Is this our biggest adventure offering? Quite possibly. After the
long flight to Almaty, it is a seven-hour drive by minibus to the
Ily Delta, a vast and unspoilt water system that holds massive catfish.
On a previous trip, a party of five accounted for 368 catfish, with
the best specimen weighing in at 171 pounds.
Fishing is from boats, with one guide and two anglers per boat.
For such a remote location, the facilities are excellent. Local
ground agents Kan Tengri run a well-organised operation, selecting
from a choice of four base camps depending on the fishing.
Tents are shaded by thatched roofs, and there are separate tents
for cooking and dining, as well as a shower tent.
The prime season is mid May to the end of June.
Tailor made packages are available for groups of four to ten people
