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FISH GUIDE · Freshwater

Gudgeon: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Gobio gobio

Gudgeon fishing starts with a rig you can read in a short run near the bottom. This guide follows the catalogue identity Gobio gobio; OFB groups several gudgeon species together in some monitoring. A general observation therefore does not certify each local identification.

Catalogue names : Goujon. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Its European range includes Atlantic drainages from the Loire eastward, the Rhône, Rhine, Baltic and upper Danube. Southern and eastern limits remain difficult: Adour gudgeons are assigned to Gobio lozanoi, not automatically to Gobio gobio.

  • Native range : Loire, Rhône and Rhine
  • Native range : Baltic and upper Danube

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

The common gudgeon has an elongated body, dark markings on its flanks and two barbels at the corners of its mouth. These help distinguish it from small fish without barbels. Several Gobio species occur in France: a quick photograph may not allow the exact species to be confirmed.

Habitat

Sandy and gravelly areas in flowing water provide starting spots; the species also occurs in slower water. Locate a stretch without roots where the rig can pass. Explore from the bank without stirring sediment or trampling the riverbed to attract fish.

Diet

It feeds mainly on aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, worms and molluscs.

Behaviour

Gudgeon search particularly for invertebrates on the bottom and often live in shoals. This biology supports trying a bait close to the substrate, but not leaving it buried. Watch small pauses in the rig; a visible fish may still refuse the offered bait.

Indicative biological size

Generally around 12 cm according to DORIS; a descriptive indication.

Fishing context and precautions

  1. Plumb the spot, then set the float to present the bait near the bottom.
  2. Place adjustable shotting above a hooklength with a single hook.
  3. Lower the rig upstream of the run and follow it without pulling the bait out of its course.
  4. If the float stops at the same place on every pass, reduce the depth setting before interpreting the stop as a bite.

A distinctive feature

Its barbels help it search for food on the bottom.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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