Trout is a unique fish that can live in both fresh and salt water. Inveterate fishermen often ask themselves where the trout is found in Russia, in which regions and on which rivers, which bait it is better for.
Before you start looking for an answer to the question of where trout is found in Russia, it is important to understand that catching this fish is not easy. Requires certain skills, tackle, special bait and much more. In addition, you need to know what a trout looks like, what species it is and where exactly they live.
Trout description
Freshwater trout, which belongs to the salmon family, lives in Russia. The climatic conditions of our country allow it to live in lakes, streams or small rivers, artificial reservoirs.
Trout is a predatory fish with a body 25 to 35 cm long (for an adult), slightly flattened on the sides. The head of this fish is short, with two rows of sharp and thin teeth in the mouth. Trout is quite strong with a low weight (from 200 to 600 g), and this must be taken into account when choosing tackle for catching it.
Larger trout live in Karelia - from 2 to 5 kg. This is due to the presence of a large amount of food in the local lakes. The body of the Karelian lake trout is covered with small golden scales with a greenish tint, a number of dark spots on the sides and a short, but pronounced fin on the ridge. Interestingly, the color of trout scales can change and depends on the characteristics of the habitat, season, food and other external factors.
How to tell a female trout from a male
No matter in which region of Russia the trout was caught, the female is always larger than the male. But the head of the female is smaller than that of the male. That is, the bodies of individuals of different sex in this species of salmon are disproportionate.
Another feature by which one can distinguish a male trout from a female is the structure of the lower jaw. The fact is that males have much more teeth, and the lower jaw, thanks to this, protrudes slightly, and in some subspecies it can be strongly bent upward. This sign can be seen in numerous photos of fishermen who were lucky enough to catch trout in Russia.
During the spawning period, you can distinguish a male trout from a female by specks on the sides of the body. In females, at this time, the spots disappear, the scales become monotonous, and the fins on the abdomen are bright yellow.
Despite the fact that the body of the male is smaller, the calorie content of his meat is much higher. Therefore, those who monitor weight should carefully choose fish when buying in a store or from private traders.
Where trout is found in Russia
Freshwater trout prefer bodies of water with low water temperatures. This habitat is optimal for the development and growth of fish of the salmon family, spawning. On the territory of Russia, trout is found in
- lakes of the Leningrad region,
- Karelia (Lake Onega),
- mountain lakes in the Caucasus,
- on the Kola Peninsula.
Lake or brook trout live in natural reservoirs. Iridescent, which in the wild lives only in the seas, is grown on the territory of Russia in artificial reservoirs or in fish farms. And there, and there it must be bought - at a factory or farm as a commodity, and in artificial ponds the right to fish for trout is paid.
Naturally grown rainbow trout is available to Russians in the coastal waters of the Black Sea, on the Crimean peninsula, but it is not easy to catch it here. It is necessary to choose the right place not only for fishing, but also the season. It is better not to look for recommendations in print or online publications, but ask local fishermen.
How and what to fish for trout
If the goal is to catch a trout, its habitat has been found, it is necessary to prepare special tackle - a float rod, spinning rod or fly fishing. The simplest of them is a fishing rod with a float, which any fisherman can handle, even a beginner. Spinning is a more difficult, but also more effective tackle for fishing trout. The principle of its use is specific, but not complicated, and a few training sessions are enough to learn how to use it. Fly fishing is a special device for catching strong, nimble and heavy fish. Tackle must be carefully selected, beginners are advised to take a few lessons in its use from professionals. Online video tutorials can also be used as a guide.
Fishing for trout in Russia, like any other fish, requires bait. Moreover, for each of the gear, its specific type is used:
- float rod - worms, larvae (maggots), live bait, cheese or caviar,
- spinning - flies, "castmaster", spinning spoon or so-called "spoons",
- fly fishing - large size artificial flies, larvae or maggots.
The choice of bait for fishing trout depends on the climatic characteristics of the area, the time of year and even weather conditions. It is better to go fishing with local experts who can help with the choice of the type of bait and give recommendations on its use.
What can you cook with fresh trout?
Trout has juicy, tender and very healthy meat, but only if it is cooked correctly. Despite the fact that this fish does not have a specific smell and taste, which is its value, experts recommend marinating it before cooking. But not all types of marinades are suitable for trout. The best base options are citrus juice, homemade dairy products, white or red table wine. The proportion of base and additives, herbal spices, is determined by taste.
Trout can be cooked in the oven, simply fried in a pan, baked in foil or clay over a fire, simmer in coals. There are a lot of step-by-step classic and original recipes, and the most important thing is to have fresh trout on hand and a desire to create.
There are no special rules for preparing trout carcasses. The fish is freed from the scales and entrails, the fins are cut from it, the head and gills are removed - the trout is prepared. It is important to know only one rule - the thickness of the chunks of trout meat should not exceed 2.5 cm. If the fish is baked or fried whole, such a trick is used - the carcass must be cut to the ridge in several places. This should be done with a sharp knife.
