Catch, big and small: 15 places for free fishing in the Moscow region

And in order for it to bring not only peace of mind, but also a catch, it is worth knowing about the main rules of fishing. First of all, you should determine the water body and understand whether there are really fish there. And then this fish must be hungry – otherwise all your efforts to catch it will be in vain.

What time of year is the best time to fish?

Experienced fishermen know that quality fishing depends on the time of year. For example, in winter it is better to fish with the sunrise, early morning: because the main part of fish species in the dark time is inactive.

Spring is probably the richest season for catching fish. It is at this time of year that fish are preparing for spawning, which means that their activity is very high. But even here you should stick to common sense: in the morning it is still cool, so the richest catch can happen only by the end of the day. In addition, spawning bans may be in effect during this period.

In summer, it should be taken into account that at high temperatures, fish become less active. Therefore, inexperienced fishermen make a huge mistake, going out on a fish hunt at the peak of the heat. The fact is that fish tend to hide from the scorching sun in the depths of cool waters. Only by noon it gets up: that’s when it is possible to catch it on the hook.

In the fall, the fish begins to prepare for cold weather and changes the habitat characteristic of summer. It chooses deeper places, where it eats to survive the winter. You can fish all day long.

Fishing rules

Fishing in the Moscow region has a number of important rules. So, the first: fishing on all – and state and municipal – reservoirs is free. In such places you can safely enjoy fishing and do not follow the time spent. However, there is a caveat: if the reservoir is located in a specially protected area, it is impossible to go there.

In addition, you should adhere to the strict rule established by law: the volume of caught fish should not exceed 5 kg per person per day. Besides, it is strictly forbidden to catch fish listed in the Red Book. And if a fisherman catches such a fish on a hook, it should be released back into the pond with the least damage. Red Book species include: sterlet, grayling, podust, white-eye, chekhon, bersh. It is also forbidden to catch trout. It is these species of fish that are actively found in the Moscow suburbs. Fishing for sturgeon or salmon is possible only in private reservoirs, where they are specially bred and charge a certain fee for fishing.

What fish are found in the reservoirs of the Moscow region?

Pike. This fish is found, perhaps, in all reservoirs of the Moscow region. Among other things, it likes to breed in private fishing farms – all because of the fact that the pike perfectly adapts and reproduces even in artificial conditions.

Yazi. Also one of the most popular fish found in the Moscow suburbs. Yaz is active from May to September – this is the best time for fishing. In especially favorable conditions, some individuals can reach a size of 5 kg.

Yelets. The peculiarity of this type of fish is that it swims in flocks, and its size is about the size of a human palm. You can eat fish from the beginning of spring and up to mid-autumn.

Golavl. This kind of fish just loves all sorts of snags and holes. Keep in mind that the golavl is very fearful, so catch it is not so easy. Basically, the fish hunts at the very surface of the water and in small groups. The ideal time to catch it is from May to September.

Sudak. They say that the mass of one pikeperch can reach up to 10 kg. Whether this is true or not – you will have to make sure yourself. However, you should not count on such a large catch in the Moscow region: as a rule, pikeperch in reservoirs are not large. Water fish from early summer to mid-autumn.

15 places for free fishing in the Moscow region

Pakhra River

Distance from Moscow: 52 km

Perhaps, this is the most famous water body, which is very popular among experienced fishermen and beginners. The length of the Pakhra is 129 km. In some parts of the water current is calm, and in others, on the contrary, violent. From this depends on the catch, so most fishermen advise to come fishing in this place several times and try their luck in different parts of it.

By the way, the place where the Pakhra flows into the Moskva River is the most popular. Despite the fact that there are actively watered perch, jerkh, chub, ruff, the question of the suitability of the catch for consumption – in doubt. And the questionable ecology of the area is to blame.

Istrinskoe Reservoir

Remoteness from Moscow: 90 km

The reservoir is located near the capital, so it is very popular with those who want to fish. In addition, this place is ideal for the whole family to enjoy the clean air.

Istrinskoe reservoir has many bays, near which numerous recreation centers are built. Therefore, in order to enjoy free fishing, you will have to work hard in search of a convenient place. But it is worth it: there are pike, pike perch, perch, roach and bream.

Pirogovskoye Reservoir

Distance from Moscow: 38 km

The length of Pirogovskoye Reservoir is about 10 km. In summer, the entire coastline is literally swarming with vacationers: these are both fans of swimming on yachts and jet skis, and those who just want to be in nature.

Fishermen recommend to pay attention to the deepest places: along the dam, pumping station and Sorokino village, in order to catch bleak, perch, roach, pikeperch and bream.

Moscow Canal

Distance from Moscow: 70 km

The canal connects the main river of the capital with the Volga. Its length is about 130 km, and the canal itself consists of many reservoirs. Fishermen have long favored the place, considering it one of the best places to catch fish. There you can catch gouster, perch, ruff, bream and roach. However, there is a disadvantage: to find a “fishy” place, you will have to work hard: there are no approaches on many parts of the canal. But you can not worry about environmental friendliness: the canal is regularly cleaned, so all the catch is suitable for eating.

Oka River

Distance from Moscow: 250 km

The Moskva River flows into the Oka River, which is 1500 km long. The Oka is widely known to fishermen for its rich choice of fish. There you can easily catch yazya, chub, bream and pikeperch. By the way, this place is famous for the choice of fishing methods. Popular as fishing from the shore, and fishing from a boat. There are mystical stories about this place. For example, it is said that the fish bites there exclusively in the dark, and as soon as the sun rises – immediately disappears. Whether it is true or not – see for yourself.

Severka River

Remoteness from Moscow: 82 km

The Severka River is not distinguished by a rich catch for experienced fishermen, but it is one of the most popular places for recreation and leisurely fishing. Here you can rent boats and go downstream. In this place with a float rod catch carp, pike, perch, crucian carp.

Do not be lazy and go to the village of Golubino, it is famous not only for fish catch, but also for picturesque landscapes.

Lopasnya River

Distance from Moscow: 86 km

The Lopasnya River is an ideal place for outdoor recreation for the whole family. According to the experience of fishermen, the most popular places for fishing are the banks of the village of Kryukovo. Here you can devour roach and pike. By the way, it is thanks to the latter that Lopasnya gained fame. Locals actively share stories about large pikes, which in the river eat up to 2-3 kg.

Mozhaiskoye Reservoir

Distance from Moscow: 143 km

The Mozhaiskoye Reservoir is characterized by a weak current and the absence of smooth depth transitions. The bottom of the reservoir is literally studded with stumps and snags, and it is known to be a favorite abode of bream. Besides them, here you can catch pike, perch, crucian carp, roach, pikeperch and bleak.

Moskva River

Distance from Moscow: 46 km

About the purity of water in the main river of the capital there are endless disputes. Some believe that fish from the Moskva River should not be consumed in any case. And there is a quite reasonable explanation for this: road and sidewalk drains flow into the river. Others believe that water pollution depends on the section of the river. For example, the place from Serebryany Bor and upstream is considered the most favorable for fishing. There are stud, crucian carp, pikeperch and pike.

Chyornoe Lake

Distance from Moscow: 26 km

This place is a real abode of tranquility and solitude. Magnificent landscapes, tall trees and vast forests – all this makes Chyornoye Lake a great vacation spot for the whole family. In addition to nature, the lake is famous for its cleanliness: it used to be a peat quarry, so the water is suitable for safe bathing. Among fish there are crucian carp and rotan.

Lykovsky pond

Distance from Moscow: 42 km

To get to the Lykovsky pond you will have to go further than the village of Vasyutino, through the field on a dirt road. Despite some difficulty in finding it, the place is considered one of the largest fish places in the Moscow region. Here you can devour roach, perch and pike. Mostly fishermen like to use spinning. Lykovsky pond is surrounded by wide forests, and on one side there is a large meadow with bushes, where you can relax in solitude.

Bear Lakes

Distance from Moscow: 40 km

Bear Lakes are the best places for fishing in the Moscow region. But you should know that near the Big Bear Lake there is a private fishing farm, where fishing is, accordingly, paid. For free fishing, the Small Lake is suitable. In it you can catch crucian carp, pike and perch.

Due to its location, namely due to reeds and forest, it is most convenient to fish from a boat.

Svyatoe Lake

Distance from Moscow: 28 km

Svyatoe Lake is famous for its unique properties: its water is always warm and does not freeze in any weather. Besides, the lake is never overgrown with reeds, which makes fishing quite comfortable. In addition, Svyatoe Lake is characterized by a large depth, where bream, pike, pike and zander can be found. If you wish, you can rent boats on the shore for a fee.

Lake Muromskoe

Distance from Moscow: 147 km

This place is located not far from the Holy Lake and is very similar to it by its nature. The water in this lake is also warm, so there can be a lot of vacationers along the shore. This should be taken into account if you want to go to a quiet place for fishing. More than 60 years ago, about 4 tons of fish were released into Murom Lake, so fishermen appreciate this place very much. You can catch bream, yazya and carp there, and there are also fathead carp, catfish.

White Lake

Distance from Moscow: 26 km

On the White Lake you can safely hunt for carp. However, the place is considered to be one of the best for a quiet vacation for the whole family, so there are quite a lot of people who want to take advantage of the shoreline in the summer season. The scenery here is magnificent and the bottom of the lake is firm.