The Irgiz River flows in the Saratov and Samara regions. This is a left tributary of the Volga. This river has another name - Big Irgiz. The water stream is known for its meanders. That is why it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the most "broken" rivers in Europe.
General information
In the Saratov region, the Irgiz River originates on the branching of the Common Syrt. The source coordinates are 52°12'34" N, 51°18'55" E. D., coordinates of the mouth - 52°0'49" N, 47°23'7" E. e. The river flows into the Volga and belongs to the Lower Volga basin. Irgiz has a large catchment area - 24 thousand km, and 675 km - the length of the river. The course is slow, like most large and developed water streams. In summer, the Big Irgiz dries up, and from November to March, ice drift is observed on the river. In places, the Irgiz River freezes completely. And many dams have been built throughout the runoff.
Sulak and Pugachev reservoirs are two water areas located on the river. About 800 artificial reservoirs and ponds have been created, with a total volume of about 0.45 km³.
Origin and name
Scientists believe that the river Irgiz hydronym is of Turkic origin. Translated from this language, the name means "source". Ahmad ibn Fadlan is an Arab traveler who mentioned this river in one of his studies in 921. And she had a name - Irgiz. There were many settlements on the banks of the water stream at that time.
Cities and villages
Pugachev is on the Big Irgiz. This is the only city that uses water resources in large quantities in industry and economy. The remaining small villages and towns consume the river's reserves in smaller quantities. For example, Tolstovka, Belenka, Davydovka, Bolshaya Tavolozhka, Imeleevka, Klevenka and Staraya Porubezhka. There are also several other small settlements that are located on the banks of the Irgiz River.
Tributes and lakes
The Irgiz River (Saratov region) has many tributaries, both small and large enough. The largest ones: left - Rostashi (slightly less than 640 km), Bolshaya Glushitsa (exceeds 600 km), right - Talovka (length - about 630 km), Karalyk (length - more than 560 km).
Dolgoe, Naumovskoe, Podpolnoe, Kamyshovoe, Kalach are some of the largest and most famous lakes that are located in the basin of this watercourse.
Coastal fauna and fish
Big Irgiz surprises with its flora and fauna. In the area of Zhuravlikha there is a forest where hares, foxes, pheasants, wild boars live. They all come to the river bank. Especially often wild boars arrange swimming in these areas. They love dirt, and therefore this area is perfect for them. On the shore there are many vipers, toads, midges, mosquitoes, spiders, lizards, otters, red ants. Seagulls also build their nests here, this is confirmed by the fact that the Irgiz River (Saratov Region) has a great relationship with the Volga. A large number of fish live in the water: pike, ruff, pike perch, crucian carp, perch, roach, perch, catfish.
You can always see fishermen on the shore. But especially a lot of them in the autumn and spring. During good frosts, in places where the water freezes, there are daredevils who punch holes and catch fish.
Forest area
The coastal flora of the river is almost the same on both sides. You can see on the left bank a lot of willows and aspens, which lower their branches to the water. Of the herbaceous plants, there are plantain, wild grasses, tansy, dandelions, wormwood, mouse peas and whiteheads. Solanaceae grow on the slopes. The right bank is overgrown with forest (about 140 m). The most common trees are poplar, aspen, oak. But the warty euonymus, wild rose and blackthorn grow closer to the shore. Basically, the vegetation is represented by a large number of plants that easily tolerate the lack of sunlight, or those that love the shade. There are also many hops, celandine, plantain, nettle, sage and many other species.
Aquatic life
But the vegetation in the water is represented by fewer species. What is unique is thatvariety of plants are found in different areas. You can meet broad-leaved cattail, but its plantations are small. Reeds are also found in some places. And there are areas where water lilies and egg-pods are the main decoration.
Dam on the Irgiz River
The dam has the following coordinates of latitude – 51°51'48.12″ and longitude – 48°17'30.76″. It was built to supply the Saratov Canal. After rains and at the beginning of summer, the water there is dirty and muddy, and the rest of the time it is mirror-clear. In hot weather, people in this area flee from the heat. In winter, there is practically no one, so people come here to enjoy nature and a beautiful view. There are 2 ways to get to these places. For example, enter from the side of the highway, turning into the area of Maloperekopnoe. Or move from Sulak. Dirt roads lead to the dam, along which absolutely any passenger car will pass.
River Rest
The overflow river Irgiz has small beaches along its entire length. You can have a great vacation or weekend there. Especially in summer, there are many tourists here. You can also go on a picnic to a wilder part, where the banks of the river are “guarded” by willows and aspens. Most often, tourists set up a tent camp and stay overnight to enjoy all the beauty of the Big Irgiz.
A lot of people come here every year to enjoy the scenery. Someone is invited by acquaintances, friends or relatives, and some find such an amazing place themselves. Here you can fry barbecue, sit by the fire and sing funny songs.guitar songs. Nobody forbids! Fishermen will also find a worthy occupation, because the catch will be unforgettable.
The kids will have a great time too. The water in the river is warm and warms up quickly. Here you can swim; the beaches are equipped, you can buy swimming equipment and rent them. The cost is low, so everyone can afford it. Catamarans and boats are also provided. The price per hour is also symbolic (up to 300 rubles).
