The Volga Delta is located in the Astrakhan region, approximately 46 kilometers north of Astrakhan itself. It is the largest river lowland in Europe and covers an area of about 12,000 square kilometers.
The climate in the Volga delta is sharply continental. However, it softens a little due to the proximity of the Caspian Sea. The temperature in summer can reach +40, and in winter it can drop to almost -14 degrees. The Volga Delta (photo below) rarely freezes hard, and there is almost no snow in winter.
These places are characterized by a special diversity of the animal world. Here you can meet pelicans and even flamingos. Sturgeons are found in the water. Unfortunately, the lowering of the water level in the Caspian Sea is reflected in the river delta. It dries up, and in winter it began to freeze. Thus, the delta is no longer of such significance for nesting birds. Although it still retains its role during seasonal migrations.
Fauna and flora
Volga Delta is a happy owner of one of the rarest plants - lotus. No one can still say for sure where he came from. This area is considered the northernmost place of itshabitat.
Fish diversity is affected by increased commercial fishing in the delta. Because of it, the number of many species, such as sturgeon, herring, vobla, is declining.
The Volga Delta, or rather its waters, are actively used for land irrigation, in the construction of power plants. In this regard, in order to restore the population, fish species that have never been in these parts are launched into it. It can be said that the delta ecosystem is becoming almost artificial.
Reserves
The situation is saved by the Astrakhan nature reserve located in the delta. It was opened in 1919 and was one of the first in Russia. The task of the reserve is to preserve the diversity of flora and fauna. Thanks to this, the Volga delta and the territory of the protected area are inhabited by more than 280 species of birds and about 60 varieties of fish.
To visit the surroundings, you must first leave a request on the website or call the office of the Astrakhan Reserve by phone. It will be necessary to indicate the length of stay, the number of people, the presence or absence of transport for delivery. Also, after the dates of the visit are approved, you must come to the office, which is located in Astrakhan, and receive special documents giving the right to be in a specially protected natural area.
Rules in the reserve
The reserve in the Volga delta also has strict rules, the implementation of which is necessary to preserve nature in its original form. For example,it is forbidden to catch or pick up baby animals that may be encountered on the way. Do not break bushes or tree branches, even if they seem to be already dried up. Silence is required so as not to disturb the peace of the surrounding world. Of course, it is forbidden to make fires and leave any garbage behind.
Short list of rules:
1. Stay on the trail.
2. Do not light fires.
3. Do not break trees, bushes, do not pluck flowers.
4. Take all rubbish off the trail with you.
Such rules will help not only show people the natural beauty, but also preserve it in its original form.
Astrakhan nature reserve is not the only one in those parts. The area of the Volga delta is quite large. The closest neighbor of the former was the recently opened Bogdinsko-Baskunchak Nature Reserve. It was established in 1997. It includes Mount Bogdo, Lake Baskunchak and the Green Garden. The reserve was created to protect and preserve in its former form the unique s alt lake Baskunchak and Mount Bolshoye Bogdo, the highest point of the Caspian lowland. On its territory there are many species of unique rare birds listed in the Red Book. For example, the steppe eagle, the imperial eagle and the curly pelican. There are 22 species of such birds in the reserve. 47 species of animals and a large number of plants are also protected.
Fishing
Fishing in the Volga Delta is allowed only within special bases. It is worth noting that there are a great many of them. Representatives of some meet the guest in Astrakhan, inairport or train station, and from there they are taken to the territory. After the end of the tour, they are taken back to the city. Each guest's personal catch is offered to be smoked and given to him as a treat. Such services are provided, in particular, by the Delta-Volga fishing and hunting base. There are about fifty such places in total. Most of them are located in the Kamyzyak region.
Bases for anglers
Experienced fishing enthusiasts prefer to settle down on fishing complexes. As a rule, the main choice is the local base. The Volga Delta is located very close to it. This is mainly due to two things. Firstly, the water lowland is included in the natural reserve. Secondly, a special permit is required to stay there. A similar document is automatically issued to all visitors to the fishing base. While the "savages" get it with great difficulty. Also, when choosing a fishing base, we can say that fishermen are served there by well-trained rangers who know the area very well. They will help to choose the best place for visitors to get the most out of their time with a fishing rod in their hands.
When is the best time to fish?
Fishing in the Volga Delta is most successful in the lower reaches of the reservoir, mainly in spring or autumn. At this time, the most suitable weather for long and comfortable fishing. Moreover, the months that are better to choose for a trip are March-April or September-October. Why these particular dates? They were chosen due to the fact that at the end of April the water is alreadybegins to become cloudy, which negatively affects the bite. Spawning also begins, during which huge schools of fish pass through the delta. And predators are not up to bait. And in May, fishermen will begin to pester a myriad of midges, which can make any stay in nature almost unbearable.
Thus, in order to have a good time, it is better to book your favorite base for March or September in advance and enjoy the beautiful views and excellent catch in the Volga River Delta.
