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How to catch Squalius squalus

Squalius squalus (Bonaparte, 1837)

About Squalius squalus fishing

The Italian chub is a freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Leuciscidae and native to southeastern Europe, particularly Italy and parts of Switzerland and the Balkans. It features a fusiform body with a brownish or bronze coloration, a long head, a large eye with an orange-tinged iris, and greyish pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins. Growing up to a maximum length of sixty centimetres and reaching weights over two kilograms, this benthopelagic species inhabits small rivers, streams with riffles and pools, and the shallower parts of lakes. Juveniles are gregarious and feed on diverse plant and animal matter, whereas larger adults adopt a solitary lifestyle and shift toward a predominantly piscivorous diet. Spawning occurs during the warmer spring and summer months in shallow, fast-flowing riffles over stony substrates.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    30 cm

  • Habitat

    Freshwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn

Squalius squalus

Terminal mouth

Slightly subterminal mouth shape helps identify this cyprinid species.

Large scales

Distinctly outlined large scales covering the entire lateral body.

Reddish fins

Pelvic and anal fins show subtle reddish pigmentation at their bases.

Squalius squalus fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    30 cm (max 60 cm SL )

  • Typical weight

    0.4 kg (max 2.6 kg )

  • Longevity

    15 years

  • Body shape

    Fusiform / Normal

  • Vulnerability score

    54.9

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Peak

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Peak

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Active

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Peak

  • Night

    After dark

    Low

When to fish for Squalius squalus

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Squalius squalus

Tips for catching Squalius squalus

Anglers target the Italian chub using light spinning gear, fly fishing techniques, and traditional float presentations along flowing rivers and lake margins. Success relies on matching the varied diet of the fish, using small minnow lures, spinners, or terrestrial fly patterns during daylight hours. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly productive when fish move into shallower riffles and pools to feed. Presentation should be stealthy, as larger adult specimens are wary and solitary, holding near submerged structure or fast currents before launching strikes.

Best equipment to catch Squalius squalus

Compare fishing methods for Squalius squalus — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.4 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

How Squalius squalus migrates — Potamodromous

Migrates within rivers and lakes only. Fish upstream runs and seasonal lake movements, not saltwater.

How Squalius squalus migrates — Potamodromous 1. Eggs: Laid on gravel or weed upstream or in flooded shallows. 2. Larvae: Fry drift or swim down to slower water. 3. Adults: Feed in the main river or lake. 4. Spawners: Move upstream or into the shallows to spawn.
Upstream Main river or lake

1 Eggs

Upstream

Laid on gravel or weed upstream or in flooded shallows.

2 Larvae

→ Main river or lake

Fry drift or swim down to slower water.

3 Adults

Main river or lake

Feed in the main river or lake.

4 Spawners

→ Upstream

Move upstream or into the shallows to spawn.

The whole cycle stays in fresh water.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Squalius squalus

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Hunts

    Dawn · Morning · Dusk

Where Squalius squalus lives

Lives near the bottom but swims in the water just above it. Cover the lower column, not only the mud.

Habitats
Freshwater
Depth zone
Depth not recorded
Water column
Benthopelagic
Just above the bed

Where this species lives