Ust-Ilimsk Reservoir
Reservoir Large Siberian reservoir on the Angara River
Formed by the Ust‑Ilimsk Dam on the Angara River in Irkutsk Oblast, the Ust‑Ilimsk Reservoir supports hydroelectricity and draws anglers, boaters and visitors to Siberian taiga shoreline.
Ust-Ilimsk Reservoir is a large artificial reservoir in Irkutsk Oblast, Russia, created by the Ust-Ilimsk Dam on the Angara River. It functions as part of the Ust-Ilimsk hydroelectric scheme and is an important regional water body.
The reservoir’s shoreline and waters are used for transport, local fisheries and hydroelectric regulation rather than for intensive tourism. Surrounding areas include forested and taiga landscapes.
Construction of the Ust-Ilimsk Dam and filling of the reservoir took place in the Soviet period as part of regional hydroelectric development, altering local river flows and creating the present lake. The reservoir remains managed for power production and associated purposes.
The reservoir lies in central Siberia’s Irkutsk region on the Angara River corridor, northeast of the city of Irkutsk and within a landscape of rivers, forests and dispersed settlements.
- Origin and use: Formed by the Ust-Ilimsk hydroelectric dam on the Angara River and used for power generation and regional water management.
Tips for Visiting Ust-Ilimsk Reservoir #
- Use the town of Ust‑Ilimsk as your base for any reservoir visits-accommodation, local guides and boat operators are based there and are the practical way to arrange fishing or boat trips.
- Visit in summer (June-August) for open-water boating and fishing; the reservoir freezes in winter, and winter travel on the ice requires experienced local guides and equipment.
- Speak to local operators in Ust‑Ilimsk about vessel availability and navigation routes-the reservoir is large and unmarked stretches can be confusing without local knowledge.
Best Time to Visit Ust-Ilimsk Reservoir #
Visit the Ust‑Ilimsk Reservoir in mid-summer (June-August) for open-water activities; outside this window the reservoir is often frozen or in transition.
Weather & Climate near Ust-Ilimsk Reservoir #
Ust-Ilimsk Reservoir's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -27°C to 24°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -18°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -24°C. The driest month with just 13 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 13 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 60 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -24°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
