Balkhash is a very large lake, the length of which reaches 600 km, the maximum width is 74 km. The greatest depth of this reservoir is 27 m. But this regime does not apply to the entire lake, but to its points. In general, the average depth of Balkhash does not reach 6 m.

The reservoir borders the regions of Kazakhstan: Karaganda, Almaty and Zhambyl. On one side it is adjacent to the Betpak steppe, on the second - sandy massifs, and on one side - the Chu-Ili chain.

 

Fishing on Lake Balkhash

Where can you go fishing in Balkhash?
There are organized fishing spots around Lake Balkhash. They are located:

1. In the suburban area of the city of Balkhash and in suspended villages.
2. In the village of Lepsy.
3. In the delta of the Ili River.

 

There are roads leading to all equipped fishing spots so that you don’t have any problems with the routes. But we must remember that the city of Balkhash is located in the Karaganda region, and the villages of Lepsy and Delta Ili are closer to Almaty. The distances between territories are very large. Therefore, you need to decide in advance where to go.

 

What's the best way to get there?

You can get to this wonderful holiday destination by personal or public transport. Buses depart from the city of Balkhash to the villages of Torangalik and Chubar-Tubek. Trains depart from Astana and travel to visit Balkhash-1 and Balkhash-2. But it takes about a day to travel on them. Some flights even involve transfers.

There is also an airport not far from the reservoir. Planes fly there from major cities of Kazakhstan. But the schedule is constantly changing, and flights on this route are not daily. Therefore, you need to carefully study the flight schedule and calculate your options in advance.

The most convenient way to travel is by private car. If you drive from Karaganda along the M36 highway, the journey will take about 5-7 hours (the nearest bases are in the city of Balkhash and the surrounding area). From Almaty by car it will take up to 9 hours (you will get to the trip village of Lepsy or the Ili River delta).

We give the distance in km to make it easier for you to navigate the routes:

• from Astana to Balkhashi via Karaganda - 600 km;
• from Almaty to Balkhashi - 640 km;
• from Almaty to the village of Lepsy - 420 km.
  

The roads are currently being repaired. But the Kazakh government promises to continue work around 2023.

 

Fishing bases Lake Balkhash

Popular fishing methods In Balkhash they fish both from the shore and from a boat. On the shore you can catch not too large underwater inhabitants. But you can even get trophy specimens from the boat.

Fishing on this reservoir does not stop all year round. She is active day and night, summer and winter. During the winter season, the surface of the lake freezes heavily. You can even drive cars along it. This is very convenient for fishermen. After all, they get the opportunity to get to remote places in Balkhash.

Don't forget about spearfishing. Some recreation centers provide this service to tourists during the day and at night. They provide vacationers with powerful motor boats, diving suits and fins, harpoon guns and ballast belts. Tourists go spearfishing accompanied by experienced instructors.

When going fishing, remember that fishing is prohibited by law during the spawning season. In Balkhash, the ban applies taking into account spring and until its end. On the Ili River, restrictions begin on approximately the same dates. If you break the law, the penalty will be paid with a small fine.

Therefore, it is better for an avid fisherman to come at any other time of the year.

 

What kind of fish are there?

The species diversity of fish on Balkhash is simply enormous. After all, in one part of the lake the water is salty, and in the other it is fresh, thanks to the rivers flowing into it. Therefore, fish that are incompatible with one body of water are prepared here. Fishermen catch in the lake:

1. the spotted and influential sloth fish;
2. carp;
3. roach;
4. soma;
5. barbel;
6. perch;
7. marinka;
8. bream;
9. carp;
10. Amur snakehead;
11. asp and many other underwater inhabitants.

 

They go for roach, carp and bream during the day, but for fishing, catfish and other predators only at night. Pike, unfortunately, are not found in this lake. But its absence is compensated by a large selection of other white fish. You can find a huge amount of perch alone. You can even catch trophy specimens.

 

How to catch?

If you are interested in large carp and bream, catch them from a boat. Use spinners, wobblers and other baits. First, feed the fish in the selected areas. Then she herself will peck on the onboard gear.

Catfish are also good to catch from a boat. But for each type of fish you need to select the right bait and bait. For example, carp can be caught using bread and corn. The bream bites on the worm. It is better to lure catfish with chicken liver and fish giblets.

If you want to catch an asp, go to Balkhash in the fall and be sure to take a spinning rod with you.

 

Where to stay?

You can come to one of the fishing bases. The most developed bases are in the northwest and the Ili River delta. They provide all conditions for a comfortable stay. There you will find:

• normal bathroom with hot water;
• organized meals in a modern restaurant;
• bath;
• household appliances in the rooms and other amenities.

You will also be provided with all the necessary fishing equipment and baited fishing spots in advance.

Check out the list of fishing bases that are open all year round.
Unfortunately, well-equipped recreation centers are expensive for the average Kazakh citizen. And I don’t want to pay money for very budget options either. For example, the cheapest offers start from 2,500 tenge per person per day. At the same time, the tourist is provided with minimal living conditions, and additional services are paid separately.

Not everyone is ready for such a vacation. Therefore, many residents of the Republic of Kazakhstan prefer to travel as “savages”. After all, the coast of the lake is very long and deserted. Here everyone can find a secluded place.

Not only fishermen come to the reservoir, but also people who are far from this hobby. They know that there is a wonderful beach holiday here. The sun shines on Balkhash up to 130 days a year. Sometimes it heats the air up to 45 degrees. The lake itself also warms up well. The temperature of its water in the upper layers reaches 28 degrees. It is very warm even for children.

There are many sandy beaches around the reservoir. They are no worse than the beaches of Egypt or Turkey. Therefore, Kazakhstanis enjoy spending holidays and weekends in Balkhash. Moreover, you can swim and sunbathe here even in September.

The best way to spend time in Balkhash is to combine a beach holiday with fishing. In this case, you can enjoy your favorite hobby, sunbathe, swim and complement your family lunches and dinners with delicious fish dishes.

 

What do they do with the fish?

Freshly caught fish can be immediately baked on the grill and eaten during a family feast. There will be no problems with this if you come by car, take a barbecue with you and relax as a “savage”. If you are staying at a fishing base or just some kind of recreation center, you will have two options available to you: rent a grill from the administration or ask the chef at the restaurant to cook the fish. In some establishments the service is provided free of charge for guests of the base.

You can also try cooking the Kazakh fish dish koktal. It is made from large fish, which is smoked along with the scales. To begin with, the fish is cut along the ridge, opened like a book, and the inside is placed on tomatoes and onions sliced on a grill. Then whole potatoes are laid out around the carcass. In this form, the dish is smoked until cooked.

If you're lucky, your fishing base will host master classes on making koktal. Be sure to attend this exciting event to learn how to cook a real delicacy under the guidance of an experienced chef.

 

Possible disadvantages of vacation

Even the best holiday destination can have its drawbacks. This also applies to Lake Balkhash. But here the problems are not related to the reservoir itself, but to people.

Unfortunately, not only well-mannered tourists relax on the lake. Some leave behind a lot of garbage on the coast. This is very annoying. If you find a garbage heap in your chosen fishing area, you will have to endure it or look for another place.

No one cares about the environment either. Factories have been built on the shore of the reservoir, polluting the water. And in the future it is planned to build a nuclear power plant.

Also, a law-abiding fisherman will be irritated by poachers. They are also not uncommon here. The most annoying thing is that no one is actively fighting them. All rules and laws exist only on paper. In real life they are of no use.

If you want to stay in a secluded place, located far from recreation centers, be prepared for the lack of mobile communications. It doesn’t work everywhere in Balkhash.

Another problem can be an unstable depth level. For example, last year you vacationed on a very deep lake, and next year its coast may become very shallow. This phenomenon is due to the fact that China is withdrawing part of the water flow from the Ili River bed. The problem becomes noticeable when there is a long absence of precipitation in the mountains.

But even taking into account all the listed disadvantages, a holiday on Balkhash leaves only positive impressions. Tourists who have visited here are happy to give up foreign seaside holidays in favor of a warm lake with sandy beaches and an abundance of fish. This applies not only to Kazakhstanis, but also to numerous guests of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

 

Full list of recreation centers on Lake Balkhash