Volga zander Fishing

The smaller, hard-bottom-loving relative of the zander, widespread in Hungary in the Danube, the Tisza, Balaton and Lake Tisza. It lacks the long canines of a zander and has a small mouth, so 5-8 cm softbaits on 5-10 g jigs and small hooks are the right scale. Rock revetments, bridge piles, groyne bases and firm ground near dams are the classic spots. It fishes better in coloured water and at sunset, and packs into deep holes in winter. In Hungary the closed season is 2 Feb-30 Jun with a 25 cm minimum size.

Sander volgensis

Volga zander (Sander volgensis)
Photo: Администрация Волгоградской области · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
AprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
April–November
Water temperature
10–24 °C
Spawning
April–May
Behaviour
Nocturnal predator

Techniques

  • Vertical jigging
  • light softbait
  • bottom rig

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch volga zander?
The productive window for volga zander runs April–November. April–May is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does volga zander feed in?
Volga zander is most active between 10 and 24 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for volga zander?
Common methods: Vertical jigging, light softbait, bottom rig.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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