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 on the Pskov and Tver lands and remains attractive for tourists, fishermen and hunters. The unrelenting interest in the reservoir is also spurred on by its kind of epic, because it is mentioned in many chronicles, and there are even more legends. We will not delve into the history of the name of the reservoir, there are many different versions, and none of them has been definitively proven. In ancient manuscripts up to the 16th century, the lake is referred to as Ilmer, which, translated from the symbiosis of the Finnish “ilm” and the Slavic “er”, means “weather-creating lake”. The location in the central part of Russia in the Novgorod lands, so rich in the events of national history, created that halo of mystery and mystery that still envelops the lake and fuels the curiosity of our tourists who love Veliky Novgorod so much. Lake Ilmen, always mysterious and generous, is really worthy of attention.
Pearl of Novgorod land
Historically, largereservoirs - rivers and lakes - are traditionally a refuge for many peoples, giving food, supporting life, protecting from adversity. Ilmen Lake was no exception, lying on the famous route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” and serving as a water trade artery connecting Northern Russia with Southern Russia, and the B altic states and Scandinavia with Byzantium. Since ancient times, various ethnic tribes of the B altic Finns and B alts settled along its banks. The 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 settlements. Lake Ilmen (the city that grew up on its shores - this is freedom-loving Novgorod) is mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years, dated to the twelfth century.
A unique natural reservoir, completing the first dozen of the largest Russian lakes in size, is also known for its features, which no other can boast of. The difference in water during floods reaches 7 meters, and the increase in the area of \u200b\u200bits own surface increases by 3 times.
This is explained by a large number of tributaries: up to 40 rivers and rivulets feed the reservoir of a relatively shallow depth of 3.5-4 m (the maximum reaches 10 m). The impressive dimensions of the lake, 45 km long and 35 km wide, and the absence of single islands give rise to a magnificent mirror-like expanse that goes beyond the horizon and creates a complete illusion of the sea expanse, enhanced by the sound of the surf near the high southwestern shore. It is not for nothing that the chroniclers called it the Moisky, and then the Slovenian Sea. However, tourists arrivinghere for the first time, you need to know the features of this amazing lake, which has its own difficult character.
Cunning of the Moy Sea
Ilmen-lake on the map of Russia is easy to find. Its fairly comfortable flat location, slightly higher than the level of the World Ocean (18.1 m), and a shallow depth will not save the situation if you get into a storm, which is especially treacherous in these places. It is precisely the absence of islands that act as a deterrent in other bodies of water that makes it possible for waves to roam here. Storm waves, reaching two meters in height, come in succession with very short intervals, they can easily capsize a boat or boat. Severe storms have been on Ilmen at all times, the annals of the fifteenth century describe a terrible storm that happened in 1471, the consequence of which was a lot of sunken ships, whose remains today underwater archaeologists are trying to find at the bottom.
But do not worry tourists coming to these places. Strong storms are an infrequent phenomenon, and before going for a walk or fishing, you should find out the weather forecast, or rather the opinion of local guides who know their lake Ilmen. The Novgorod region, in which recreation is associated with the named reservoir, has long won the recognition of the best domestic fishermen.
Shores
The flat location of the lake also determines the coastal relief, mostly consisting of low-lying swampy, and in some places deltaic shores with a large number of flat floodplain islets and channels. The coastal zone from the norththe western part of the lake is a low elongated ridges, alternating with depressions, the southern shores are swampy. Basically, the reservoir is surrounded by fairly flat terrain. But Ilmen would not have been a mysterious miracle lake if it had not given us the most interesting glint from a historical and archaeological point of view. This is an open steep cliff, a ledge about 15 meters high and 8 km long, located between the villages of Korosten and Pustosh. An incredibly beautiful place that boggles the imagination: a limestone cliff, which was compressed by time, like a living witness of past times, still excites lovers and gives discoveries to scientists. A lot of fossils of ancient plants and animals were found in the thickness of limestone layers.
Lake water
Natural impurities of peat give the water in Ilmen brownish hues, but its purity in the lake is at its best. More than fifty rivers that feed it do not allow water to stagnate, and every 1.5-2 months, due to natural circulation, it is completely renewed. The constant movement of streams is not very appealing to bathers, since the temperature in places with great depth, even in the heat, rarely exceeds +20 ° C. However, the fishermen are only happy about this circumstance, because the constantly moving and renewing water does not create stagnation, perfectly saturates the water with oxygen, and the fish develops perfectly, delighting with the catch.
Speaking about the quality of water, one cannot but mention which rivers fill Lake Ilmen, where fishing is truly royal. Shelon, Paula, Msta, Lovat, Vergot, Veryazh, Krupka, Psizha and many moreother arteries maintain the excellent quality of Ilmen's water.
Rivers nurturing life
Each river that flows into Lake Ilmen is replete with rifts and pits, in which there is a good pike perch, perch, catfish, bream, asp, pike. In the confluence of Lovat, Pola and Vergoti, exclusive specimens are often caught. Numerous inland lakes, connected with rivers by channels, are natural spawning grounds, where the abundance of fry attracts a predator. Lovat 530 km long, flowing from the Belarusian lake Lovatets, passes through a system of small reservoirs on the territory of the Pskov and Novgorod regions. The wayward river has a winding channel, whirlpools in some places reach a depth of eight meters, and sandbanks form rapids, and the speed of the flow varies greatly. Its average width is 70 m, at the confluence with the Ilmen - 220 m.
Weather Lake Resources
The ancient Slavic tribes that inhabited the banks of the Ilmen called it a "gold mine" for the richest stocks of fish. Today, already fairly shallow compared to those ancient times, the lake still pleases with excellent catches. It is home to almost 40 species of freshwater fish: pike, pike perch, catfish, bream, blue bream, burbot, roach, sabrefish, bleak.
Fishing is in the blood here, everyone catches fish: children and adults, amateurs and professionally working artels. Fishing, renting gear, boats and providing housing to visitors have become a fairly successful business for residents of the villages of Priilmenye, helping to survive in the difficult conditions of constantcrises.
Fishing
Fabulously rich in fish resources, Lake Ilmen is a great place to relax. One of the most popular places for fishing is the village of Vzvad, located on the opposite bank from Novgorod and mentioned in the annals of the twelfth century as a place of princely fishing and hunting. Currently, the Krasny Rybak plant operates here, many routes along Ilmen start from here. They say fish are biting all over the lake. The trophies caught from the depths of this generous reservoir, the largest in the European part of Russia, are also striking.
The organization of all kinds of fishing routes and recreation on Ilmen is handled by more than a dozen bases, stationary and floating, with different levels of comfort, the main rule for which is to ensure a decent rest for tourists. Competently and quickly solved problems of everyday life and recreation of fishermen make it possible to devote as much time as possible to their favorite pastime. The main advantage of being located at recreation centers is the provision of the services of a guide who is knowledgeable and experienced, able to suggest a successful fishing route, give recommendations on the most optimal fishing methods, assist in choosing suitable baits and tell about other subtleties of the matter.
The availability of the necessary equipment and technical means at the bases is also an important factor for successful fishing. Of course, there are many routes on Ilmen, the choice is determined by technical equipment. If you have a boat with a good motor, long distances are available to you.distance, it is quite possible that more promising places.
Lake Ilmen, where fishing brings real pleasure, welcomes amateurs all year round, both summer and winter fishing is good here.
Winter fishing
Winter fishing seems to many the most interesting, safe and comfortable. Ice on Ilmen is established at the end of November, and opens 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 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, you should either prepare and study information about the bottom topography, places of fish stopovers and the peculiarities of catching it, or enlist the support of knowledgeable specialists, your friends or guides offered by the recreation center. Ilmen-lake in winter is boundless expanse, and the way on the ice to the cherished place is best overcome on a snowmobile. High-speed, it maneuvers well, allowing you to avoid hummocks and thawed patches, as well as significantly reduce the search time and extend the pleasure of ice fishing and enjoying the beauty of these places.
Hunting
Hunters who have visited these places at least once speak with delight about the huge amount of game that is found in the swamps and forests around Ilmen. They celebrate a rather productive autumn hunting fora mallard with stuffed animals or from a boat approach. This is not surprising, because the food supply is quite large: many channels and small lakes, large areas of reeds, convenient places for nesting and raising offspring.
There is a large number of marsh game in the water meadows: snipe, corncrake, great snipe. For lovers of hunting with a pointer, this is an incredible pleasure. With a preliminary agreement with local hunting groups, it is possible to go for elk and wild boar.
Rest on Ilmen
Fishing recreation centers are gaining more and more popularity today. The majestic Ilmen Lake surrounded by wonderful forests, intoxicating air and birdsong - all this, coupled with the prospect of catching an amazing pike, attracts more and more tourists. And excellent service, convenient location and maximum comfort are always at the service of vacationers. 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 outdoor activities and a pleasant pastime:
- comfortable comfortable houses to stay;
- landscaped area;
- bath;
- 24-hour guarded car parking;
- convenient launch;
- boat and boat rental services;
- provision of snowmobiles for use.
The main focus of base designrest at the initial stage was to provide maximum convenience for visiting anglers. 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 type of holiday that he will like.
Any leisure becomes more enjoyable when all household chores are taken over by the recreation center. Ilmen-Lake means boat trips and excursions, water skiing in summer, exciting snowmobile trips in winter. The initiative of vacationers is welcomed, conditions for cooking on fire are created here, barbecues and smokehouses are provided. Successful anglers and hunters can store their trophies in cold stores.
On Lake Ilmen you can not only have a great leisure time, arrange excellent fishing, but also improve your he alth. In the arsenal of sanatoriums and boarding houses there are modern equipped rooms offering physiotherapy procedures that strengthen the physical and mental state, increase 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, recreation and fishing - these concepts have merged together for many people who annually visit these places. This is not surprising - having been here once, it is impossible to forget the greatness of the Slovenian Sea, its generosity and beauty. LakeIlmen, where you can forget about exhausting working days, plunge into the morning fresh crystal water, breathe in the intoxicating air and catch your goldfish, gives amazing joy and restores peace of mind.
