Species guide
How to catch Wels catfish
Silurus glanis
freshwaterbrackishgame fishSiluridae
The Wels catfish is a massive freshwater predator known for its elongated body and impressive size. It inhabits deep waters, often in dams and lower river reaches, and is a top freshwater game fish across Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. This species is a nocturnal hunter feeding mainly on fish.
Where they live
Wels catfish live in deep freshwater and brackish waters, especially in dam reservoirs and lower river sections across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
Typical size
Up to about 273 cm
What they eat
- carp
- bream
- crucian carp
- roach
- rudd
- tench
Best baits
- live fish
- large worms
- fish chunks
Best lures
- large soft plastic swimbaits
- big crankbaits
- jigs
- spinnerbaits
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- still fishing
- ledgering
- trolling
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