Hucho hucho
Season calendar
- Season
- January–February, October–December
- Water temperature
- 3–14 °C
- Spawning
- March–April
- Behaviour
- Crepuscular predator
Techniques
- Spinning
- Large Lures
- River Fishing
Rules – read this first
- Closed season 15 February to 30 September, so fishing is only open 1 October to 14 February.
- National minimum size 70 cm; many districts add a one-fish season quota or a full ban.
- Always read the beat rules of the RD whose card you hold. When in doubt, release.
- Do not lift the fish out of the water, use single hooks, and carry a big net and a wet mat.
Timing
- December to February: the classic season, cold clear water.
- October to November: activity rises as the water cools.
- The first clear day after the colour drops out is usually the best.
Where
- Pool tail-outs, the necks of impoundments and tributary mouths.
- The current crease along rip-rap and around bridge piers.
Technique
- 15-25 cm large spoons, jerkbaits or soft lures.
- Heavy spinning class, 30-60 g casting weight, 0.30-0.40 mm braid and a wire or heavy fluorocarbon trace.
- Slow retrieve close to the bottom; the take usually comes at the pool exit.
- One fish a day is a good day; with this species patience replaces technique.
Frequently asked
- When is the best time to catch danube salmon?
- The productive window for danube salmon runs January–February, October–December. March–April is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
- What water temperature does danube salmon feed in?
- Danube salmon is most active between 3 and 14 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
- How do you fish for danube salmon?
- Common methods: Spinning, Large Lures, River Fishing.