The Tom River is a large water artery of Western Siberia

The Siberian river Tom is one of the largest tributaries of the Ob River. On its bank 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 about 830 km, and the width of its armhole in some places reaches 3 km. It is believed that the name Tom was invented yet by ketas - the ancient Siberian people - and literally means "the main river" or even the "center of life". Perhaps, not a single Russian reservoir has as many amazing legends as it is about it - about Tom. Here is one of the most interesting stories and tell about the possibilities of fishing on the river.

The Legend of Tom and Usha

On the high bank of the Siberian river stood a solidly fortified town of brave Toyan, Prince of the Euchtins. A son was born to Toyan, who was called Ushae. Since childhood he grew up a skillful and fearless warrior. Nobody could compete with him in running on skis and archery. Not far from the town of Toyan, near the tributary of the river, was the prince of Basandai, along with his numerous tribe. And the prince had an indescribable beauty daughter by the name of Tom. Many warriors dreamed of marrying her, but Basandai wanted to marry her to a great Siberian khan. Once Ushay pursued the moose in the forest and accidentally ran into the grounds of Basandai, where at that time the beautiful princess Tom was walking. A glorious warrior was overwhelmed by the beauty and charm of the girl, and Tom was impressed by the dexterity and strength of Usha. And they fell in love with each other. Since then, Tom and Ushay began to meet in the clearing, where they found Basandai during another meeting. The prince was angered and drove the poor Usha with shame from his lands. In desperation, Tom ran to the river, near which her lover lived, and rushed into it. Since then, this river is called Toma (or Tomyu).

Here is such a beautiful and at the same time sad legend. By the way, the names of the characters are not accidental, because the Ushayka and Basandyka rivers are large tributaries of Tom.

Fishing in Tomi

And the river itself, and its tributaries (especially the estuaries) are quite suitable for fishing. Here there are pike, grayling, perch and burbot. In places, mainly in the autumn period, you can catch and taimen. However, its population has recently been sharply reduced. Of white varieties of fish, roach are often found, and in some places bream.

Predatory fish prefer to catch spinning gear. For fishing graylings, fly fishing is more suitable - this fish is not too big, but it is not easy to catch it. Pike it is better to catch in deeper places, where the level of flow is significantly reduced. The Tom River is of great interest to taimen lovers. This fish is quite dexterous and quirky, but closer to the autumn, it is awakening a brutal appetite, due to which it is much easier to lure it. For catching taimen best use spinning and bait in the form of a small "mouse", because small rodents are the main prey especially large representatives.

The Tom River is suitable for catching burbot both in winter and in summer, but in the warm season this fish is not particularly active. To catch her, the usual donkeys are used, and the biting begins closer to the night. In winter, burbot catch on a fishing pole, and as a bait, use pieces of fish or lead cone-shaped mormyshku.

The river Tom is surrounded by pebbly and rocky shores. And only some areas with the possibility of access to the water, 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.