Species

Chub

A strong, shy omnivore with a wide mouth that is found almost everywhere in rivers and even bites on cherries.

Squalius cephalus

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

Spawning: April to June, depending on water temperature also May to July (general guide, varies by region)
German Red List: not threatened
Typical method: Lure fishing (spinning)
Top bait: Cherries

Plan a day fishing for Chub

How to recognise it

Torpedo-shaped body with a large head and a wide mouth
Large scales with a dark edge that look like a net pattern
Reddish pelvic and anal fins, anal fin curved outwards

Easily confused with: Often mistaken for the ide: the chub has larger, dark-edged scales and an anal fin curved outwards.

How to catch it

Methods: Lure fishing (spinning), Fly fishing, Float fishing or free-drifting bait

Baits: Cherries, Bread flake, Small plug (crankbait), Inline spinner, Maggots

From spring into autumn; in summer often at the surface under overhanging trees.

Habitat and food

Streams and rivers of the grayling and barbel zones, but also impounded stretches, lakes and ditches. Large chub usually hold alone under trees, under bridges or in deep pools.

An omnivore: insects and their larvae, snails, mussels, worms, algae and fruit; large chub also hunt small fish and amphibians.

Size and age

On average 30 to 40 cm and around 1 kg; largest chub in Great Britain according to Wikipedia 4.2 kg (2007). FishBase: max. 60 cm, heaviest published weight 8.0 kg, maximum age 22 years.

Protection and rules

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

Chub: closed season and minimum size by German state

These rules apply in Germany only. Fishing in the UK, the USA or elsewhere? The local rules apply there (link below).

Berlinminimum size 30 cm
Bremenminimum size 30 cm
Thuringiaminimum size 20 cm

From the official state fisheries regulations, retrieved 2026-10-11. All rules by state

Check the rules

In Germany, closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each state and can be stricter for single waters. All German rules by state, with the legal source. Outside Germany, the local rules apply: licence and agency by country.

In the kitchen

Delicate but very bony flesh; scored and pan-fried or deep-fried, also good minced or as fish cakes.

Sources (3)

Last checked 2026-10-18. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].

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