Species › Europe, UK & Ireland · Freshwater › Asp

Freshwater

Asp

Leuciscus aspius · Rapfen, Bolen, Aspius aspius

Water temp
57–72°F
Peak season
May–Sep
Best light
Dawn · Dusk
IGFA record
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Asp (Aspius aspius.jpg)

Photo: Jenny Glans · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

OverviewWhere & WhenHow to CatchGearRegulationsRecordsForecastCatches

Overview

The asp is a streamlined, silver predator with a large upturned mouth, a bony lower jaw that locks into a notch in the upper jaw, and a deeply forked tail. It is the only truly piscivorous large cyprinid in Europe, native to the Danube, Elbe, Rhine (expanding), Vistula and the river systems draining into the Baltic, Black and Caspian seas. Asp hunt in open current, often below weirs and at confluences, slashing into shoals of bleak and roach at the surface at dawn and dusk. Fish of 10–15 lb (4.5–7 kg) make them a top target for spinning and fly anglers in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Poland.

Typical size2–6 lb (1–3 kg); 16–28 in
Trophy12 lb+ (5.5 kg+)
Table fareFair — bony; mostly catch & release in sport fisheries

Where & when

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Best from late spring after the April–May spawn through early autumn when surface baitfish are abundant; winter fish go deep and feed little.

Danube River, AustriaBelow weirs and hydro dams; classic asp waterRhine River, GermanyGroyne fields and current seamsVistula River, PolandBig fish below Włocławek dam

How to catch

Fast-retrieved surface luresCast small poppers, stickbaits or slim minnows across current seams below weirs and rip them back fast. Asp hit on the move, so keep the lure skipping and set the hook on the strike.
Streamer on the flyFish a 2–3 in baitfish streamer on a floating or intermediate line, stripped quickly across the current. Early morning and dusk, when asp chase bleak at the surface, are prime.

Gear

Rod8–9' medium-light to medium spinning, fast action
Reel2500–3000 spinning
Line10–15 lb braid; 10 lb fluorocarbon leader

Lures

Slim minnow plugSmall popper or stickbaitCasting spoon

Baits

Live or dead bleakSmall roach

Regulations

European freshwater fishing requires a national or state licence plus a club or stretch permit; asp usually carries a closed season around the spring spawn and a minimum size that vary by country and state.

Records

IGFA all-tackle world record: not listed. State and regional records are kept by each fish & wildlife agency.

Frequently asked

What is the best time to catch asp?

Dawn and dusk in summer and early autumn are best, when asp herd baitfish against the surface in fast water. Look for splashes and scattering fry below weirs, at bridge piers and along groyne tips, then cast a fast-moving surface lure past the commotion.

Bite forecast — Asp

Recent catches

Posted by anglers on the live map, filtered to Asp.

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