Nelma is a fish of the whitefish genus, a family of salmonids. This is the largest representative of its kind. In adulthood, she reaches one and a half meters in length and 50 kilograms in weight. But, of course, these are the maximum indicators. The average weight of fish caught by nets or on a hook ranges from 5 to 10 kg.
Nelma - the fish is large enough, it has silver scales. For this, she is also called the "white fish." The body is spindle-shaped, elongated. There is, like all whitefish, a fat fin. Caviar is small. The mouth of the
fish is large, spiky. The upper jaw bone in this species does not reach the vertical at the posterior edge of the eye. Nelma differs from other salmon in that its silver color is completely devoid of dark spots. It is not too difficult to distinguish females from males - according to the presence of the latter a pronounced “mating” outfit.
Nelma spawns, like most northern fish, at the end of September and in October.
The water temperature in this case is from 3 to 10 degrees. Prefers places with sand and gravel. Nelma is a prolific fish. For one spawning period, she sweeps up to 420 thousand eggs. Caviar develops throughout the winter period, being in small crevices between the stones. Malek is developing rapidly. In five years, fish can grow up to one meter, and gain up to seven kilograms in weight. This is an undeniable and very voracious predator. In the stomach of monthly fry, scientists find not only various eggs, but also only the emerged juveniles of other fish species. Adults feed mainly on vendace, smelt, and, of course, the young of other whitefish. Immediately after spawning, nelma again slides into the sea. But sometimes it lingers in spawning rivers for a couple of years, and sometimes it even goes in search of food on floodplain, flood lakes.
Nelma - freshwater and semi-fish. It is common in rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean. The most stocked Irtysh, Ob, Lena and Yenisei. The fish is kept in the estuaries and deltas of large cold Siberian rivers. She comes here immediately after opening the river and ice drift. The most intense period of the course is June-July.
All fishermen treat nelme with respect and respect. After all, this is a real giant of the northern rivers. Catching such a serious trophy is not so simple. Catching nelma is an activity only for those who are ready to face difficulties. After all, the weight of this northern fish sometimes reaches 40 kg. The difficult northern living conditions of this species also complicate the task. Sometimes nelm fishing is more like hunting. Nelma has impressive strength, cunning dodgy and stubbornness. Needless to say, the fishing of the northern white fish is so exciting that it captivates the hearts of fishermen from the first trophy caught. This active fish is caught in narrow baits - “spaghetti” on large size, which in shape and color look like the beloved non-nimble vendace or smelt. The best time for fishing is early morning or evening. Perhaps, in the northern rivers there is no other species that would attract lovers of difficult and sophisticated fishing so much as a nelm fish. A fishing photo with such a weighty trophy will be a real decoration of the album of achievements of any fisherman.