Veselukha is a river on the border of Volyn and Rivne regions, a right tributary of the Prypyat. It originates near Manevychi, and up to the village of Serkhiv its upper course is called the Bihuchyi stream. Further on, the river flows north and northeast across the marshy Polissia Lowland, runs through the territory of Nobel National Nature Park, and empties into the Prypyat east of Lake Nobel, not far from the village of Kotyra.
Length and channel features
The length of Veselukha is 69 kilometres, and the drainage basin area is about 940 square kilometres.
The river valley is almost imperceptible in the relief, as the surrounding area is mostly flat and swampy. Its width reaches 3–5 kilometres. The channel is winding, usually 15–20 metres wide. The river gradient is approximately 0.67 metres per kilometre.
The main tributaries of Veselukha are Mlynok, which flows in from the right, and Zaliznetska, a left tributary. The river is fed mainly by rain and snow. Freeze-up usually lasts from early December to mid-March.
In the mid-20th century, the channel of Veselukha was straightened and partially deepened during the construction of the Veselukha drainage and reclamation system. There are ponds in the river basin, and the water is used for water supply and irrigation.
Part of the river flows through the territory of Nobel National Nature Park. Here, amid Polissia landscapes with marshy floodplains and natural water bodies, Veselukha is an integral part of the local aquatic ecosystem.
Fishing on Veselukha
Veselukha is also of interest to fishing enthusiasts. Ichthyofauna research conducted in the summer of 2022 confirmed the presence of 18 fish species in the river. Among the most common are roach, rudd, bream, pike, and perch. Catfish, tench, crucian carp, and ruffe are also found.
Fishing takes place in various sections of the river, particularly in the lower reaches, closer to the Prypyat. Fishing opportunities also exist on the ponds in the Veselukha basin, although access to individual water bodies may depend on their owner.
When planning a fishing trip, it is important to consider seasonal restrictions, spawning bans, and amateur fishing regulations. Additional requirements for the protection of natural complexes apply within the territory of the natural park.
Nearby
Lake Nobel — near the mouth, Prypyat — the river it flows into. More in the article Varash Raion.
