Turtle Lake (Kus Tba)

About Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake (Kus Tba) sits on the wooded ridge above Tbilisi’s Vake neighborhood, about 687 meters above sea level. It’s one of those rare urban lakes where you can fish with a view of a capital city below you. The lake was originally linked to sulfur springs, which gives the water a slightly unusual mineral character, but today it functions mostly as a recreational escape for Tbilisi residents.

Angling data from platforms like Fishbrain and FishAngler tells a clear story: Turtle Lake is a perch lake. European perch absolutely dominate the catch reports, followed by roach, with the occasional carp and a very rare northern pike making an appearance. If you’re after anything else, you’re better off elsewhere.

Fishing Tips

• Perch on light gear: A light spinning rod with micro jigs or small spinners is perfect for the resident perch. They’re not huge, but they’re aggressive and plentiful.
• Float fishing from the shore works well for roach. Maggots or small pieces of worm are the go-to.
• Timing matters: The lake gets absolutely packed on summer weekends with families, paddle boaters, and general recreation. Fish early on weekdays if you want any peace. By 11am on a Saturday, the shoreline is more about picnics than fishing.
• If you’re targeting the rare pike, try the deeper sections near the center in late autumn when the crowds thin out.

Access

Perfectly accessible by car or even on foot from Vake. The road winds up through a forested slope and ends at a parking area right by the lake. Cafes, restrooms, and walking paths circle the shoreline. It’s about as convenient as urban fishing gets.