Common nase Fishing

An indicator species of the Danube. Its hard, ventral mouth scrapes algae off stones. Populations have declined due to river regulation, so the spawning period must be respected.

Chondrostoma nasus

Common nase (Chondrostoma nasus)
Photo: André Karwath aka Aka · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
MayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
May–November
Water temperature
8–18 °C
Spawning
March–April
Behaviour
Daytime bottom forager

Techniques

  • Float Fishing
  • Light Bottom Rig
  • River Fishing

Biology

  • Length: 25-45 cm
  • Forms large shoals on stony, fast-flowing shallows
  • Spawns March to April, running into tributaries

Timing

  • May to November: the normal fishing period.
  • March to April: spawning, leave them alone.
  • The best hours are the afternoon, once the sun has warmed the stones.

Technique

  • Float: 2-4 g, drifted naturally with the current, 10-20 cm off the bottom.
  • Bait: paste, a single grain of sweetcorn, red maggot, algae.
  • Small hook (14-16), fine 0.14-0.16 mm hooklength.
  • Groundbait: fine soil and bran mix, fed upstream of the swim.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch common nase?
The productive window for common nase runs May–November. March–April is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does common nase feed in?
Common nase is most active between 8 and 18 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for common nase?
Common methods: Float Fishing, Light Bottom Rig, River Fishing.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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