Because of the political isolation, the number of tourists coming to Abkhazia is small. However, Russian travelers can visit the country without any restrictions. Fishing on Lake Ritsa is a budget type of vacation at a mountain reservoir surrounded by wildlife. It can be combined with a trip through the mountains: the natural attraction is located at an altitude of 950 meters above sea level.
What fish are found in Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia
Lake Ritsa is the habitat of both typical freshwater fish species and elite and acclimatized species.
A fisherman’s catch could be:
- crucian carp;
- carp;
- chub;
- trout;
- whitefish et al.
Trout
The presence of trout indicates the purity of the mountain reservoir. It is caught by spinning, using as bait various kinds of baits. Local outdoor enthusiasts claim that this species can also be caught on corn. But more often on such a bait caught crucian carp or carp.
Sig
Valuable fish species characteristic of the northern regions of Europe and Asia. It appeared in the mountain lake of Abkhazia due to acclimatization. Whitefish are also caught on trollers.
Chub
Chub, or “white predator,” is the object of sport fishing.
The best time to “hunt” it is late summer, when the water in the lake is well heated.
For fishing use a light spinning rod weighing no more than 210 g.
Carp
Like all water bodies of Abkhazia, Ritsa cannot boast of large carp. The most common fish caught here are specimens up to 20 cm in size and weighing up to 300 g. The best baits for fishing are red worms and plant baits.
Sazan
Carp is considered to be the largest species that can be caught in these waters. Some individuals reach a weight of several kilograms. Carp also bites well on worms. Many anglers use canned corn as bait.
What other fish species live in the lake
The tributaries of Lake Ritsa can also boast a wider variety of fish species.
In them are found:
- fast;
- sub;
- moustache;
- bleak;
- roach.
Peculiarities of fishing on Lake Ritsa
The peculiarities of fishing on the lake include a ban on recreational fishing even during the spawning period of salmon (trout). It most often lasts from mid-November to December, but can vary depending on weather conditions.
Fishing permits can be obtained from the State Committee of the Republic on Ecology.
Best time to fish
Because of the location of the reservoir in the mountains, the water in it warms up long enough. Local fish species are most active in the summer, especially in August. Trout are actively biting in early spring and late fall.
What kind of gear will be needed
For fishing on the Rice suitable float rods and spinning rods. The tackle should not be too heavy. To fish for trout using the fly fishing method it is necessary to have a fly rod.
What bait to choose
As a live bait most often used red worm or pieces of clam meat. Canned corn is used when fishing for carp, whitefish or trout (fly fishing). Popular trollers and 5-cm wobblers with a depth of up to 2 m.
Where to fish from on Lake Ritsa
The average depth of Lake Ritsa is 60 m and the maximum depth is 131 m. Therefore, most of the fish are caught in the coastal areas, which are best warmed up.
From the shore
From the shore you can fish any species that is found in the pond. Trout are caught by fly-fishing exclusively in this way, often going to the mountain streams, tributaries of the lake.
From the boat
However, recreational anglers are still attracted to the depths of the reservoir. For this purpose, they can rent a boat from locals. From the boat most often “hunt” crucian carp or carp.
Popular fishing bases and campsites on Lake Ritsa
Ritsa is an important natural attraction of the state reserve of the same name. Near him built about 10 hotels and campsites, where anglers can stay overnight.
Depending on living conditions, the cost of a hotel stay ranges from 1 to 5 thousand rubles.
Locals consider the lake sacred, so you can not swim in the pond. It does not dispose to this and the low water temperature, which rarely exceeds 15 ° C. But at tourist bases you can rent a boat, catamaran or boat. Tourist excursions are organized around the reserve. The cost of visiting the park is 350 rubles.
Many travelers who have visited the region return here because of the Abkhazian cuisine. Local chefs also prepare fish dishes. At the same time, the masters of cuisine claim that the dishes served to the table are prepared from catches caught in the crystal clear waters of Ritza. In most cases this is not true. But for a fee, you can ask a local chef to prepare the catch caught by the fisherman.
In memory of one of the most attractive places for fishing in Abkhazia you can buy souvenirs in the shops, equipped at the campsites and bases.
