Ilmen (lake): rest, fishing and reviews of tourists

In the north-west of the East European Plain lies the legendary and picturesque lake Ilmen. The Novgorod region, the western part of which it occupies, borders with the Pskov and Tver lands and remains attractive for tourists, fishermen and hunters. The unrelenting interest in the pond is also fueled by some kind of epic nature, as mention of it exists in many chronicles, and legends are even more complicated. We will not delve into the history of the name of the reservoir, there are many different versions, and none of them has been proved definitively. In ancient manuscripts until the 16th century, the lake is referred to as Ilmer, which in the translation from the symbiosis of the Finnish "Ilm" and the Slavic "yer" means "a lake that creates the weather". The location in the central part of Russia on the Novgorod lands, so rich in the events of Russian history, has created that halo of mystery and mystery that still envelops the lake and warms the curiosity of our tourists who love Veliky Novgorod. Lake Ilmen, always mysterious and generous, is really worthy of attention.

The pearl of the Novgorod land

Historically, large reservoirs - rivers and lakes - have traditionally been a haven for many peoples, providing food, supporting life, protecting from adversity. There was no exception to Ilmen Lake, lying on the famous route "from the Varangians to the Greeks" and serving as the water trade artery connecting North Russia with the South, and the Baltic and Scandinavia - with Byzantium. Since ancient times, various ethnic tribes of the Baltic Finns and Balts have settled along its shores. Mass development of the shores of the reservoir by the Slavs began in the ninth century, as evidenced by numerous archaeological sites: burial mounds and fortifications. Lake Ilmen (a city that grew up on its shores - this is freedom-loving Novgorod) is mentioned in the "Tale of Bygone Years", dated the twelfth century.

The unique natural reservoir, which completes the first dozen of the largest Russian lakes in size, is also known for its features that no other can boast of. The difference in water during floods reaches 7 meters, and the increase in the area of its own surface increases by 3 times.

This is explained by the large number of tributaries: up to 40 rivers and streams feed a relatively small water depth of 3.5-4 m (maximum reaches 10 m). The imposing dimensions of a lake 45 and a width of 35 km and the absence of solitary islands give rise to a magnificent mirror surface stretching beyond the horizon and creating a complete illusion of sea space, amplified by the noise of the surf near the high south-west shore. Not for nothing did the chroniclers call him Moisky, and then the Slovene Sea. Nevertheless, the tourists arriving here for the first time need to know the peculiarities of this amazing lake, which has its own uneasy nature.

Treachery of the Sea of Moya

Ilmen Lake on the map of Russia is easy to find. Its comfortable enough flat layout, slightly higher than the level of the World Ocean (18.1 m), and its shallow depth will not save the situation if it gets into a storm, which differs in these places with special cunning. Just the absence of islands, which act as a deterrent in other reservoirs, gives here the opportunity to sweep the waves. Storm waves, reaching a height of two meters, go in a sequence with very short gaps, they are able to easily turn the boat or boat. Strong storms have been on Ilmen at all times, in the annals of the fifteenth century, describes a terrible storm that occurred in 1471, the consequence of which was a lot of sunken ships, whose remains today underwater archaeologists are trying to find on the bottom.

But do not worry about tourists coming to these places. Strong storms are a rare phenomenon, and before going out for a walk or fishing, you should know the weather forecast, but the opinion of local guides who know their Ilmen lake is better. The Novgorod region, the recreation in which is associated with the named reservoir, has long won the recognition of the best domestic fishermen.

Shores

Plain location of the lake is defined and coastal relief, mostly consisting of lowland swampy, and in some places delta coast with a large number of flat floodplain islets and a channel. The coastal zone from the northwestern part of the lake is low elongated ridges alternating with depressions, the southern shores are swamped. Basically, the reservoir is surrounded by a fairly flat terrain. But Ilmen would not have been a mysterious miracle lake if it had not been presented to us by the most interesting from the historical and archaeological point of view, clint. It is an open steep cliff, a ledge about 15 meters high and 8 km long, located between the villages of Korosten and Pustosh. Incredibly beautiful place, amazing imagination: limestone cliff, which compressed the time, as a living witness of the past times still excites fans and gives discoveries to scientists. In the thickness of the limestone layers, many fossils of ancient plants and animals have been found.

Lake water

Natural impurities of peat give the water in Ilmen brownish shades, but the purity of it in the lake at altitude. More than fifty rivers feeding it do not allow water to stagnate, and every 1.5-2 months due to natural circulation it is completely renewed. The constant flow of streams does not really appeal to bathers, since the temperature in places with great depth, even in the heat, rarely exceeds + 20 ° С. However, fishermen are only happy with this circumstance, because constantly moving and renewing water does not create stagnant phenomena, it perfectly suits the water with oxygen, and the fish develops perfectly, enjoying the catch.

Speaking about the quality of water, it is impossible not to mention which rivers are filled with Ilmen Lake, the fishing in which is truly royal. Shelon, Paul, Msta, Lovat, Vergoth, Vrjazha, Krupka, Psizha and many other arteries support the excellent quality of Ilmen water.

Rivers of life

Each river that flows into Ilmen Lake is full of bumps and pits, in which there is a good pike perch, perch, catfish, bream, asp, pike. In the merger of Lovat, Poles and Vergothi are often caught and exclusive specimens. Numerous inner lakes, communicating with the rivers, are natural spawning grounds, where the abundance of fry attracts a predator. Catching a length of 530 km, flowing from the Belarusian lake Lovatets, passes through a system of small reservoirs in the Pskov and Novgorod regions. The wayward river has a winding riverbed, the whirlpools here and there reach an eight-meter depth, and the sand banks form thresholds, and the speed of the current varies greatly. Its average width is 70 m, with confluence in Ilmen - 220 m.

Resources of the lake that creates the weather

The ancient Slavic tribes, who lived on the banks of Ilmen, called it the "golden bottom" for the richest reserves of fish. Today, the lake, which has already been fairly shallow in comparison with those old times, still pleases with magnificent catches. It is home to almost 40 species of freshwater fish: pike, pike perch, catfish, bream, bluefish, burbot, roach, scurf, bleak.

Fishing here in the blood, fish catch everything: children and adults, lovers and professionally working artels. Fishing, renting gear, floating equipment and providing accommodation to newcomers have become a fairly successful business for the inhabitants of the villages of Priyolmenya, helping to survive in the difficult conditions of permanent crises.

Fishing

Ilmen Lake, rich in fish resources, is an excellent holiday destination. One of the most popular places for fishing is the village of Vozvad, located on the opposite bank of Novgorod and mentioned in the annals of the twelfth century as a place of prince's fishing and hunting. Currently, the "Red Fisherman" factory is functioning here, many routes to Ilmenu start here. They say that the fish bite on the lake everywhere. The trophies caught from the depths of this reservoir of the largest reservoir in the European part of Russia are also striking.

The organization of all kinds of fishing routes and recreation on Ilmen is occupied by more than a dozen bases, stationary and floating, with various levels of comfort, the main rule for which is to ensure a decent rest for tourists. Competently and quickly solved problems of life and recreation of fishermen give an opportunity to give your favorite occupation as much time as possible. The main advantage of dislocation in recreation centers is the provision of services for a guide who is knowledgeable and experienced, able to offer a successful fishing route, give recommendations on the most optimal methods of fishing, assist in choosing suitable bait and tell about other subtleties of the case.

The availability of necessary equipment and technical means on bases is also an important factor for successful fishing. Of course, there are many routes on Ilmen, the choice is determined by technical equipment. In the presence of a boat with a good motor you are available long distances, it is possible that there are more promising places.

Lake Ilmen, fishing on which brings real pleasure, loves year-round lovers, both summer and winter fishing is good here.

Winter fishing

Winter fishing for many seems to be the most interesting, safe and comfortable. The ice on Ilmen is set at the end of November, but is opened at the end of April.

Ice fishing on Ilmen is an interesting hobby. If you guess with the weather, time and conditions, the catch can reach tens of kilograms. The beginning of March is the time of the most meager fishing. The fish will become more active when the ice becomes more porous, thawed patches will appear, and the water of the lake will be saturated with oxygen.

The huge area of the reservoir makes it difficult to search independently. Therefore, in order to avoid disappointment, one should either prepare and study information on the topography of the bottom, the places of fish parking and the peculiarities of its fishing, or enlist the support of competent specialists, friends or guides offered by the recreation center. Ilmen Lake in winter is an immense expanse, and it's best to climb the ice on a snowmobile. High-speed, it maneuvers perfectly, allowing you to travel around hummocks and thawed patches, and also significantly reduce the search time and prolong the pleasure of ice fishing and enjoying the beauty of these places.

Hunting

The hunters, who have visited these places at least once, speak enthusiastically about the huge amount of game that is found in swamps and forests around Ilmen. Mark quite a productive autumn hunt for mallard with stuffed animals or from the approach on the boat. This is not surprising, because the food base is large enough: a lot of flow and small lakes, large areas of reeds, convenient places for nesting and rearing of offspring.

In the flood meadows, a large number of marsh game: snipe, corncrake, dopel. For fans of hunting with a dagger this is an incredible pleasure. With prior arrangement with local hunting groups, it is possible to go for elk and wild boar.

Rest on Ilmen

Today fishing centers are gaining popularity. The majestic Ilmen lake surrounded by wonderful forests, delightful air and singing of birds - all this together with the prospect of catching an amazing pike attracts more and more tourists. A magnificent service, convenient location and the provision of maximum comfort are always at the service of holidaymakers. The number of people wishing to visit these magical places is growing year by year. And not only fishing attracts crowds of tourists, although experienced guides and huntsmen will always offer the best routes and ensure a successful result.

The bases located on the lake offer a wide range of services for active recreation and pleasant pastime:

• Comfortable comfortable houses for living;
• Landscaped area;
• Bath;
• Round-the-clock guarded parking for vehicles;
• Convenient descent to the water;
• Hire of boats and boats;
• Provision of snowmobiles for use.

The main direction of the design of recreation centers at the initial stage was to provide maximum convenience for visiting fishermen. But the staff of these hospitable enterprises does everything possible to diversify the rest and make it unforgettable regardless of whether it is fishing, hunting, family and friendly holidays or a corporate event. Each guest will be able to choose exactly the kind of recreation that he will like.

Any leisure becomes more pleasant when all household concerns are taken over by the recreation center. Ilmen Lake - it's water walks and excursions, in the summer - water skiing, in winter - fascinating trips on snowmobiles. The initiative of holidaymakers is welcomed, conditions for cooking on fire are created, barbecues and smokehouses are provided. Successful fishermen and hunters can keep their trophies in cold rooms.

On Lake Ilmen, you can not only have a great time, arrange great fishing, but also improve your health. In the arsenal of sanatoriums and boarding houses there are modern equipped rooms offering physiotherapy procedures that strengthen the physical and mental state, which increase the immunity and general tone of the body. If desired, vacationers are provided with cottages with swimming pools, spacious parking spaces. The private sector will offer accommodation services in the most economical way.

Ilmen-lake, rest and fishing - these concepts for many people who visit these places annually, have merged. It is not surprising - after visiting here once, it is impossible to forget the greatness of the Slovene Sea, its generosity and beauty. Lake Ilmen, where you can forget about exhausting working everyday life, plunge into the morning fresh crystal water, breathe in a deep breast delightful air and catch your goldfish, gives an amazing joy and restores peace of mind.