Roach Fishing

Austria's most widespread cyprinid. It is present everywhere from the Hallstätter See to the Neusiedler See; the most reliable target for a beginner and the classic bait source for pike fishing.

Rutilus rutilus

Roach (Rutilus rutilus)
Photo: Scardinius_erythropthalmus1_resize.jpg: Original uploader was Algirdas at lt.wikipedia derivative work: George Chernilev · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
MarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
March–November
Water temperature
8–22 °C
Spawning
April–May
Behaviour
Shoaling baitfish

Techniques

  • Float Fishing
  • Match Fishing
  • Light Feeder

Biology

  • Length: 15-30 cm, big fish over 35 cm
  • Moves in large shoals between mid-water and the bottom
  • Spawns April to May in shallow weedy water

Timing

  • March to November: active; it can also be caught slowly through winter.
  • Morning and evening are the most productive, all day under cloud.

Technique

  • Float: 0.5-2 g, size 14-18 hook, 0.10-0.14 mm hooklength.
  • Bait: maggot, paste, single sweetcorn, bread.
  • Feed little and often to keep the shoal under the float.
  • If the fish lift, shallow up; if they hold deep, drag the bait 5 cm over the bottom.
  • If you intend to use it as live bait, check the district's live bait rules first.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch roach?
The productive window for roach runs March–November. April–May is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does roach feed in?
Roach is most active between 8 and 22 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for roach?
Common methods: Float Fishing, Match Fishing, Light Feeder.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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