SHOOTING

The remarkable variety of vegetation makes the area a paradise, where hundreds of animals have made their habitats. That is why hunters can expect unique shooting experiences. The enthusiasts of the hirsute game can go after hare, wild boar and even roe among the dense forest or along the lake shoreline.

They will also see many species of wild fauna, such as foxes, badgers, martens, wildcats and wild goats. It should also be mentioned that there are occasional visits to the area by bears and wolves.

Those who prefer fowl game, they can find plenty of migratory birds, such as woodcocks, ringdoves as well as turtledoves, the latter, however, being scarce.

Along the shoreline there are many species of wild duck, and geese. One can also find many other species, which however are protected and shooting is forbidden at a very high fine. These include kingfishers, cormorants and various kinds of grouse.

It should also be noted that in this area one can find two of the best places for still wild duck hunting.

In the vineyards and the olive groves below the village there abound pheasants, thrushes, merles, ortolans, and others.

FISHING (ANGLING)

Messenikolas possesses the major part of Lake Plastiras shoreline, and so fishing is the main hobby of the villagers.

During the spring and summer months the shores are whelmed by anglers equipped with rods and lines in order to catch carp, bass and flatfish. A good catch is also the iridescent trout or salmon trout. There are also other endangered species, such as different kinds of perch and whitefish, the spawn of which is protected and regularly restored. However the most delicious fish of the lake is the indigenous red spotted trout that used to live in the rivers of the Nevropolis plateau before the lake came into being.

One needs a fishing boat and nets in order to catch the best fish of the lake, the so called coregonus, which belongs to the family of salmon. Its meat – with scanty bones – is white and palatable, being rich in omega acids. The cleanness of the lake waters and the abundance of the phytoplankton have boosted the fish population despite the excessive fishing.

Fishing is not allowed in the following seasons:

May for the carp, from Nov 1 – Feb 15 for the trout, and from Dec 1 – Jan 31 for coregonus