Species

Tench

An olive-green, slimy bottom fish with red eyes that bites cautiously and loves warm, weedy waters.

Tinca tinca

Photo: Karelj, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, adjusted to 3:2

Spawning: April to June, from around 18 °C water temperature (general guide, varies by region)
German Red List: not threatened
Typical method: Float fishing (lift method)
Top bait: Brandling (manure worm)

Plan a day fishing for Tench

How to recognise it

Dark olive green with very small scales and a thick layer of slime
Two short barbels at the thick-lipped mouth
Deep tail root with an almost straight tail fin

How to catch it

Methods: Float fishing (lift method), Bottom fishing

Baits: Brandling (manure worm), Maggots, Casters, Sweetcorn

Dawn and dusk in summer, close to reeds and water lilies.

Habitat and food

Slow-flowing and still waters rich in plants with a soft bottom, including small ponds. It copes well with low oxygen.

Small creatures on the bottom such as insect larvae and snails, plus algae growth.

Size and age

Usually 20 to 40 cm; maximum weights of 7.5 kg are documented (Wikipedia, FishBase).

Protection and rules

Conservation status: German Red List (freshwater fish 2023): not threatened. IUCN: not threatened (Least Concern, 2022).

Check the rules

Closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each German state (and by each country abroad) and can be stricter on individual waters. We are building an overview with sources and check dates. Until then, check the local fishing regulations and the rules of the club or permit for your water.

In the kitchen

Firm, low-fat flesh with few bones, considered tastier than carp; good pan-fried or steamed.

Sources (3)

Last checked 2026-10-10. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].

Know more?

Additions, photos of your catches or a mistake in the text: write to us and we will gladly credit you as a helper.

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