The Siberian river Tom is one of the largest tributaries of the Ob. On its shore there are such wonderful cities as Tomsk, Novokuznetsk, Kemerovo, Mezhdurechensk, Yurga and Seversk - a little-known closed town hidden behind barbed wire. The length of the river is approximately 830 km, and the width of its armhole in places reaches 3 km. It is believed that the name Tom was coined by the Kets, the ancient Siberian people, and literally means “main river” or even “center of life”. Perhaps no Russian pond has as many amazing legends as it is about her - about Tom. Here is one of the most interesting stories and talk about fishing opportunities on the river.
The legend of Tom and Wushai
On the high bank of the Siberian river stood a soundly fortified town of brave Toyan - the prince of Eushintsy. A son was born to Toyan, who was named Ushay. From childhood he grew up as a skilled and fearless warrior. No one could compete with him in skiing and archery. Not far from the town of Toyana, near the tributary of the river, Prince Basandai lived with his many tribes. And the prince had indescribable beauty a daughter named Tom. Many warriors dreamed of marrying her, but Basandai wanted to marry her to the great Siberian Khan. Once Wushai pursued an elk in the forest and accidentally ran into the lands of Basandai, where at that time the beautiful princess Tom was walking. The glorious warrior was struck on the spot by the beauty and charm of the girl, and Tom was impressed by the skill and strength of Ushai. And they wholeheartedly loved each other. Since then, Tom and Wushai began to meet in a clearing, where Basandai caught them during the next meeting. The prince was enraged and drove out the poor Usai with shame from his lands. In desperation, Tom ran to the river, near which her lover lived, and rushed into her. Since then, this river has been called Toma (or Tomyu).
Here is such a beautiful and at the same time sad legend. By the way, the names of the characters were invented for a reason, because the Ushayka and Basandayka rivers are large tributaries of the Tom.
Fishing on Tom
Both the river itself and its tributaries (and especially the mouth) are quite suitable for fishing. Pike, grayling, perch and burbot are found here. In some places, mainly in the autumn period, you can catch taimen. However, its population has recently declined sharply. Of the white varieties of fish, roach is often found, and in some places bream.
They prefer to catch predatory fish with spinning gear. Fly fishing is more suitable for grayling - this fish, although not very large, is not easy to catch. It is better to catch a pike in deeper places, where the current level is significantly reduced. The Tom River is of great interest to taimen lovers. This fish is quite dexterous and dodgy, but closer to the fall it wakes up a brutal appetite, due to which it becomes much easier to lure it. For catching taimen, it is best to use spinning and bait in the form of a small "mouse", because small rodents are the main prey for especially large representatives.
The Tom River is suitable for burbot fishing both in winter and in summer, but in the warm season, this fish is not particularly active. For its capture, they usually use ordinary donks, and the nibble itself begins closer to the night. In winter, burbot is caught on a fishing rod, and pieces of fish or a lead cone-shaped mormyska are used as bait.
The Tom River is surrounded by pebble and rocky banks. And only some areas with the possibility of access to the water are suitable for recreation and fishing in the summer. However, due to the high level of water pollution, swimming in the river is prohibited.
Thus, Tom is a river with a rich and interesting history. And the possibility of year-round fishing makes it especially attractive among avid fishermen.
