FIELD GUIDE · 68 species
Fish Species Guide
Freshwater species found in My Fishing Crew catches
Asp
Aspius aspius
The asp (Aspius aspius) is a fast and aggressive freshwater predator, known for its explosive surface attacks and high-speed hunting style. Unlike most predators, it actively chases prey in open water, often creating visible strikes that excite anglers. It inhabits large rivers and reservoirs, preferring areas with strong current and open stretches. Highly active during warmer months, the asp is a challenging and rewarding target for spinning anglers who enjoy dynamic, visual fishing.
Balkan barbel
Barbus balcanicus
The Balkan barbel (Barbus balcanicus) is a smaller freshwater fish closely related to the common barbel, typically found in clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers. It prefers shallow sections with gravel or rocky bottoms, where it feeds on small invertebrates. Less known than its larger relative, it is still valued by anglers who fish light tackle in mountain waters. Its presence indicates clean and well-oxygenated habitats.
Barbel
Barbus barbus
The barbel (Barbus barbus) is a powerful river fish known for its strength, endurance, and preference for fast-flowing waters. Easily recognized by its elongated body and distinctive barbels near the mouth, it thrives in clean, oxygen-rich rivers with gravel or rocky bottoms. Constantly moving along the riverbed, barbel feed on insects, larvae, and other small organisms. For anglers, it is a highly respected species due to its incredible fighting ability and the demanding conditions in which it is typically caught.
Bream
Abramis brama
The common bream (Abramis brama) is a widespread freshwater fish known for its deep, laterally compressed body and schooling behavior. It inhabits lakes, slow-moving rivers, and canals with soft, muddy bottoms where it feeds primarily on small invertebrates and organic matter. Bream are bottom feeders and often move in large groups, making them a popular target for feeder and coarse fishing. While not known for aggressive strikes, they provide steady action and can reach impressive sizes in productive waters.
Brown trout
Salmo trutta
The brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a classic freshwater predator, known for its beauty, sharp instincts, and preference for cold, clear streams. It inhabits fast flowing rivers and mountain waters, feeding on insects, small fish, and other aquatic life. Highly valued among anglers, especially fly fishermen. It is known for its cautious behavior and sudden, aggressive takes. Catching a wild brown trout requires precision, patience, and a careful approach, making it one of the most rewarding challenges in freshwater fishing.
Bullhead
Cottus gobio
The European bullhead (Cottus gobio) is a small bottom-dwelling fish found in cold, clear streams with rocky substrates. It spends most of its time hiding under stones and feeding on insect larvae and other small invertebrates. Rarely targeted by anglers, it is more often encountered incidentally when fishing in clean mountain waters. Its presence indicates stable, well-oxygenated habitats.
Carp
Cyprinus carpio
The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most widespread and popular freshwater fish, known for its strength, adaptability, and importance in sport fishing. It thrives in lakes, rivers, and ponds, often inhabiting slow-moving or still waters with soft, muddy bottoms. Carp are bottom feeders, constantly searching for food such as insects, plants, and organic matter. Highly cautious and intelligent, they present a real challenge for anglers. Their powerful runs and endurance make them one of the most rewarding freshwater catches.
Catfish
Silurus glanis
The Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) is the largest freshwater predator in Europe, known for its strength, size, and nocturnal behavior. It has an elongated, scaleless body, a wide mouth, and long barbels that help it detect prey in murky waters. It inhabits large rivers and lakes, typically staying in deeper, slower areas with plenty of cover. Mostly active at night, it hunts fish, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms. For anglers, it is one of the most exciting and challenging species to catch.
Chub
Leuciscus cephalus
The European chub (Leuciscus cephalus) is a smart, adaptable freshwater fish known for its caution, strength, and willingness to take a wide variety of natural and artificial baits. It inhabits rivers, streams, canals, and lakes, often holding near current breaks, overhanging trees, and submerged structure. Although not a classic predator, chub will opportunistically feed on insects, crustaceans, small fish, fruits, and plant matter. This versatility makes it one of the most interesting species for anglers. When hooked, it fights hard and uses the current well, especially in rivers.
Crucian carp
Carassius carassius
The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is a hardy freshwater fish usually found in ponds, lakes, canals, and slow-moving waters with soft bottoms and vegetation. It tolerates low oxygen better than many other species, which allows it to survive in small and shallow waters. It feeds close to the bottom on insect larvae, small invertebrates, plant material, and organic matter. For anglers, crucian carp requires light tackle, careful feeding, and attention to subtle bites.
Grayling
Thymallus thymallus
The grayling (Thymallus thymallus) is a graceful freshwater fish known for its distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and preference for cold, clean rivers. Often found in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters, it feeds on insects and small aquatic organisms. Grayling is highly valued by anglers, especially fly fishermen, for its delicate takes, beauty, and technical challenge. Its presence is a strong indicator of a healthy river ecosystem.
Gudgeon
Gobio gobio
The gudgeon (Gobio gobio) is a small bottom-dwelling freshwater fish commonly found in clean rivers and streams with sandy or gravel bottoms. It feeds on insect larvae and small organisms, constantly moving along the substrate in search of food. Although not a primary target species, it is often used as live bait and is a good indicator of healthy water conditions. For anglers, it provides steady action on light tackle.
Nase
Chondrostoma nasus
The nase (Chondrostoma nasus) is a distinctive freshwater fish known for its bottom-feeding habits and specialized mouth adapted for scraping algae and biofilm from rocks. It inhabits clean, fast-flowing rivers with gravel and stone substrates, where it moves in schools and constantly searches for food. Although not a classic sport predator, it is highly valued by anglers for its activity, persistence, and the technical approach required to catch it. Its behavior and habitat make it a true representative of healthy river ecosystems.
Perch
Perca fluviatilis
The European perch (Perca fluviatilis) is a well-known freshwater predator, recognized by its distinctive vertical stripes and spiny dorsal fin. It inhabits lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, often staying near structure such as vegetation, rocks, and submerged objects. Perch feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish, becoming more predatory as they grow. Popular among anglers, it is known for its aggressive strikes and consistent action.
Pike
Esox lucius
The Northern pike (Esox lucius) is one of the most feared and respected freshwater predators, known for its explosive strikes and razor-sharp teeth. Built like a torpedo, it is perfectly adapted for ambush hunting, remaining motionless among vegetation before launching lightning-fast attacks. It inhabits lakes, rivers, and slow-moving waters rich in cover, where it dominates as a top predator. Pike are active year-round but particularly aggressive in colder months. For anglers, it delivers adrenaline-filled action and unforgettable fights.
Prussian carp
Carassius gibelio
The Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) is a highly adaptable freshwater fish known for its ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, including low-oxygen waters. It inhabits lakes, ponds, canals, and slow-moving rivers, often dominating in environments where other species struggle. As a bottom feeder, it feeds on small invertebrates, plant matter, and organic debris. Although not considered a top sport fish, it provides consistent action for anglers and is common in many fisheries.
Rainbow trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a widely stocked freshwater species known for its adaptability and active feeding behavior. It inhabits rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, often in areas with cooler, well-oxygenated water. It feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small fish, reacting quickly to moving prey. Common in stocked waters, it is often more accessible to anglers but still requires a natural presentation to trigger consistent strikes.
Roach
Rutilus rutilus
The roach (Rutilus rutilus) is a common freshwater fish found in rivers, lakes, and canals. It prefers calm or slow-moving waters and often feeds in mid-water or near the bottom on plant material and small invertebrates. It is frequently encountered by anglers using float or feeder setups. Because it gathers in groups, it can provide steady action when located.
Rudd
Scardinius erythrophthalmus
The rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) is a freshwater fish commonly found in still or slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation. It feeds higher in the water column compared to similar species, often taking insects and plant material near the surface. It is typically found around reeds and weed beds, where it can be targeted using float fishing with light setups.
Sterlet
Acipenser ruthenus
The sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) is an ancient freshwater species from the sturgeon family, recognizable by its elongated body, rows of bony scutes, and distinctive barbels. It inhabits large rivers with clean, well-oxygenated water and prefers sandy or gravel bottoms where it searches for food. A true bottom-dweller, it feeds on larvae, worms, and small aquatic organisms. Although not a primary sport fishing target, it is highly valued due to its rarity and unique appearance. Catching a sterlet is often considered a special moment for anglers fishing large river systems.
Tench
Tinca tinca
The tench (Tinca tinca) is a calm and resilient freshwater fish, often found in still or slow-moving waters rich in vegetation. Recognizable by its olive-green coloration, small scales, and thick, slimy skin, it thrives in warm, low-oxygen environments where many other species struggle. Tench feed primarily on the bottom, searching for insects, larvae, and organic matter. Although not as aggressive as predatory species, it is highly valued among anglers for its subtle bites and surprisingly strong fights.
Zander
Sander lucioperca
The zander (Sander lucioperca) is a highly prized freshwater predator known for its excellent eyesight in low-light conditions and its preference for deeper waters. With its elongated body and sharp teeth, it is perfectly adapted for hunting fish in murky environments. Zander inhabit large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, often staying close to the bottom or structure. Most active during dusk and night, it is a favorite among anglers due to its subtle bites and powerful strikes.