Also known as
- European Catfish US
- Sheatfish US
Identification
A massive elongated freshwater ambush predator with a muscular build for strikes in murky water. Overwhelming pulling strength and sustained bottom-hugging resistance. Europe's largest freshwater predator — adults fill out dramatically with age.
- Dark olive-brown to greenish back fading to a yellowish-white belly, often with a mottled or marbled pattern that fades with age
- Six long whisker-like barbels around the mouth — two on the upper jaw, four on the lower
- Enormously wide gape extending past the rear of the eye
- Smooth, scale-free skin covered with a thick mucus coating
Where it holds
- Rivers
- Lakes
- Wetlands
Behaviour
Primarily nocturnal ambush predators with peak activity from dusk through dawn. Use highly sensitive barbels to locate prey in murky water and darkness, feeding on fish, crayfish, mollusks, and occasional waterfowl or small mammals at the surface. Juveniles feed more by day, shifting to night feeding as they mature. Adults are solitary territorial hunters holding deep holes, undercut banks, and submerged timber through daylight. Activity spikes once water rises above 15°C (59°F).
Diet: Roach, Bream, Eels, Crayfish, Mollusks, Waterfowl
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Present large dead baits (whole fish, cut fish, or offal) on 6/0-10/0 circle hooks anchored in deep holes, undercut banks, and near submerged timber. Heavy sinkers (100-300g) hold bottom in current. Strikes can be subtle before the powerful run — let the fish fully engulf before coming tight.
Live Lining
Suspend a large live baitfish (roach, bream, eel 20-40cm) under a heavy float or free-lined near structure and drop-offs. Most productive at dawn, dusk, and through the night when wels move up to hunt. Clonking — a wooden tool thumping the surface — draws curious fish into range.
Spinning
Cast oversized swimbaits, soft plastics, and heavy spoons that create strong vibration and displacement along current breaks, drop-offs, and structure edges. Slow deliberate retrieves with long pauses — wels use the lateral line more than vision. Focus effort in low-light windows.
