Kumisi Lake

Kumisi Lake: The Great Fishing Lake of Kvemo Kartli

Kumisi Lake is a large, shallow tectonic lake located in the plains of Kvemo Kartli, just a short drive south of Tbilisi. For decades, it has been one of the most famous and popular destinations in Georgia for recreational and sport fishing. Its accessibility and rich fish populations, including large carp, grass carp, and silver carp, draw anglers from all over the country year-round. The lake is not a picturesque mountain tarn but a vast, open body of water set in a landscape of rolling hills and fields. In recent years, a modern tourist and recreational complex has been developed on its shores, including a restaurant and fishing infrastructure, transforming it from a simple fishing spot into a more organized leisure zone. The lake gained notoriety for a mysterious event when its waters turned an unusual color, and is sometimes associated with local legends, but its primary identity remains as the premier fishing lake near the capital.

Identification and Location

• Name: Kumisi Lake (კუმისის ტბა).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Kvemo Kartli
  • Municipality: Gardabani
• Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Near the village of Kumisi, south of Tbilisi.
• Coordinates: Approximately 41.6000° N, 44.7500° E.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Approximately 5.4 square kilometers.
• Maximum Depth: Very shallow, around 4-5 meters.
• Elevation Above Sea Level: Approximately 475 meters.
• Water Source(s): Fed by the Algeti irrigation channel.
• Water Type: Slightly saline (brackish) artesian water.
• Geology of Basin: Tectonic depression.

Ecological Information

• Flora: Surrounded by steppe vegetation and agricultural land.
• Fauna: Extremely rich in fish, including carp, grass carp, silver carp, and catfish, making it a prime fishing location.
• Trophic Level: Eutrophic (nutrient-rich).
• Water Clarity: Generally low due to its shallow nature and high level of organic matter.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: A traditional fishing ground.
• Current Use: Primarily used for organized recreational and sport fishing. A tourist complex with a restaurant and fishing piers operates on the shore.
• Environmental Issues: The lake’s ecosystem is heavily managed for fishing and has experienced issues such as algal blooms.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed by a private company as a fishing and recreational complex.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• It is widely considered the best and most popular lake for carp fishing near Tbilisi.
• The lake was once at the center of a media sensation due to a mysterious and sudden change in its water color.