Fish species
Chub fishing
The chub (Squalius cephalus) is a clever, versatile river fish that eats almost anything — making it an exciting target all year. Here are the key tips for chub fishing.
Chub at a glance
- Best season
- Year-round, excellent in summer
- Best baits
- Bread, cheese, insects, small lures, worm
- Method
- Trotting, ledger, light lure fishing
- Best time of day
- Daytime, warm summer days
- Key
- Stalk very carefully — chub are wary
Locations: where chub hold
Chub hold in rivers under overhanging trees, around bridge pillars, weirs, weed beds and current seams. In summer you often see them right under the surface. They are extremely alert and flee at the slightest disturbance.
Bait: omnivore variety
Chub eat almost anything: bread flake, cubes of cheese, maggots, lobworm, insects (grasshopper, beetle) and small fruit. As a predator they also take small spinners, crankbaits and soft plastics. That versatility is exactly what makes them so appealing.
Stalking and presentation
Chub are decidedly wary. Approach under cover, use bankside cover and cast the bait upstream of the fish so it drifts down naturally. When trotting bread or an insect on the surface, the takes are often spectacular.
Season and best bite time
Chub bite all year, especially active on the surface in summer. On warm, bright days they sit high in the water; in winter they hold deeper and slower on the bottom with natural baits.
5 quick chub tips
- Stalk under cover — even a shadow spooks chub.
- Cast upstream of the fish and let the bait drift naturally.
- In summer try bread or an insect on the surface.
- Work the structure actively with small lures.
- Note the spot, bait and time for your next trip.
Chub fishing FAQ
What is the best bait for chub?
Chub are omnivores: bread, cheese, insects and worms work great, and as a predator they also take small spinners and crankbaits.
Why do I spook chub so often?
Chub are extremely wary. Stay under cover, avoid shadows and vibration, and cast the bait upstream of the fish.
When do chub bite best?
All year, especially active on the surface in summer on warm, bright days.
How do I remember good chub spots?
Record the spot, bait and conditions. In the Easy Fishing app you pin every catch on the map and find your best chub spots again.
