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A large lake-river species of whitefish. In Siberia, two residential forms are distinguished – lake and lake-river. It goes far into the sea quite rarely, keeps fresh water near the mouths of rivers. The maximum sizes of fish can reach about 80 cm and 12 kg.
Ways to catch chir
For catching whitefish, traditional equipment used in catching whitefish is used. Basically, whitefish are caught on animal baits and imitation invertebrates. For this, various “long-cast” rods, float gear, winter fishing rods, fly fishing, and partly spinning are used.
Catching chir on spinning
Catching a whitefish with traditional spinning lures is possible, but sporadic. Spinning rods, as in catching other whitefish, are best used for various rigs using flies and tricks. Spinner fishing will require a lot of patience in the selection of lures.
Fly fishing
Fly fishing for whitefish is similar to other whitefish. The choice of gear depends on the preferences of the fisherman himself, but fishing for class 5-6 can be considered the most versatile. Whitefish feed on the shallows, in lakes it can approach the shore, but, like all other whitefish, it is considered a very cautious fish, so the requirement for lines remains traditional: maximum delicacy when presented to the surface. First of all, it concerns dry fly fishing and shallow fishing in general. On rivers, a large chir keeps near the main stream, at the convergence of jets and so on. When fishing on a nymph, the wiring should be unhurried, strips with a small amplitude.
Catching chir on a float rod and bottom gear
The general habits and behavior of whitefish are similar to other whitefish. In certain periods, it is actively caught on animal baits. For this, ordinary, traditional gear is used – float and bottom. When shore fishing, especially on lakes, it is advisable to be as careful as possible.
Baits
For fishing with natural baits, various invertebrate larvae, worms, and mollusk meat are used. When using tackle for fishing with artificial lures, imitations of flying insects are used, as well as various morphological forms, including mayflies, amphipods, chironomids, stoneflies and others. Some anglers claim that the color of lures is brown and its various shades. For “dry flies” it is better to use shades of gray, while the baits should not be large, the hook size should be up to No. 12.
Places of fishing and habitat
Chir is found in many rivers of the coast of the Arctic Ocean, from the Cheshskaya Guba to the Yukon. As already mentioned, the fish belongs to the whitefish, preferring life in lakes. For feeding it goes to the brackish waters of the sea, but often remains in the waters of the river. The fish may not migrate for several years, remaining in the lake. As a rule, the largest fish rise to remote continental lakes and can live there without leaving for several years. On the rivers, you should look for chira in quiet bays, channels and spills. In the feeding zone of the river, flocks of whitefish can constantly move in search of food. At the same time, it should be noted that chir, as an object of prey, is known to residents only of the northern regions, because it does not rise deep into the mainland zone.
Spawning
Chir grows quite quickly, sexual maturity comes at 3-4 years. Lake forms usually spawn in small rivers – tributaries. Mass spawning starts in August. Spawning on rivers takes place in October-November, in lakes until December. In rivers, whitefish spawn on rocky-pebble bottom or sandy-pebble bottom. Some lake forms go into the main river for feeding, this stimulates the development of reproductive products, and in autumn they return to the lake for spawning. At the same time, it should be noted that the chir can take breaks in spawning for 3-4 years. After spawning, the fish does not go far from the spawning area, to feeding areas or permanent habitat, but disperses gradually.