Fishing at the Red River

This corner of nature is located 60 km from the city of Bishkek. The Red River originates from numerous clear springs near the city of Tokmak and flows, intricately winding, among thickets of reeds and shrubs, across the territory of the Korgol hunting grounds, creating magnificent spots for fishing.

The river is predominantly inhabited by rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Rich), mostly small individuals measuring 20-25 cm, although larger ones weighing 1-2 kg can also be found. Rainbow trout grow faster than brook trout; in natural conditions, they can reach a length of 40-42 cm and a weight of up to 1 kg in three years. The rapid growth is explained by the fact that the diet of rainbow trout is much broader than that of brook trout; moreover, their feeding activity decreases significantly less during the winter and pre-spawning periods. Rainbow trout are sensitive to increases in water temperature, even up to 28-30 degrees, which is why they are often found in drainage ditches that flow into the Red River.

Young trout feed on mayfly larvae, stoneflies, and dipterans; adult individuals are generally predatory. Unlike brook trout, rainbow trout do not avoid a schooling lifestyle. In the fall, it was observed on the Red River that 5-7 fairly large individuals gathered in a school to hunt flying insects. The river often holds fish in open areas (rapids), seemingly filling those spots that brook trout avoid.

A characteristic feature of rainbow trout behavior during the fight, unlike other species, is that they jump high out of the water, shaking their heads like pike, trying to shake off the hook. Even a small rainbow trout on the line brings a lot of pleasure to the angler. On the Red River, they are caught in various ways, both on bottom and float rods. The most effective methods are spinning and fly fishing, given the sufficient skill of the fisherman.