volga and Akhtuba

In Akhtuba and the Lower Volga, fish are caught all the time, and this is not an exaggeration at all. Those who like to hunt rare species come here all year round, changing only their tactics, uniforms and gear. The season is divided into separate periods, which is associated with changing weather conditions and spring floods. All periods are distinguished by specific features in terms of production techniques, priority zones and conditions for fish production.

Fishing in spring on Akhtuba

Spring fishing on Akhtuba is considered the most enjoyable, productive and carefree. A complete absence of aggressive insects, a period when you can enjoy the magnificent landscapes of nature, and a variety of fish will ensure a decent catch and excellent fishing.

Fishing in summer on Akhtuba

Summer fishing on Akhtuba is rightfully considered generous. During the hot months, almost any species can be hooked. The hot season is best for hunting carp and catfish, and the latter can be caught using quok.

Fishing in autumn on Akhtuba

Fishing on the Akhtuba River in the fall, like any other season, is rich in predatory species: catfish, asp, pike, pike perch and bersh are actively caught. The season is ideal for catching peaceful species, which especially applies to trophy fish - carp and bream.

Fishing in winter on Akhtuba

Winter fishing on the Akhtuba River is primarily interesting for those who want to catch perch, pike perch and whitefish. It is noteworthy that Nizhnyaya Akhtuba does not require the use of a large amount of winter equipment - standard fishing rods and poles are also suitable. They just need to be adapted for deep fishing.

Fishing on Akhtuba in winter

Winter fishing on Akhtuba is no less interesting than at other times of the year, but requires more carefully thought out equipment. It is interesting that the main channel of the river does not freeze in winter, this is clearly noticeable in recent years. So fans of winter spinning will find what and where to fish here.

For those who associate winter fishing with ice. You need to go to the channels and eriks that connect Akhtuba with the Volga. The flow on the channels is slower, and the width of the channel is small. So this contributes to the freezing of water, and closer to the new year the ice on such channels is suitable for winter fishing. Although if winter comes early and with frosts, then you can already count on all three months of ice fishing.

In winter, perch and roach can be caught well from the ice using a jig; if you know the places, you can also catch good bream. But of course we shouldn’t forget about the pike. It is caught here primarily with girders; roach in these places is a very good live bait. The vents can be installed during the day, or, if possible, installed at night. And check it in the morning.

If you decide to come for winter fishing for a few days, then you need to stay either in the nearest hotel, or at a fishing base, in a private house. Next there will be a list of fishing bases and hotels located on the Akhtuba River.

Popular fishing methods on Akhtuba

There are a lot of effective approaches to fishing, which will be difficult for a beginner to understand. The best solution is to practice with experienced anglers at first. The most common methods include:

Trolling - most fishermen on Akhtuba use this technique to catch river predators (catfish, pike) from a boat. This method is highly effective regardless of the time of year, but the greatest catch is brought in by the summer season and early autumn.
Jig fishing is a technique most often used in the spring and autumn. At the same time, jig fishing on Akhtuba in summer is ineffective: from June to August it is better to fish by trolling. Jig spinning brings a solid catch of bersh, perch or pike.
Spinning fishing is used to catch predatory aquatic inhabitants of Akhtuba. The priority areas for such hunting are backwaters, areas close to the shore, eriks, and floodplain lakes.
Fishing with a jig - this method is suitable for catching pike perch, pike perch. Small jigs are used for vertical fishing of small species of fish. Mostly they fish with jigs from a boat or raft in moderate currents.
Fly fishing is a relatively “young” fishing method in Russia. The closest analogue is fly fishing.

What kind of fish can you catch on Akhtuba - where and what to catch:

crucian carp

Where to fish - ponds, grassy pools What to fish for - float rod, feeder Bait - worm, dough, maggot Bait - porridge, bran, cake, flavorings Biting time - early morning and evening

Carp

Where to fish - steep rivers, reservoirs with a muddy or clayey bottom and a weak current What to fish for - bait, feeder, float rod with reel Bait - porridge, worm, dough, boilies, potatoes, corn Bait - cake, chopped worm, porridge, corn Biting time - dawn, evening dawns, warm nights

Bream

Where to fish - grassy lakes, deep bays with a muddy bottom What to fish for - float rod, donka, feeder Bait - worm, peas, steamed grains, dough Bait - bran, porridge, bread, chopped worm Biting time - dawn, before sunset, sometimes during the day and on warm nights

Roach

Where to fish - clearings in algae, quiet currents What to fish for - float rod, feeder Bait - dough, bread, worm, maggot Bait - steamed oats, porridge, bread Biting time - almost all day

Som

Where to fish - whirlpools, pits What to fish for - zakidushka, bottom tackle, girder Baits - frog, fried poultry, fish, crayfish Bait - using the quok method Biting time - warm nights, evening dawns

Zander

Where to fish - riffles, hard bottom, rock ridges, clean water, lack of algae What to fish for - spinning rod, bait, mugs, zherlitsa Attachments - live bait, frog, spinners, wobblers Bait - not needed Biting time - at dawn, evening dawns, warm nights

Pike

Where to fish - cliffs, riffles, snags, sedge thickets What to fish for - spinning rod, circles, girders, path Attachments - live bait, frog, spinners, wobblers, twisters Bait - not needed Biting time - morning, evening, in cloudy weather

Perch

Where to fish - pits, lakes with reeds, quiet currents What to fish for - floating fishing rod, spinner bait Baits - worm, small fish, spinners, May beetle larvae Bait - bloodworms, worms, bull's blood Biting time - morning, evening, in cloudy weather

Asp

Where to fish - upper layers of water, rapids, sandy fords What to fish - spinning, fly fishing, wiring, at night - casting Baits - cockchafer, spinners, twisters Bait - worm, beetles, cockroaches, fish Biting time - dawn and evening dawns

Chub

Where to fish - cliffs, overhanging banks, bridges What to fish for - floating rod, fly fishing, spinning bait Bait - dragonfly, live bait, worm, butterflies, grasshoppers Bait - steamed oats, bran, bloodworms Biting time - in clear, calm weather

White amur

Where to fish - deep places in reservoirs and ponds What to fish for - donka Bait - worm, dough, peas Bait - oat flakes, semolina, crushed biscuits, corn Biting time - morning and evening

Gustera

Where to fish - quiet muddy places What to fish for - floating fishing rod Attachments - bloodworms, worms, dough Bait - bloodworms, maggots Biting time - morning and evening

Rudd

Where to fish - quiet places in lakes and ponds What to fish for - floating fishing rod Bait - worm, dough, maggot, bloodworm, barley Bait - rolled oats, pearl barley, corn, millet Biting time - early morning and evening

Tench

Where to fish - muddy bottom in a quiet current What to fish for - floating fishing rod Bait - worm, caterpillar, bloodworm, grain Bait - chopped worm, cottage cheese, peas Biting time - morning and evening

Gudgeon

Where to fish - on a quiet current What to fish for - a floating fishing rod Attachments - worm, bloodworm, maggot, caddisfly Bait - bloodworm, maggot Biting time - morning and evening

Carp

Vobla

Where to fish - steep rivers, tributaries What to fish for - float rod, feeder, bottom tackle Bait - dung worm, maggot, corn, dough Bait - steamed oats, porridge, bread Biting time - dawn, morning

Bersh

Where to fish - riffles, hard bottom, stone ridges, clean water What to fish for - spinning rod, bait Bait - dung worm, maggot, corn, dough Bait - steamed oats, porridge, bloodworms, worm Biting time - dawn, morning

Silver carp

Where to fish - rocky, clay and sandy bottom What to fish for - bait, feeder Bait - bread crumb, peas, corn Groundbait - rolled oats, pearl barley, peas, millet Biting time - early morning and evening

Bleak

Where to fish - on a quiet current What to fish for - a floating fishing rod Attachments - bloodworms, worms, maggots Bait - breadcrumbs, semolina, bran, milk powder Biting time - in the morning

Chekhon

Where to fish - in a fast current, half-water and the deepest sections of the river What to fish for - a floating fishing rod Attachments - a worm, maggot - bloodworms, maggots Biting time - during the day

Ide

Where to fish - in bays with weak currents What to fish for - float rod, fly fishing, spinning bait Bait - worm, bark beetle larva Bait - ground crackers, rye bread, powdered milk Biting time - morning, evening and afternoon in warm cloudy weather

Buffalo

Where to fish - steep rivers, reservoirs with a muddy or clay bottom and a weak current What to fish for - bait, feeder, float rod Bait - dough, corn, boilies, dung worm, porridge Bait - cake, chopped worm, porridge, corn Biting time - dawn, evening dawns, warm nights

Ruff

Where to fish - deep bays, quiet channels with a muddy bottom What to fish for - float rod, jig, donka Bait - worm, maggot, bark beetle larva, maggot, bloodworm Bait - bloodworm Biting time - morning and evening

Fish biting forecast on Akhtuba

Weather forecast and fish bite	Akhtuba, from 02/16/2021 to 02/19/2021
Weather forecast and fish bite	VT	SR				Thu				PT
Times of Day	Evening	Night	Morning	Day	Evening	Night	Morning	Day	Evening	Night	Morning	Day
Cloudiness, precipitation	Mainly cloudy	Mainly cloudy	Mainly cloudy	Mainly cloudy	Mainly cloudy	Mainly cloudy	Mainly cloudy	Mainly cloudy	Partly cloudy	Partly cloudy	Partly cloudy	Mainly cloudy
Temperature °C	-7	-8	-10	-11	-7	-10	-12	-11	-6	-7	-7	-6
Pressure, mm.	768	768	767	765	764	764	764	765	765	766	767	768
Direction,	Wind northeast	Wind northeast	Wind northeast	Wind northeast	Wind northeast	North wind	North wind	North wind	Wind northwest	East wind	South wind	South wind
wind speed	5 m/s	5 m/s	5 m/s	6 m/s	6 m/s	6 m/s	4 m/s	2 m/s	2 m/s	1 m/s	2 m/s	2 m/s
According to the forecast, they will bite on: bloodworms crucian carp	30%	0%	40%	40%	30%	0%	40%	40%	50%	0%	60%	55%
According to the forecast it doesn't bite Carp	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%
According to the forecast, the fish will bite on: live bait (jigs), winter spinners, balancers Pike	50%	10%	60%	60%	50%	10%	60%	60%	50%	0%	60%	75%
According to the forecast, they will bite on: bloodworms, winter spoons, balance beams Perch	40%	0%	50%	50%	40%	0%	50%	50%	60%	0%	70%	65%
According to the forecast, the fish will bite on: live bait, winter spinners, balancer Zander	40%	40%	50%	30%	40%	40%	50%	30%	60%	45%	70%	45%
According to the forecast, the fish will bite on: bloodworms, oparish, small spoons Chekhon	25%	0%	35%	35%	25%	0%	35%	35%	50%	0%	60%	50%
According to the forecast, they will bite on: bloodworms, maggots, bark beetles, burdocks Dace	25%	20%	35%	35%	25%	20%	35%	35%	50%	30%	60%	50%
According to the forecast, they will bite on: bloodworms, maggots, bark beetles, burdocks Ruff	25%	20%	35%	30%	25%	20%	35%	30%	50%	30%	60%	45%
According to the forecast, they will bite on: bloodworms, maggots, bark beetles, burdocks Chub	20%	0%	40%	25%	20%	0%	40%	25%	50%	10%	70%	45%
Doesn't bite Asp Read also: How to Catch Crabs: Tips for Catching Crabs That Will Fill Your Pot	0%	0%	10%	0%	0%	0%	10%	0%	30%	0%	40%	10%
Bait: maggot, bloodworm Bream	20%	35%	30%	20%	20%	35%	30%	20%	50%	45%	60%	40%
Bait: worm, live bait, spinner Burbot	60%	70%	60%	30%	60%	70%	60%	30%	60%	50%	60%	50%
Bait: maggot, bloodworm Roach	40%	0%	60%	50%	40%	0%	60%	50%	50%	0%	70%	65%
Bait: maggot, bloodworm Bleak	30%	0%	40%	40%	30%	0%	40%	40%	50%	0%	60%	50%
Bait: maggot, bloodworm, bark beetle Ide	10%	0%	20%	10%	10%	0%	20%	10%	40%	0%	50%	30%
Bait: no Som	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%

What gear will you need for trophy fishing:

Spinning rods - for trolling fishing, it is recommended to purchase gear with a maximum length of 2.7 m, with a test weight of up to 50 g, and for trolling in deep water for catfish using a large wobbler, you will need much more dough (about 200 g).

Reels - for fishing in the Astrakhan region on Akhtuba, both multiplier and inertial reels are used. The latter are optimal for vertical fishing, bottom equipment, fly fishing, and traditional spinning. Inertialess ones are very convenient and are suitable for almost every spinning fishing method.

Braid and line - necessary for trolling, traditional and jig-spinning.

Bottom equipment and feeder - a spinning rod with a spinning reel and fishing line (usually monofilament) are best suited for bottom equipment.

Bait - To catch fish, you should think about bait and bait in advance. A proven bait for Akhtuba is a worm and canned corn. To catch a trophy specimen, it is advisable to have more cake with you.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the bait for the predatory inhabitants of Akhtuba. Predators willingly prey on fry, and catfish simply love frogs, crayfish, and pearl barley. When fishing for carp, you should use artificial bait, for example, boilies. If the bait is artificial, you cannot do without bait. All experienced fishermen advise adding ingredients used as bait to complementary foods.

Equipment for fishing: choice of clothing, useful things and tools

What no fishing enthusiast should forget about is their own safety. Equipment always includes a headlamp, sunglasses, a bag or backpack made of waterproof material, and a thermos.

Fishing clothes are selected depending on the time of year, but in any case you need to have at least one warm thing and a raincoat with you - the weather in this region is quite changeable. On sunny days, the head requires special care. To avoid overheating, be sure to take several types of headwear with you: a cap, a Panama hat.

A very important point is the choice of shoes. It is necessary to consider how you plan to fish, from a boat or shore. In the first case, you can get by with waterproof boots or ankle boots. Just make sure that their soles are not too slippery. To hunt from the shore, on a lake or on eriks, stock up on wading shoes and waders. In hot weather, you can easily get by with simple boots.

If you are fishing from a boat, be sure to have a life jacket with you. This requirement applies to everyone, even if you are a professional swimmer. Please note that fishing bases provide a vest by default when renting a boat. From May to June, the pleasure of your favorite activity can be spoiled by midges - do not forget to take a mosquito net with you, preferably for the whole body.

Fishing on Akhtuba in the cold months requires the use of special equipment and reliable equipment. The first thing on the list of necessary items should be drill knives and a fishing box (very convenient for carrying equipment and catch, and can be used as a stool).

A first aid kit is a must, regardless of the fishing season:

analgesics;
antispasmodics;
febrifuge;
antihistamines;
remedies for stomach and intestinal upsets;
drugs for the heart and blood vessels;
bandage, cotton wool, brilliant green, cold;
healing creams (levosin, betadine, rescuer, etc.);
antiviral agents.

Separately, it is worth mentioning remedies for insect bites. You need to have several types of sprays, ointments, coils on hand, it is advisable to purchase a special mosquito net (conveniently attached to a headdress).

Fishing on the Volga at different times of the year

At any time, the Volga is ready to please fishermen with an excellent catch; let’s look at each in more detail.

Spring

In the spring, you can fish on the Volga all day long, but at lunchtime, mostly small specimens are pecked. To catch big fish, you should go to the river before dusk. When the sun sets, the active pike perch bite begins, and large fanged robbers are more often caught on the hook, and not those undersized pike perch that have to be released.

In spring, the activity of underwater inhabitants strongly depends on the water level, and their behavior is also influenced by its temperature. The flood begins in the last days of April, the high level can last until the last days of June. Mid-April, when the water has not yet begun to rise, but has already warmed up to 7-8 degrees, is considered the best time for fishing on the Volga. Everything is caught, just have time to throw the tackle. The only thing that can prevent fishermen from enjoying their favorite activity is unpredictable weather, which often brings surprises in the form of sudden cold snaps. In May, the cold weather recedes, but is replaced by another enemy of fishermen - the midge. The massive emergence of this insect greatly complicates the fishing process.

Summer

Almost the entire month of June, the dominance of midges continues, so not every fishing enthusiast decides to go to the river. By the end of the month, most species of interest to anglers leave their spawning grounds and move to areas with stronger currents and colder water. The sabrefish concentrates on the riffles, and the asp follows it. Active biting begins for the spawning carp, which prefers to feed in deep snags near the shore.

At the beginning of summer, the daily activity of fish on the Volga lasts until 14.00-15.00, after which there is a lull caused by the daytime heat. In the evening, the best time for fishing will be from 19.00 to 21.00, during these hours there is usually a good bite. In the second half of summer, the sun is so hot that you can fish normally only at dawn, at night and early in the morning. During the day, temperatures often rise to a record 40 degrees for this region, and in the shade! The water heats up to +20-23. In these difficult conditions, finding fish is very difficult, even at long-proven fishing spots. However, you still need to keep your gear ready, because at any moment the sky can become cloudy, and the rising wind will disperse the stuffiness. On such days, pike and other predators become more active, they begin to bite white fish, and tench and crucian carp “awaken” on floodplain lakes. It has been noticed that the longer the heat lasts, the more active underwater inhabitants behave after the onset of cold weather.

Autumn

Compared to the summer, the autumn season on the Volga is too short, so you need to hurry to enjoy the exciting fishing. In September-October, pike and pike perch are active with all their might, perch delights with greedy bites, and wary asp are more often encountered. Until mid-autumn, effective hunting for Volga catfish is possible, which is well caught on frogs during this period.

Fishing base "Fisherman's Pier" - fishing in comfort on Akhtuba

“Fisherman's Pier” invites you to go fishing and have a wonderful holiday on Akhtuba. Our experienced rangers will take you to the best places on Akhtuba for trophy fishing.