Fish species
Catfish (wels) fishing
The wels catfish (Silurus glanis) is Europe's largest freshwater fish and a thrilling opponent. With heavy tackle and the right strategy it's now within reach on many rivers and lakes. Here are the key tips for catfish fishing.
Wels catfish at a glance
- Best season
- Summer (Jun–Sep) in warm water
- Best baits
- Dead/live bait, worm bunches, pellets, large soft plastics
- Method
- Bottom fishing, sub-float, vertical jigging, lure fishing
- Best time of day
- Night, dusk and warm, sultry weather
- Essential
- Very heavy tackle and solid knots
Locations: where catfish lurk
Catfish favour deep holes, scour pools, harbours, areas under bridges and sunken timber. In rivers they hold on current edges and in depressions; in lakes on sharp depth contours and over structured bottom. At night they move into shallower areas and onto plateaus to hunt.
Best baits for catfish
The classic is a bait fish (dead or, where legal, live) — bream, roach or fillet sections. Large bunches of worms, pellets, boilies and even squid are very effective. For lures, big soft plastics and special crankbaits score when vertical jigging and spinning. Strong single or double hooks and a robust trace are essential.
Methods: static, sub-float and vertical
When fishing static, present the bait on the bottom or just above it with a sub-float — often combined with a rotten-bottom (break-away) rig. From a boat, vertical jigging over deep holes is highly effective: drop the bait, work it near the bottom and read fish and structure on the sonar. Calling fish with a wooden 'clonk' also draws active catfish.
Tackle and the fight
Catfish exceed two metres, so everything must be strong: a powerful catfish rod, a big reel, braided mainline from 0.40 mm and a bite-proof, thick trace. The fight is a real test of strength; keep steady pressure, use the drag and work the fish down in stages. A boat and a partner for landing make life much easier.
Season, night and careful handling
The main season is the warm summer; the warmer the water, the more active the catfish. Nights, dusk and sultry, thundery conditions are prime times. Handle the fish gently: wet hands, a protective mat, gloves against the rough skin and brush-like teeth, and release big specimens quickly after a short photo.
5 quick catfish tips
- Fish in the dark and on warm, sultry nights — that's when catfish hunt actively.
- Big bait and big hook: catfish have an enormous mouth.
- Use sonar to find holes, depressions and fish holding deep.
- Set a generous drag and keep constant pressure during the fight.
- Have gloves and a wet mat ready — it protects both you and the fish.
Catfish fishing FAQ
What is the best bait for catfish?
Bait fish and large bunches of worms are excellent, plus pellets and boilies. For vertical and lure fishing, big soft plastics work well.
When do catfish bite best?
In the warm summer, above all at night, at dusk and in sultry, thundery weather.
What tackle do I need for catfish?
Very heavy gear: a powerful catfish rod, a big reel, braided line from 0.40 mm and a thick, bite-proof trace with strong hooks.
How do I relocate productive catfish spots?
Record the holes, bait, time and water level. In the Easy Fishing app you pin every catch on the map and build a real catfish hit-map over time.
