Kharabali: general characteristics
The main purpose of visiting this city is fishing. It can be characterized by several features:
- Experienced fishermen claim that the fish here are large in size compared to fish in other Russian cities.
- In the warm season, it becomes possible to rent a tent for the night and stay in a well-equipped camp. But, in the midst of summer, there are very few available places.
- If you want to visit this place, it is better to do it by using public transport. After rain, the roads become very muddy and travel becomes problematic, almost impossible.
Another purpose of coming to Kharabali is business. Many entrepreneurs strive to open a retail outlet in this location. Prices here are almost the same as in Moscow, but the level of competition is much lower.
Features of fishing in Kharabali
Each month in Kharabali is universal for fishermen; it has its own characteristics:
- The largest number of fishermen gathers in this city in June . During this period, the water rises here, and accordingly, the flood level increases. Fishing is only possible at paid bases and some settlements. Fish are usually caught using a spinning rod, a fishing rod or a donkey. From the 5th to the 10th the peak of Caspian herring is observed here, but only those people who have a license can catch it.
- July is the most problematic month for fishermen. The sweltering heat begins in Kharabali, and there is no wind on the reservoirs. Even in the shade, the temperature can rise by more than 40 degrees. Large specimens, for example, pike perch, can only be caught in the evening; during the day, fish are caught reluctantly.
- Another popular month for fishing in the Astrakhan region is August . During this period, the air temperature and the number of annoying insects decrease, respectively, fishing becomes comfortable. By the middle of the month there is a decline in water, which means there is an opportunity to catch an asp.
- By autumn, in September, October and November, the ranks of fishermen thin out significantly. The nights are getting colder, and the opportunity for savages to stay in this place disappears. But still, some people continue to fish. The biggest catch is found where there is a strong current.
- The most popular river, Akhtuba, passing through the city of Kharabali, does not freeze in winter, as it has a strong current. It is possible to fish from ice only on lakes and small bodies of water.
- Fishing in open water is restored only from the beginning of spring . The ice begins to melt at the end of February - beginning of March, this process lasts 15 days. During this period, it becomes possible to catch a fairly large individual. In April, the greenery begins to grow and the temperature level increases, and the number of white fish increases accordingly. By the end of May, the fish go to spawn, so fishing becomes prohibited.
Each fisherman independently chooses the time when he arrives in the Astrakhan region, depending on what kind of catch he wants to get.
How and what to catch pike perch on Akhtuba?
Fishing for pike perch on Akhtuba is carried out mainly in the following ways:
- Jig fishing, in which soft, front-loaded baits are led along the bottom with a special (stepped) line.
- Trolling from a moving craft (boat, cutter).
- Sheer glitter.
The latter method is used for both summer and winter fishing (on ice).
Fishing with a jig
Classic jig fishing for pike perch involves performing certain actions: 2-3 full turns of the reel and then a pause. When stopping, the bait moves by inertia for a short time and then gradually sinks to the bottom. This attracts predatory fish. After the bait falls on the ground, you must pause for 1.5 minutes and continue retrieving.
For jig fishing, a spinning rod with a rod 3-3.5 m long and a durable reel of size 3000 is used. The head (sinker) is selected taking into account the weight and type of bait. As well as the strength of the current and the depth of fishing. There are several options for mounting the bait:
- directly onto a rigid jig head with a built-in hook;
- on a meter-long lead, located just above the sinker;
- on a fishing weight of the “Cheburashka” type, equipped with a hook.
It is advisable to use silicone twisters and vibrotails as bait for fishing on Akhtuba. As well as foam rubber and polyurethane foam fish.
Trolling
When trolling fishing, the bait is moved using a boat or motor boat. There are special requirements for equipment. It must be durable and able to withstand significant loads. On Akhtuba, fishermen use spinning rods with a weight of 15 to 60 grams, equipped with reliable multiplier reels with line counters, to catch large pike perch.
Large deep-sea baits are used as wobblers, capable of independently withstanding currents, loads and lying on the bottom. Leashes are most often used metal, made of titanium and Kevlar. In terms of thinness and flexibility, they are not inferior to fishing line. At the same time they have high strength.
Fishing with vertical lures
On Akhtuba, pike perch can be caught well with a spinner - a narrow metal plate up to 12 cm long with an attached hook. The color of the artificial bait is selected taking into account the fishing conditions. For rocky bottoms, it is recommended to use a silver spoon. For sandy soil - yellow.
Fishing tackle is prepared from the following elements:
- a short fishing rod (no more than 1 meter), which can be securely fastened on board the boat;
- inertial coil;
- monofilament line 0.3 mm;
- tungsten leash.
The method of fishing with vertical lures on Akhtuba is as follows: at the fishing site, a spoon is lowered from a slowly drifting boat. It should almost reach the bottom, but not touch the ground. Then the trolling begins - a sharp rise of the bait up and a slow movement down. This method shows good results during winter fishing, when the spoon is lowered into the holes.
Nature, climatic features of the region
The city of Kharabali, like any other region, has several climatic features.
- The entire Astrakhan region experiences hot and dry summers; at the height of July the air temperature can reach up to 45 degrees, the rest of the time it ranges from 25 to 35 degrees, at night it ranges from 18 to 24 degrees. Asphalt and sand are heated by the sun to such an extent that walking barefoot becomes impossible. Precipitation is also observed, mainly it falls in small quantities in June and July, it is presented in the form of rain and rapid downpours with thunderstorms. Dust storms may appear towards the end of summer.
- In the city of Kharabali, the air temperature in winter is extremely unstable. Typically, the prevailing temperature during the day is from – 7 to – 14 degrees, and at night it can drop to – 19 degrees. On the coldest days, the temperature can drop to -35. In winter, precipitation falls here in the form of snow or rain.
- Spring and autumn are usually dry and partly cloudy in this region. The temperature can fluctuate from -4 to + 12 degrees. In spring, snow may not melt for a long time, even until mid-May, which is why there are frosts at night. Precipitation is also observed in the form of snow and heavy rain.
All year round in the Astrakhan region there is a temperature acceptable for a Russian person. With this mode he can feel comfortable. The exception is mid-summer.
As for natural features, the Astrakhan region has a huge amount of vegetation, which is why beautiful landscapes, a cozy atmosphere and healing air prevail here. Tourists who come here fall in love with this place at least once and strive to visit it again.
What types of fish can you find
In winter, fishermen visit Kharabali to catch large specimens, and in summer for large quantities of small, white fish. Autumn and spring are unpredictable, here you can find prey of various sizes. The main predominant fish species are:
- Pike or bream.
- Carp, catfish and other large specimens.
- Carp.
- Roach.
- Ide.
- Crucian carp.
- Asp.
These are just the main species that can be caught throughout the year. Some fishermen claim that in some reservoirs you can catch a rare species of fish.
In the city of Kharabali there are several large retail outlets where you can buy finished products. This option is acceptable as a compromise for those whose fishing has not been successful.
The best places for independent fishing
Akhtub
It is a branch of the Volga.
Main features of the reservoir:
- length four hundred and fifty kilometers;
- many branches, floodplain lakes, various tributaries;
- quite winding in places;
- the current is moderate;
- the highest water level is recorded in May;
- the width in places is more than six hundred meters;
- sandy bottom;
- quite low banks.
Advantages of fishing on the river:
- the opportunity to catch about fifty species of fish;
- due to the moderate current it is difficult to miss a bite;
- large individuals are found.
There are numerous fishing spots on Akhtuba; the most successful are:
- Pea Pit, average depth from four to fifteen meters. Excellent bite:
- Pike, especially in the summer. It is noted that it is ideally fished using jig tackle, as well as ordinary float rods. It is better to use small fish or frogs as bait.
- Zander. The gear can be the same as for pike, only with the difference that stronger and more durable equipment should be used, especially fishing line and hooks. The bait is worms, bloodworms, mollusks and maggots.
- Akhtubinsky roll. Excellent bite:
- Catfish bite especially well in June and July. You can fish with a feeder, trolling, spinning, and frogs and pieces of meat (especially liver) are ideal baits.
- Asp can be caught using any gear, but anglers note that it is more successful with a spinning rod. The best bait is a worm, shellfish, and often peas and corn.
- The pits downstream to Poldanilovka are one of the most favorite places today. Successfully fished out:
- Catfish;
- Perch;
- Crucian carp. Gears worth using include spinning, trolling, and donka. The ideal baits in these places are worms (especially several on one hook), bloodworms, and for catfish - frogs and small fish.
- The first pumping station is also a very popular place, the depth ranges from five to nine meters, it is noteworthy that the largest number of holes are concentrated here, mainly caught:
- Pike perch (best bite in July and August);
- crucian carp;
- Asp.
- The hole near the Parashkin channel is very deep and with a strong current. The bite is observed:
- Pike perch;
- Soma;
- Asp;
- Often pike and perch.
It is better to use trolling or jig gear. It is better to take mollusks, red worms, and bloodworms as bait.
Important advice: the main thing is that the sinker weighs more than forty grams, optimally fifty to sixty.
Lower Volga
Features and benefits of fishing:
- the possibility of a rich catch at any time of the year;
- very large specimens are found;
- numerous rifts;
- Quite strong current in places.
Main fishing spots:
- A tributary of the Enotaevka River. Caught using jig tackle, float rods, and spinning rods. The best baits are bloodworms, maggots, and mollusks. Great bite:
- pike perch;
- perch;
- crucian carp;
- carp
- Perovsky backwater, the place is quite deep. The optimal tackle is a spinning rod and a feeder, and it bites well on bloodworms and maggots. You can get:
- pike perch;
- pike;
- asp.
- Downstream from Perovsky backwater:
- catfish;
- zander;
- pike.
You can catch it with various gear (float rod, spinners, feeder and others), and it is better to use bait such as frogs, worms, bloodworms.
Tips for wild anglers:
- be careful when going out on the ice (especially during a thaw);
- study the fishing area in advance;
- experiment with baits;
- take various tackles and equipment;
- In autumn the weather is especially changeable, dress warmer.
Main fishing spots: fishing seasons
Depending on the time of year, there are several most popular fishing spots:
- Akhtuba - this place is considered the best in the entire Lower Volga; first of all, it is attractive for trophy fishing. The city of Kharabali is built on the Ashuluk River, which is the left branch of the Volga. What is remarkable about this place? Why do fishermen from all over the world strive to come here? First of all, it attracts a large assortment of fish. Visitors enjoy convenient access to the banks of the river using their own transport. The landscapes surrounding this area cannot but please the eye.
- The Lower Volga is also famous for trophy fishing. Not only men, but also women come here for easy prey. Each of them has their own treasured place on the river bank. Mostly people live here as savages, using tents. But, if such an activity is not to your liking, then you can have a good time at one of the recreation centers located near the Lower Volga.
- The Volga-Akhtuba floodplain is not just a place, it is an amazing corner of the earth. In this area the river has a wide border, about 30 meters. It is surrounded on both sides by steppes and semi-deserts. A huge amount of fish is introduced here, and it is dried on trees located in the middle of the desert steppe.
Conditions
Fishing conditions are determined by the presence of a huge number of channels, eriks, spills, and so on.
This region attracts fishermen from all over the country, which leads to quite strong competition during the high season.
Many bases provide the opportunity to fish in the most favorable, prepared conditions, but the real fishing spots are located away from roads and tourist and fishing bases.
Therefore, you need to be prepared to travel by boat or on foot.
We should also talk about the “World Fish” database.
It can be characterized by the following indicators:
- Prices. Conventionally, it can be classified as “standard”. The cost of living in a similar class per day is 900 rubles, in a business class room - 1,700 rubles.
- About the reservoir. The main fishing spots are located at the confluence of the Akhtuba, Ashuluk and Kriusha rivers.
- Services. Among the services, in addition to fishing, we note hunting, excursions, family vacations and fishing tournaments.
- Comfort. In the protected area there is a bar, restaurant, bathhouse, and pier. 156 people can live in the complex at the same time. All rooms are divided into 3 classes: business, standard, standard+. The rooms are located in separate houses, which are designed for different numbers of people.
- Stocking of reservoirs is not carried out due to the fact that fishing is carried out on the river, where fishing fees are not charged. In this case, only accommodation and other services are paid.
Particular attention should be paid to the base for those who like to spend time in a large company
.
Popular fishing bases
Guests who want to spend a long time in this fabulous place, but do not want to live like savages, can stay in one of the following bases:
- The Avalon fishing and hunting base opens its borders to tourists. It is located on the expanses of the Akhtuba River. Here you can spend an active holiday, doing men's favorite activities: hunting and fishing. In addition, you can have a fun and educational time at the base. The staff of the complex offers tourists a fascinating tour of the lotus field. The minimum cost of accommodation per day per person is 3900 rubles.
- At the Alimovsky Reach base, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle that everyone is tired of and immerse yourself in a new, interesting world of fishing. You can catch fresh fish in backwaters, channels and lakes. You can also try your luck by hunting waterfowl. Near the recreation center there is a strong river current, which will allow guests to purchase a large catch. On its territory there is a hotel complex with rooms of various classes. The minimum cost per person per day is 2,500 rubles.
- The fishing and tourist base “Akhtuba” has existed for many years and functions excellently. The organizers offer a whole range of services for fishing and hunting. In addition, entertainment events are concentrated here; guests can visit a karaoke bar, a bathhouse or billiards. On the territory of the base there is a cozy cafe where you can try fresh fish dishes. The minimum cost of accommodation per person for one day is 3100 rubles.
- In the Khaprabalinsky district, on an area of 12 hectares, one of the largest recreation centers is located - “Akhtuba Club”. Tourists can come here and go fishing at any time convenient for them; the complex’s staff accepts guests throughout the year. They offer accommodation in any cottage you like, which can accommodate from 4 people. The minimum cost of living there for one day will be 8,000 rubles.
- The fishing base "Bely Bereg" is located in a village with an unusual name - Tsagan-Aman. It offers clients a range of services for fruitful fishing. Here you can rent a boat, spinning rods and fishing rods. You can stay in cozy houses; the minimum cost for one day per person is 1,250 rubles.
- The fishing base “Usadba Dali” is located 25 kilometers from the city of Kharabali. It is located on the bank of the Akhtuba River between two farms. Here you can catch catfish, carp, pike, pike perch, bream, perch or roach. Hunting for birds and animals is also common in this area. You can rent a cottage located in this complex for an overnight stay. The minimum cost of accommodation per person for one day is 1000 rubles.
- In a secluded corner of the Astrakhan region there is a recreation center “Sandy Coast”, it is located 15 kilometers from the city of Kharabali. A huge number of tourists are constantly observed here, as experienced fishermen believe that the best fishing takes place here. Guests can expect exciting fishing for pike, bream, rudd, catfish and perch. You can stay in a comfortable hotel complex, the cost of living is from 1300 rubles.
- 18 kilometers from the city of Kharabali there is a base with the romantic name “Meeting Place” . Fishing here is especially good; there are several pools and eriks, ilmens, oxbow lakes and lakes. You can catch fish for every taste, even if you don’t have a fishing rod and bait, specialists will select the equipment. The minimum cost of accommodation per person for one day is 1,700 rubles.
- In the vicinity of the Saransky Corner base, there are erika waters and streams. Here you can find a wide variety of fish, such as pike, roach or pike perch. The staff offers boat rentals to make your favorite activity even more fun. You can stay overnight in small houses. The minimum price of accommodation per person for one night will be 1800 rubles.
- Unity, competitive spirit, team games - all this can be obtained by visiting the Captain's Island base. It is located on the territory of the world's largest oasis, the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain. Guests periodically organize competitions here to see who can catch the largest fish. The minimum cost of accommodation for one night per person will be 2000 rubles.
- The Astrakhan region is rich in unique recreation complexes. One of the most popular is "Delta". Here you can get a rich catch, many vivid impressions and new acquaintances. The minimum cost of accommodation per person for one day will be 1,600 rubles.
What is?
Akhtuba River
The main tourist income comes from fishing. This is due to the fact that in the area of this city two fairly large rivers, the Lower Volga and Akhtuba, overflow.
In addition, special attention should be paid to how rivers flow: there are places with strong and small currents, there are places where there is a spill, and so on.
Taking these features into account, over many years a large number of fishing bases and paid ponds and places for active recreation have been created in the Kharabalinsky district.
A fairly large number of fish species are caught in this area and trophy specimens are often caught.
Therefore, during the season, many fishermen who come from other districts and regions rest at bases and paid reservoirs. Tournaments are also held.
When searching for bases that fall into the “VIP” and “standard” categories, you can consider the following fishing spots:
Avalon
A large tourist complex, which is located 70 kilometers from the administrative center and 2.5 kilometers from the village of Rechnoye.
Fishing is carried out all year round on the Lower Volga, Mitinka, Akhtuba, there are catfish pits. Developed own infrastructure, holding tournaments and master classes.
General
The base is located on the island of Matnya. The settlement of Selitrennoye is located closest.
Float
Located at a distance of 4 kilometers from the village of Bugor.
The total area of the recreation center is 12 hectares. Fishing is carried out on the left bank of the Akhtuba River; around the complex there are a large number of channels, holes, whirlpools, rifts and overgrown bays, which allows you to choose the most favorable type of fishing for the season.
It has its own infrastructure.
Cool Coast
The base is located near the Selitrennoe base. The base operates seasonally; there are a large number of small rivers around. Fishing is also carried out on the Akhtuba shore.
On the territory of the base there are cafes, billiards, restaurants and other infrastructure elements.
Favorite
Fishing base, which is located near the village of Bugor on the shore of Akhtuba. Fishing is carried out seasonally; there are a large number of channels and deep holes around.
The Volga is about 20 minutes by boat through the channels. On site there is a bar, equipped recreation areas, a Russian bathhouse and billiards.
Robinson
The base, with an area of more than 1.5 hectares, is located on Gusiny Island. On the territory of the base there are isolated lakes, as well as forests.
Volga-Volga
Located at a distance of 2.5 kilometers from the village of Volzhsky. The territory on which the base is located was previously known as the Seroglazovsky Garden.
After its collapse, all the trees remained, and the area was prepared for tourist recreation.
Fishing village
Located near the village of Ivanovka.
The above bases can be called complexes for outdoor recreation, but at the same time, they specialize in providing fishing services.
This feature makes it possible to have places for repairing fishing gear, renting boats, holding fishing tournaments, and so on.
On the topic, it will be useful for you to read an article about what food to take for fishing if you decide to go outdoors for a long time.