Lacha is a lake that can surprise. It would seem that an unremarkable body of water in the Arkhangelsk region, however, it is the largest in these parts, and part of it is also reserved. It is worth visiting it, if only for the reason that it is very rare to see nature untouched by man today, and if it is still rich in natural resources, then there are very few such places.
Lake location
Located in the Kargopol region, it stretches along the meridian line near the border with Karelia. Lake Lacha is 33 km long and 14 km wide, but its maximum depth is only 5 m, which causes its waters to bloom in summer. Surprisingly, with such 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, therefore there is no water communication between the settlements.
The twelve rivers that flow into Lake Lacha form fancy bays with sand spits. Not all of the shore of the reservoir is suitable for recreation, as part of it is swampy, and part of it is covered with reeds, which is good only for numerous birds that stop here on long flights or nest to breed.
But the western side is very loved by tourists and lovers of boating, because it is here where beautiful sandy beaches are located.
Weather on the lake
Those who are interested in fishing on Lake Lacha should be prepared for changeable weather, especially in summer. Winter in these parts is rather mild due to the Atlantic air masses, which bring cloudy weather with frequent rainfall. Although it is relatively cold there, high humidity makes you feel uncomfortable sitting with a fishing rod in a boat or on the beach.
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 changing weather, there are rare days when there are no fishermen, and this is due to the incredible fish abundance of 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, which is located directly on the shore, welcomes all guests with hope and joy. The only opportunity to earn some money from the local population is the delivery of their housing to fishermen and tourists. Surprisingly, this wilderness is popular with both of them, as Lake Lacha is a truly pristine land.
In the village of Nokola, you can rent a guest house on two floors with amenities and a bathhouse, 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 enlarging collective farms in the postwar period destroyed the settlements that stood on its shores 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 households.
The main attraction of the region is its nature, which gradually takes its toll, swallowing up the former village streets and destroying wooden houses with beautiful carved platbands.
Nature reserve
The Lachsky Zakaznik, created in 1971, once occupied an area of 20 hectares, but now its borders have been reduced to 8.8 hectares. All this time, Lake Lacha has been a haven for waterfowl and coastal birds, including ducks, whooper swans, grouses, white-tailed eagles and gray cranes. In fact, no one compiled a complete list of birds nesting on the lake, so it is not known exactly how many species and how many live or rest here during the flight. There are no less than 8 species of ducks alone.
In addition to birds, 40 species of fish during spawning and muskrats living on the shores of the lake fall under protection. Lachsky Zapovednik is an incredibly beautiful place full of life, so you can drive up to it from the water only by rowing boats, travel by car is prohibited, as well as hunting with fishing. This gives hope that the local fauna and flora will remain intact, and the reserve itself will receive federal status.
Tourism and fishing
Who still does not know what fishing is 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, we 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 living awaits them, but also experienced guides who know where exactly the fish hides in the winter.
At the disposal of the fishermen are barbecue facilities, boats, equipment for smoking and drying fish, relaxation in the bathhouse and other services.
