As a result of the construction of the Bratsk hydroelectric power station, a deep bay was formed on the Angara River. This body of water is called the Bratsk Reservoir. In terms of volume, it ranks second in the world. The reservoir got its name thanks to the city of Bratsk, located on the coast. In addition to Bratsk, there is another city located on the coast - Svirsk. The reservoir has a wide range of uses: navigation, fishing, timber rafting, water supply.
The Bratsk reservoir began to fill in 1960. The filling ended in 1967. At the same time, the city of Stary Bratsk, Balagansk, more than 300 villages, a large area of fertile land, 110 kilometers of railroad tracks were flooded. Prior to the construction of the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kamenye Islands, which were of historical value, were located on this site. The rocks on these islands were famous for the numerous drawings of animals that ancient people painted. Before the flooding, the most valuable images were cut down and sent to the Art Museum of Irkutsk. Several stoneblocks with drawings ended up in the Museum of St. Petersburg.
What is the Bratsk reservoir? It has a rather complex configuration. The components are two main reaches, occupying flooded areas and located in the valley of the Angara and Oka rivers. The shores of the reservoir are heavily indented by other, smaller rivers and bays that go far inland.
The Bratsk Reservoir has its attractions. These are commemorative signs that remind of the sites of ancient people. The first sign dedicated to the site of an ancient man is the Angarsk Village architectural and ethnographic museum. The second sign is a memorial cross, installed on Mount Monastyrka. The third sign is near the village of Buret, located on the right bank of the Angara, 7 kilometers from the M alta camp. The fourth sign is installed on the Black River. Another memorial sign, made of marble, is located near Mount Rudnaya. It is dedicated to the activities of the Nikolaevsky plant, which was previously located in the flooded area.
But that's not all that the Irkutsk region is famous for. The cleanest air, the magnificent aroma of coniferous forests, excellent reservoirs attract many travelers here, and many go to this paradise with their children. Recreation in the Irkutsk region opens up the most tempting prospects for filling your free time. Hunting lovers can take a walk with a gun through the forest lands. Those who love a beach holiday will not have to look for a suitable place to swim.or a clearing, as the area here is very clean. For those who prefer walking, there are special hiking routes.
A special place is occupied by fishing in the Irkutsk region. A lot of fish is found in the Bratsk reservoir. Fishing is carried out both in summer and in winter. It is necessary to take into account the size of the reservoir, so in the summer it is recommended to fish from a boat. The reservoir is famous for its perch and bream. It is very rare to catch a carp. The most interesting object for fishing is omul. All sorts of competitions related to fishing are quite often held here.
