Among the numerous reservoirs of the Leningrad Region, the small river Sestra flows along the Karelian Isthmus. It begins in the swamps of the Lembolovskaya Upland, flows into an artificially created lake called the Sestroretsky Razliv. The length of the river, including its sources, is less than 90 km, but the fishermen divided it into several sections:
- Upper reaches of the river.
- Section from the middle of the river and downstream.
- The lower reaches of the river and its mouth.
The conditions for fishing, in their opinion, at each site have their own characteristics. The Sestra River (Leningrad Region) was no exception.
About the sister river's twin
There is another river called "Sister", but it flows in the Moscow region. Fishing conditions here are very different. Inveterate fishermen, enthusiastically describing the delights of fishing on the Sestra River, often forget to specify exactly where this river is located, which misleads anglers who are ready for long trips in the name of impressions and catch.
You need to decide in advance where to go if you were attractedsister river. The Moscow region and the Leningrad region have a river with the same name on their territory.
Features of fishing in the upper reaches
There are the most fishing places in the upper reaches of the Sestra River. The low banks are completely covered with forest thickets. Small islands divide the riverbed into several channels. It seems that in these places several small rivers flow at once, which are trying to merge into one. The islands are overgrown with thick grass. The bottom is sandy, with pebbles. The depth of the river is not more than 1 meter, but there are several deep whirlpools. Navigation in these places is impossible. But for the fish here, nature has created wonderful conditions. Brook trout lives in the clear water of the upper reaches. Pike often fishes in the pools. There are also many other fish. Perch, ruffs, scavengers, roach are found here in large quantities. There are many fish, but it is difficult for fishermen to get here. It is impossible to drive directly to the banks of the river by car due to the complete absence of roads. Vehicles have to be left as close as possible, and then walk along the forest paths to the water. The Sestra River attracts special attention from the fishermen of the region.
Island fishing
It is best to fish from the islands. A thicket of forest comes very close to the shore, which creates some inconvenience. Getting to the islands is no problem. The shallow depth makes it easy to reach the island on foot. An earthworm, maggot, grasshopper, steamed grains can serve as bait. You can also catch on bread, but it is quickly washed away. The fish are bitingactively. Almost every cast is accompanied by a bite, you just need to catch it in time.
Sister river was created for secluded rest. Fishing on the islands attracts tourists.
How to catch brook trout
Brook trout are of particular interest to fishermen. It is also called pied. It is very prestigious to catch trout, and dietary fish meat attracts with its delicate taste. Trout spawns in late autumn or early winter directly in the upper reaches of the river. Young trout feed on insects and plankton. Adult individuals turn into predators and begin to feed on chars and other small fish, as well as tadpoles. But the brook trout especially loves insects. When there are many of the latter, this fish begins to feed only on them, ignoring other food. It remains to decide where the Sestra River is in order to enjoy the catch. It spreads across the Leningrad region.
In the Sestra River, brook trout grows up to 25 centimeters and weighs up to 500 grams. In other places, specimens have been noted that have reached a weight of up to 12 kg. They catch pied with spinning and bait. A float is usually not used, limited only to a sinker. Bait - worms or small fish. Fly fishing uses an artificial fly. When there are a lot of insects, then fly fishing becomes the only possible one; the pied bee simply does not react to the rest of the bait. The brook trout is very meticulous about the spinner. It seems that she is attentiveconsiders it and decides to grab it or not. It is best to use a very high quality spinner for trout fishing.
Brook trout can stay in one place for a very long time. Usually it is located near the coast, on the border of a fast current. Having found the place where the trout stands, it is necessary to observe complete silence, otherwise the fish will simply leave. Next, you need to decide how to let the lure or bait go with the flow or pull against it. It depends on the activity of the fish. If you fulfill all the conditions correctly, then a rich catch is guaranteed.
Fishing in the middle reaches of the river
Approximately in the middle reaches of the Sestra River, above the mouth, grayling is well caught, and all year round. There are steep banks in this place, the approaches to them are blocked by ravines, it is very difficult to get to the water. The channel is not very deep, covered with slippery stones, in some places there are large boulders. The water flow is very fast. It is in this place that a lot of grayling lives. This is a fish of the salmon family, appreciated because its meat tastes like salmon and whitefish. In the Sestra River, grayling is small, weighing up to 200 grams, but only experienced fishermen can catch it. The Big Sister River is especially loved by the locals.
Grayling is a very cautious fish. He sees and hears very well. To catch it, the fisherman has to dress in clothes that merge with the shore in their color. That is almost like hunting for an animal. A camouflage robe is fine. It is necessary to approach the water in such a way that even part of the fisherman's shadow does not fall on it. Otherwise, the grayling will leave, and then you will have to sneak up to other places where it may be.
Grayling: fishing features
Catch grayling with a light fishing rod with a thin fishing line with a diameter of 0.2 mm, he will notice a thicker fishing line and will not fit, but simply breaks a thin one. Worms are used as bait, as they hold well on the hook and are not washed away by the current. Grayling pecks rapidly, so you need to hook very quickly. To do this, the fishing line must always be kept taut and not allowed to slack. Large grayling can be caught on a lure, but only one that plays well like a real fish. During the period of mass departure of grayling insects, it is necessary to fly-fish on the fly. An artificial fly should be very similar to a live insect. The Sister River will not allow the fisherman to be left without a catch.
Downstream and mouth of the river
There are relatively fewer fish in the lower reaches of the Sestra River than in the upper reaches. There are no trout and grayling there. But on the other hand, there are deeper places where the usual bream, perch, roach, ruff, dace and burbot are caught. They catch fish traditionally - on a fishing rod and snacks. The catches are quite good. The approaches to the banks are accessible, you can even drive a car, so many people come to fish in the lower reaches of the Sestra River, right to its mouth.
Besides fishing, the Sestra River attracts attention with its natural beauty. Everyone who has visited this river, except for fish, also takes away a lot of impressions. Many go for a walk through the open spaces and relax with the whole family. The embankment of the Sestra River is well-groomed andneat.
