Fishing is not just a hobby, it is a real passion. A true fisherman is ready to go through a forest, a swamp and a mountain, to swim across the entire lake just to find that “same”, one and only fishing spot. Bad weather or a cold season is not a reason to skip fishing and miss the opportunity to test your strength of character.
There are many favorite places for fishermen in Russia. But it is believed that fishing in Astrakhan is the best solution for both a beginner and a real headhunter. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most popular fishing spots.
Astrakhan region
The Astrakhan region is a real paradise for fishermen, because there is an unprecedented number of water sources. The nature of the region is striking in its diversity. Here you can find dense forests and plains that incredibly contrast with the Bolshoye Bogdo Mountain, located in the Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Nature Reserve.
Finding a secluded place in the Astrakhan region for savage fishing is quite simple. There are a lot of water sources in these places that are still not “occupied” by hotels and recreation centers. But you definitely won’t be alone here - in the Astrakhan region, fishing is one of the most common types of recreation and sports. About 300 different species of birds live in the Volga River delta.
The climate of the region is a real gift of nature. You can stop on the Volga both at a temperature of minus 10 and in 35 degree heat. Of course, summer is the most pleasant season for relaxation. But there are some nuances here too. For example, July and August are the two hottest months of the year. Daytime temperatures can reach 45 degrees. In June, the air is noticeably cooler, but it is precisely this month that a huge number of midges are consistently observed, which do not allow you to relax normally in nature.
With the exception of midges and unbearable heat in August and July, fishing in Astrakhan is a dream for any fisherman. There are many places where you can pitch a tent right next to a pond and do what you love.
Fishing in Astrakhan in summer
At the beginning of summer, the water level returns to its normal level after the flood. Both predatory and peaceful fish are beginning to be caught well.
All summer in the Astrakhan region, bream, silver carp, rudd, tench, and carp are well caught using feeder, float and bottom tackle. Tench, silver carp, carp and bream look for food in the bottom layers of the reservoir overgrown with grass. Roach and rudd stay in schools near underwater vegetation.
The most difficult month for fishing is June. In June, the midge becomes active and prevents you from taking a step. Prices at many fishing bases are reduced by 2-3 times in June. Especially with your family in June, it is better not to go fishing in Astrakhan. The abundance of midges does not negatively affect the bite; rather, on the contrary, it is in June that trophy specimens are often caught, since there are few anglers on the rivers, there is less noise and the fish become less cautious. Midges are smaller in the Volga delta regions and significantly larger in the more northern regions of the region. Midges are especially abundant in the early morning and evening twilight.
Real summer fishing begins in Astrakhan on June 20. In June, large catfish begin to be caught. Catfish are most often caught from a boat using a kwok, using a frog, pieces of fish and rotten meat as bait. The rule for catfish is: the hotter it is, the better the catfish are caught. From June and all summer long carp are caught well.
By July, the midge leaves and there is an opportunity for both fishing and a comfortable holiday with the family, the water warms up to 25-28 degrees, the lotus blooms beautifully. In July, due to the heat, fish activity decreases slightly.
August brings the first cool weather, the fish become more active, bites become more frequent and confident, and catches increase. In August, pike and pike perch begin to be caught well on spinning rods. Asp are caught from a long distance using a spoon.
Relaxing in a tent or house
Not every fisherman is a hermit seeking complete solitude with nature. Many tourists do not intend to come fishing and spend several days in the wild, fighting for survival every day. Such travelers stay in the houses of local residents or rent a room on the territory of the recreation center. There are many housing options, but the price is usually high.
But a real fisherman knows that it is almost impossible to get a good catch within the city. Therefore, experienced travelers choose wild fishing in Astrakhan. You can choose your own route and not be tied to a specific tourist base. If you still choose a tent, you won’t have to pay a fairly large amount of money for rented housing. In addition, bases are often located in such inaccessible places that they have to be reached by boat or ferry. Of course, the catch in such places can be much smaller due to the large number of people.
Three Rivers
Only the youngest and most inexperienced fisherman does not know about Three Rivers. People call the Three Rivers the confluence of three rivers - Akhtuba, Kharabalyk and Ashuluk. Local fishermen even wage war for the most fishing spots in this territory.
Local reservoirs are famous for a large number of catfish, asp, bream, rudd, pike perch and other species of fish. At different times of the year, different numbers of each species are observed. Three Rivers is famous precisely because in this place you can catch real trophy fish. One hundred kilograms of catfish is a mandatory norm for local fishermen. Therefore, the largest number of tourist centers are located here. They were originally built for the convenience of travelers, but now they form real villages that prevent tourists from fishing. So, good fishing in Astrakhan in tents is only possible in secluded places, away from the bustle.
At a distance of 30 kilometers from Kharabali, the coast is noticeably cleaner and there are few tourists. Here you can easily find a cozy place for fruitful fishing. It is believed that it is extremely difficult to fish near the tourist centers: there are a lot of people, there are boats everywhere. But this is not the most unpleasant thing. The worst thing is that poachers place their nets everywhere, and you can easily get caught in them every time you try to cast a fishing rod. Therefore, in pursuit of a good catch, it is best to drive away from the crowd.
Buzan River
The Buzan River is one of the largest branches of the Volga in the Astrakhan region. This branch is known not only for its good places for organizing a tent camp, but also for its large number of fish. Various white fish, pike, catfish, bream, etc. are found in abundance here. Fishermen can camp on comfortable natural beaches, in the shade of trees.
This branch of the Volga River is about 100 km long. But despite its short length, this river has a very fast current and is full of water. If you decide to go fishing in these places, then you need to be extremely careful on the water.
There are a lot of catfish in the Buzan River, because there are many deep holes in which this fish lives. But you shouldn’t try to catch catfish in a hole. It's best to wait until nightfall. At this time of day, the catfish comes out into shallow water to find food. Based on this, catfish should be caught using a large bunch of worms and spoiled meat.
The Buzan River is considered an excellent place where the most fruitful fishing in Astrakhan takes place. You can come to these places in any season. But if you want to bring home a decent catch of carp, then you should come here from August to October. It is best to take a vacation and go fishing for a few days. This is exactly what professional fishermen do. To begin with, this fish needs to be fed. If the water is cold, then you should use meat-containing products as bait. For example, regular worms will do. If the water in the river is warm, then use boilies with a fruity smell.
Fishing on the Buzan River near Astrakhan
Recently returned from the Astrakhan region. We went fishing on the Buzan River. Again we had to travel for almost a day—more than 1,700 km one way. This is even further than we were on Akhtuba in October.
Looking ahead, I will say that our exploration of new fishing spots did not live up to expectations. Perhaps this was due to the fact that we arrived relatively early - at the end of March, although the optimal time to start fishing is mid-April.
The greatest pleasure was the sunny, warm weather: at the end of March - beginning of April in the Astrakhan region it was the same as here in May.
Kigach River
Fishing in Astrakhan, on the Lower Volga is a pleasure. There are no crowded tourist centers here. All around is the smooth surface of the river and incredible beauty of nature. Fishing in Astrakhan always involves searching for a convenient place where it will be convenient to place a tent. There are a lot of such sites on the Kigach River.
The peculiarity of fishing on this river is that you need to constantly move in search of a bite. If you brought a boat with you, this will be a huge plus. We advise you to swim to the Guryev pit, but all fishermen swim to the Dzhanai pit, which is located in the Akhtuba River. You can catch a decent weight of catfish in this depression.
On the Kigach River in the spring there are a lot of pike, ram, and roach. In summer there will be a good catch of catfish, carp and bream. But, again, in June there are a lot of midges, which turn fishing into a real nightmare. Therefore, fishing is best in Astrakhan
from July to the very end of November. This time is considered the most fishy in these parts.
Fishing in Astrakhan in autumn
Autumn is the best time for fishing in the Lower Volga. In autumn, all underwater inhabitants prepare for the winter cold and actively feed. The best time for fishing in Astrakhan comes with the arrival of the first cold snap in late September - early October. Peaceful fish gather in large schools, actively move through reservoirs in search of food, lingering in those areas of the reservoir where there is a lot of food. Following schools of peaceful fish, predators also move.
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Caspian carp swim from the Caspian Sea to the Volga in large quantities, studying the river bottom, looking for shells and roots of underwater plants. Voracious silver carp actively feed on the surface. Schools of roach move closer to the shore and feed in shallow coastal waters.
At this time of year, pike grab everything that moves, pike perch set up ambushes behind any shelter found, schools of perch create powerful cauldrons, and the wary asp responds well to bait.
Fishing in the fall can be done with all types of fishing gear. Peaceful fish are caught using a float rod, feeder, donk, or elastic band. Predatory fish are caught using girders and spinning rods. Beginner fishermen, thanks to the active autumn bite, can master fishing methods that interest them, study the habits of different types of fish, and gain valuable fishing experience. Fishing for white fish is carried out until the water temperature reaches 9-10 degrees, which coincides with the second - third ten days of October. The second half of November and the beginning of December is the time of deep autumn, the water temperature drops to 1-7 degrees, white fish practically stops being caught, but at this time pike perch and pike continue to be caught using heavy jigs.
Erik Ashuluk
Erik Ashuluk is a branch of the Akhtuba River. Erik is famous for being very shallow. Along the entire length of the river the depth is approximately 4 meters. But in some places you can also find depressions 15 meters deep. The current is very weak, it may seem that there is none. That is why these places are so loved by fishermen who are used to fishing from a boat. Fishermen are also attracted by the predatory fish found in these waters, mainly pike and pike perch. Also a large amount of asp.
Since the river is shallow, you need to know special places to catch catfish. If you have not been to these areas before, ask the local fishermen. They certainly know where this royal fish is found. It is believed that the best option is to stop at the junction of Ashuluk and Akhtuba. The best time to go for catfish is from September to November. At this time, frogs hide to wait out the cold. This forces the catfish to rise to shallower depths. During these months there is a chance to catch large individuals weighing 40-50 kg.
Also, the fisherman who was on the Ashuluk erik can boast of an excellent catch of pike perch. Real giants live here! The best part is that these places are practically deserted. Tourist bases have not yet appeared in large numbers. So peace and quiet are guaranteed to you.
What gear and how to catch
It is very important to choose the right gear for a trip to this river. As we wrote above, the choice depends on which fish is active at a given time. Here are the main fishing methods and the gear used for this. There are various fishing spots on the Buzan River. So, for example, if you stand in the channel between the islands, then, using a boat, you fish in the following ways:
- trolling;
- on a jig;
- for live bait;
- na kwok (soma);
- in a plumb line;
- on the donk.
In addition, using a spinning rod floating or anchored will also bring a good catch. To ensure a better bite, experienced fishermen recommend using bait. The best bottom and terrain relief:
- boilers;
- pits;
- reaches.
Fishing on Buzan in the Astrakhan region is interesting because fishing is not limited to 1-2 methods - there is something for everyone here. If in the cases we described above a boat is used, then those who like to fish from the shore will find something to do here. When fishing from the shore, you can choose both the river itself and the surrounding lakes and rivers. The most effective gear in this case:
- spinning;
- feeder;
- donka;
- float;
- fly fishing
Interestingly, there is a good bite in winter too. If you go to these places in winter, you can fish directly from the ice using options such as:
- donka;
- winter spinner;
- girder;
- jig
etc. And please note that we are located at the confluence of the Akhtuba and Buzan rivers, so you can try yourself at the famous “Perekop”, where they merge and go fishing on any of these rivers. This will add opportunities and variety to your favorite activity. Separately, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that many people are interested in fishing for pike perch on Buzan, although many go for pike, catfish, asp, but this fish is very popular. Based on this, we will give the period when it is better to fish, and also tell you where and what is better to fish for. Fishing experience in these places has shown that good periods for catching pike perch: March-April and June-October. Please note that fishing peaks in April, June, July and October. This is the best time to come if you are interested in this particular type of fish. The best gear and methods for catching pike perch on Buzan:
- spinning;
- jig;
- trolling
Places to fish:
- just below the shore on the spits;
- deep edges;
- pits.
In general, call us and clarify the situation - we will always help you with advice.
Fishing in Astrakhan on the Volga River
Fishing in Astrakhan
- the dream of every fisherman. If you go to the Volga and live in a tent, you can spend days admiring the incredible beauty of the nature of this region. The most popular places for real fishermen are located not only on the Volga, but also on the Akhtuba River, which is a branch of the Volga. Here you can find many excellent clearings for camping with a tent. Fish is caught almost all year round, especially near the village of Rechnoy.
In summer and autumn on the Volga you can see the amazingly beautiful lotus valley. This plant blooms in July and continues until September. Don't miss the opportunity to observe this scenic beauty with your own eyes.
Fishing in Astrakhan in spring
Spring fishing in the Astrakhan region begins with the opening of the Volga from ice and the passage of ice, usually this happens in early March. At this time, a large number of fishermen appear on the banks of rivers and channels: they miss fishing in open water.
In the spring they catch with all existing types of fishing gear: float rod, feeder, donka, girders, elastic bands, and spinning rods.
In March, immediately after the ice melts, the pre-spawning feast begins for the pike, which at this time grabs any living creature that comes across its path. Pike leave for spawning gradually, first small pikes and medium-sized pikes, then the largest ones.
In the spring, pike perch and bershi leave their wintering pits, come almost close to the coastline and begin to chase schools of peaceful fish.
The perch returns to a full life after winter inactivity and begins to chase the fry, arranging cauldrons on the surface of the water.
In the spring, hungry catfish wake up, emerge from their pools, holes and snags, begin to move around the reservoir and actively feed after a long winter.
In spring, fishing for predators using jig spinning and trolling is common. Catching predators with jigs continues throughout March and April, until the water level rises from the discharge of flood waters at the Volzhskaya hydroelectric station, which occurs in late April - early May.
Many fishermen come to the Astrakhan region in the spring to catch peaceful fish, which begin to be actively caught as soon as the water temperature reaches 8-9 degrees. At this time, roach, bream, silver bream, crucian carp, roach, and carp bite well.
In the spring, many anglers come to Astrakhan for fishing specifically to catch roach. Vobla is a real symbol of the Astrakhan region and its heritage.
Spring roach fishing begins in April and continues until mid-May. The peak of the spring run of the roach is the month of April; at this time the roach can be caught almost by hand. The peak of the flood in Astrakhan usually occurs in the last days of April.
After the start of the discharge of flood waters from the Volzhskaya hydroelectric station, fishing for white fish moves from the Volga to eriki, channels and lakes. Fishing is carried out until the start of the spawning ban, that is, until May 16.
From March to mid-April it is still quite cool in the Astrakhan region and you need to have warm clothes with you. From mid-April it becomes much warmer, and in early May you can already sunbathe while fishing from the shore.
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Volga Delta
The largest number of tourist centers are located in the Volga River delta. But there is a way out here too if you want to find a secluded place. The lower reaches of the river are perfect for savage fishing. There is practically no civilization here. It is best to go to these parts in the fall, when there is no extreme heat. At the beginning of autumn there will be an excellent catch of asp, perch and pike perch. Bream lovers should take the donka with them.
The season for pike perch and carp begins in October. You can also catch some good bersh. The fish is hiding at this time, for example, the asp descends to a decent depth, so a donk is needed. But October and November are the best months for pike fishing. It is during this period that it begins to gain kilograms, and it is quite possible to catch a pike weighing 10 kg. The best place for catching will be the reeds near the shore.
Winter fishing in the Volga Delta also has its own charm. Although the variety of fish is small, you can catch ram, rudd, bream and pike perch in quite large quantities. Winter fishing in Astrakhan is most popular in the Kamyzyaksky and Ikryaninsky districts.
Fishing in Astrakhan in winter
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In the Lower Volga there is no such thing as wilderness; fish can be caught here all year round. Until the freeze-up in Astrakhan, they fish with summer gear, and with the establishment of stable ice cover, anglers switch to fishing with winter gear: girders, hooks, balancers, winter spoons and jigs. Ice in Astrakhan begins at the end of December and lasts until December.
In winter, roach, silver bream, rudd, bream and bluefish are caught in Astrakhan. Among the predatory fish caught are pike and pike perch. Pike-perch stands in deep holes and is caught with winter pike-perch spoons and balancers. Pike moves into shallow channels and eriks and is caught using spoons, balancers, and girders. Almost all winter it is good to catch burbot.
