Lacha is a lake that can surprise. It would seem that an unremarkable reservoir in the Arkhangelsk region, it, nevertheless, is the largest in these parts, and part of it is also reserved. It is worth visiting it, if only for the reason that today it is very rare to see nature untouched by man, and if it is still rich in natural resources, then there are very few such places left.
Lake location
Located in the Kargopol region, it stretches along the meridional line near the border with Karelia. The length of Lake Lacha is 33 km, the width is 14 km, but its maximum depth is only 5 m, which causes its waters to bloom in summer. Surprisingly, with such an insignificant depth, it was still navigable at the end of the 20th century. The only route from Kargopol to the village of Gorki was only 103 km, passing along the Svid River, which flows into the lake. Today the river has become shallow, so there is no water communication between settlements.
Twelve rivers,that flow into Lake Lacha, form bizarre bays with sandy spits. Far from the entire shore of the reservoir is suitable for recreation, since part of it is swampy, and part is overgrown with reeds, which is good only for numerous birds that stop here during long-distance flights or nest to breed.
But the western side is very popular with tourists and boaters, because it is here that beautiful sandy beaches are located.
Lake weather
Those who are interested in fishing on Lake Lacha should be prepared for changeable weather, especially in summer. Winter in these parts is quite mild due to the Atlantic air masses, which bring with them cloudy weather with frequent precipitation. Although it is relatively cold here, the high humidity makes it uncomfortable to sit with a fishing rod in a boat or on the shore.
In summer, the same air masses bring coolness, rain and wind, so fishermen should take care of raincoats and warm clothes in advance. Despite such changeable weather, fishermen are absent here on rare days, and this is due to the incredible abundance of fish in Lake Lacha. Even a beginner holding a fishing rod for the first time will not leave its shores without a catch.
Settlement and attractions on the shore of Lake Lacha
The only settlement of Nokola, located directly on the shore, welcomes all guests with hope and joy. The only way to earn extra money from the local population is to rent out your housing to fishermen and tourists. Surprisingly,but this wilderness is popular with both, since Lake Lacha is a truly pristine land.
In the village of Nokola, you can rent a two-story guest house with amenities and a sauna, as well as rent boats and fishing equipment.
If you are interested in the Russian North, once famous for its beautiful and rich villages, you can take a trip along the Svid River, which is only 64 km long. Unfortunately, the policy of enlargement of collective farms in the post-war period destroyed the settlements that stood on its banks for hundreds of years, in just ten to twenty. Currently, these are either abandoned villages, or from one to 4-5 people live in them. There are no roads to them, no supplies, and people survive on their own farm.
The main attraction of the region is its nature, which is gradually taking its toll, absorbing former village streets and destroying wooden houses with beautiful carved architraves.
Reserve
The Lach Reserve, established in 1971, once covered an area of 20 hectares, but now its borders have shrunk to 8.8 hectares. All this time, Lake Lacha has been a haven for waterfowl and coastal birds, including ducks, whooper swans, bean goose, white-tailed eagles and common cranes. In fact, no one has compiled a complete list of birds nesting on the lake, so it is not known exactly how many species and in what quantity lives here or rests during the flight. There are at least 8 species of ducks alone.
Besides birds, 40 species of fish during spawning and muskrats living on the shores of the lake are protected. The Lach Nature Reserve is an incredibly beautiful place full of life, so you can drive up to it from the water only in rowing boats, car trips are prohibited, as well as hunting and fishing. This gives hope that the local fauna and flora will remain intact, and the reserve itself will receive the status of federal significance.
Tourism and fishing
Who else does not know what fishing is like on Lake Lacha? Reviews of experienced fishermen will convince you that it is worth going here even for thousands of kilometers. Given that it is here that fishing brings the region 30% of the total catch of freshwater fish, one can understand how rich the lake is in its species and quantity.
Those who are interested in winter fishing on Lake Lacha will be interested to know that not only comfortable accommodation awaits them here, but also experienced guides who know exactly where the fish hides in winter.
Barbecues, boats, devices for smoking and drying fish, rest in a bathhouse and other services are at the disposal of fishermen.
Silent hunting
The village of Nokola is surrounded by forests rich in mushrooms and berries. For urban residents, accustomed to dealing with forest belts outside the city, which "wool" hundreds of mushroom pickers, such a number of mushrooms will be a curiosity. There are no less berries here, such as white and black currants, raspberries, strawberries.
Lacha is a lake located in a uniquea place where civilization lost the battle with nature and the natural course of life. Small villages consisting of twenty houses, many of which are empty, are a picture familiar to the modern Russian North. Perhaps this is for the best, since the remaining residential villages can be used as excellent tourist bases for fishermen and mushroom pickers, without disturbing natural resources.
