Fish Lake
Balık Lake is one of the highest lakes in Turkey on the Aras Mountains in the Eastern Anatolia Region. Located within the borders of Ağrı province and being a volcanic set lake in terms of formation, this lake has an area of 30 km². Its height from the sea is 2,241 meters and its deepest point is 37 meters. It is a source of drinking and utility water for the surrounding villages. It is fed by streams from the mountains, springs on the coast and underground waters. It is surrounded by reeds. It is one of the 135 internationally important wetlands in Turkey. Velvet ducks brood on the small island in the lake. It is also important that the spotted trout live in the lake. Around; animals such as eagle, rabbit, falcon, partridge, fox, seagull, wolf, wild duck, quail and woodcock live. It is 60 km from Ağrı and Doğubayazıt districts and 26 km from Taşlıçay. A harsh continental climate prevails in the surrounding area. Winters are long, and the first and last spring are short. It was formed by the lava coming from Mount Ararat, closing in front of a depression. The stream coming out of the lake irrigates the Doğubayazıt reeds. Alpine meadows form the natural vegetation around the lake. Fishing in the frozen lake is done for 5 months by breaking the ice. Spotted trout is also consumed for medicinal purposes.
