Aristotle's catfish Fishing

A catfish endemic to Greece, living in the lakes of the Acheloos basin (Trichonida, Lysimachia, Amvrakia, Ozeros) and translocated later to Volvi and Pamvotida. By day it holds in deep holes and under drowned timber, moving shallow after dark. Present dead fish, a small live cyprinid or a bunch of worms on the bottom. The species is protected under Greek law and listed as threatened, so check size and closed-season rules and release it if you can.

Silurus aristotelis

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
AprMayJunJulAugSepOct
Nov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
April–October
Water temperature
14–26 °C
Spawning
May–June
Behaviour
Nocturnal predator

Techniques

  • Night bottom fishing
  • dead or live bait

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch aristotle's catfish?
The productive window for aristotle's catfish runs April–October. May–June is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does aristotle's catfish feed in?
Aristotle's catfish is most active between 14 and 26 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for aristotle's catfish?
Common methods: Night bottom fishing, dead or live bait.

Species that fish under similar conditions

Browse the full fishing guide