The stillness here is deceptive. Uchinskoye Reservoir. A seemingly tranquil expanse of water. It whispers secrets of a past not easily seen.
Look closer. This isn’t just a picturesque spot in the Moscow region. Uchinskoye Reservoir plays a vital role. It provides drinking water to Moscow. That’s right this quiet body of water keeps millions hydrated.
Originally called Akulovsky Reservoir its history is far richer than its calm surface suggests. In 1937 the Moscow region acquired it. The construction of the Akulovsky hydroelectric complex led to its creation. Several settlements vanished. Swallowed by the rising waters. Roads once bustling with life now lie beneath the waves. Sections of the old highway remain. Silent remnants of a world long gone.
Uchinskoye Reservoir is 12 kilometers long and three kilometers wide at its widest point. Its depth reaches 21 meters. It freezes over in late November. Thawing begins in early to mid-April.
The southern shore is strictly off-limits. A protected area. No tourist centers. No recreational facilities. Regulations prohibit approaching within 200 meters. Yet despite strict rules enforcement is lenient.
The northern shore is different. It’s a magnet for locals and tourists. A dirt road runs along much of the coastline. It’s not car-friendly but cyclists thrive here. Fishing and swimming are forbidden. Yet people ignore the rules. The area can be crowded during the summer.
The lure? The fishing. Uchinskoye Reservoir is a haven for fish. Clean water and a lack of disturbance contribute to its flourishing ecosystem. Pike roach bream pike perch and large perch are abundant.
Thirty years ago fishing was permitted. This led to the disappearance of certain fish species. Strict security measures were implemented. Twenty-four hour patrols protect the reservoir’s inhabitants. A special permit allows fishing in the protected areas. It requires navigating government agencies and substantial fees. The only legal fishing spot is a bay near Stepankovskoye Highway. Experienced anglers prefer boats for better catches.
So the next time you stand by Uchinskoye Reservoir. Remember its dual nature. A tranquil retreat that hides the crucial role it plays. A protected sanctuary that reveals its beauty to those willing to discover its hidden stories. A place where the quiet waters are alive with unseen mysteries.