Reel in Big Catches: Secret Fishing Spots Near Moscow

February in the Moscow region is a time when the ice on water bodies is strong, thermoses are full, and hope for a bite is, as always, the last. While some insist that there«s nothing to catch this month, others return home with a catch and the traditional tale of »a fish thiiis big« that almost fit in the hole. We found out what can actually be caught in the Moscow region and what to expect from the bite. And along the way, we asked experienced fishermen and extracted secrets of fish-rich spots from the bite forecast service FishGO.

What Fish to Catch in February

«In Moscow and the Moscow region, there are many trout farms with good stocking, which ensures a stable bite. An additional plus is the developed infrastructure: warm rest areas, the opportunity to cook food and spend time with family», experts from the FishGO service told MSK1.RU.

The clear favorite for February is trout. This fish prefers cold water and remains active all winter.

Now is the active biting period for burbot. The prohibited periods have passed – they were from December 15 to January 15.

Roach in February stays in schools and moves around a lot. To keep it under the hole, use bait with floating particles and small bloodworms. Use very thin lines and small jigs, or better yet, bait several holes in a promising area and move between them.

Perch – schools are smaller than at the beginning of winter, but individuals are often larger. You need to actively search for fish-rich places: drill many holes, fish different depths. Jigs and balance beams 3–5 centimeters work. Promising spots are exits from holes, boundaries of the channel and shallows at Istrinskoye, Mozhayskoye, Ruza reservoirs.

Bream in February often stands on the current and near channel edges. The tactic is to bait 7–10 holes and periodically check them. Come in advance and let the fish approach the bait. On the Moscow River and the Moscow Canal, there are areas with moderate current and depths of 5–10 meters.

Pike feeds mainly at dawn, with possible outings during the day in cloudy weather. Set up zherlitsy near remaining vegetation, at depths of 2–4 meters, next to edges and snags. Reservoirs of the Moscow region and bays of the Moscow River are typical places.

Zander stays near the bottom, often next to schools of white fish. Catch it on vertical spoons, balance beams, vibs/rattlins, and less often – on zherlitsy with live bait. In February, this fish is better sought on slopes, channel edges, depths of 6–12 meters. Suitable are Mozhayskoye, Ruza, Istrinskoye reservoirs, sections of the Moscow River with holes.

«In February, You Have to Run After the Fish»

February is not the easiest month for fishing; in FishGO, it is called the season for the patient and experienced. On wild water bodies, the bite is often capricious and heavily depends on weather, place, and the angler«s experience. Therefore, without understanding the terrain and fish habits, catches can be modest.

«February is commonly considered one of the worst months in fishing. In folk tradition, this time is called «the dead of winter»», Anton Maltsev, a candidate for master of sports, champion of fishing competitions, and ambassador of the FishGO project, told MSK1.RU. – «It«s cold, fish hold in local small schools and are often on the move, oxygen in the water becomes scarce due to thick ice and decomposition of algae, the metabolism of all inhabitants of the water body slows down.»

Despite the difficult conditions, there is no need to despair. There are several rules that will help catch well even in February.

Before going fishing, you need to look at the weather and its dynamics. Stable air temperature, pressure from 740 to 760 mm Hg, mainly without sharp jumps over 2–3 days, works in your favor.

Stay away from mass gatherings of fishermen on the water body. In February, fish flee from any noise. You need to behave extremely cautiously and quietly.

Be sure to use bait for white fish.

Every element of the tackle should be as delicate as possible. Coarse rigs are a guarantee of a failed fishing trip.

Look for active fish, move more often, and drill a new hole. Fish do not stay in one place; often in February, you have to run after them.

Closer to the end of February, fish gradually come out of «winter hibernation» and begin to prepare for spring: they feed more actively and gather in schools. According to observations by experts from the FishGO service, it is at this time that meltwater begins to flow under the ice, and fish feel the approach of warmth. Therefore, in the second half of February, fishing can be successful, especially on thaw days.

Where to Fish Best in Moscow and the Region

Fish-rich places are an almost sacred topic: experienced fishermen usually guard such coordinates more strictly than bank card passwords. But for us, the FishGO service made an exception and told where Muscovites can go for a good bite. However, in this matter, everything is decided by fortune: once a place becomes popular, dozens of fishermen gather there, and the bite is no longer the same.

So, here is the list:

Istrinskoye Reservoir – you can catch perch, zander, pike;

Ruza Reservoir – you can catch bream, pike, zander, perch;

Mozhayskoye Reservoir – you can catch bream, roach, perch;

Pirogovskoye Reservoir – you can catch perch, roach;

Klyazminskoye Reservoir – you can catch pike, perch, roach.

«Pay attention to sections on the Moscow River: below the Karamyshevskaya Hydroelectric Power Station – channel depths of 5–10 m, current; in the Strogin floodplain – bays and exits to the channel; on the section near the Krylatsky Hills, where depths are near the right bank, and the western part of the meander from the Strogino/Shchukino side», advises Anton Maltsev. – «The bite will be successful in Khimki – the area of the pier and the northern part of the canal, as well as in Dolgoprudny, where there are extensive deep sections.»

Fishing is a hobby that is not only exciting but also useful, especially if you see how much fish costs now in stores. And if you still think that fishing is not a woman«s affair, then read the story of CMS Elvira Kasatova: the girl pulls huge pike out of the water and will put any fisherman to shame.