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Roach (Rutilus rutilus)
Roach are a popular angling species and are widespread in the rivers and stillwaters of Europe. Roach thrive in canals, slow-flowing rivers and sometimes in lakes or dams where there is plenty of vegetation. The Roach has been introduced into Australia, where it is found in Victoria and Southern New South Wales.
NATURAL FOOD: Insects, plants and fish fry.
BREEDING: Roach spawn in late spring and early summer, laying sticky yellow eggs on the leaves and stems of aquatic plants. Roach take, on average, nine or ten years to reach a weight of 500g (1lb 2oz).
DISTRIBUTION: Europe from Ireland to the Urals, but not found in the Scandinavian snowbelt; has been introduced into Australia.
FISHING NOTES:
TECHNIQUES: Float fishing and ledgering are the most usual techniques, but fly fishing has reportedly yielded results.
TACKLE: To float fish for Roach, try a 3.7m (12ft) rod with a light action tip, a fixed-spool reel, 1.1kg (2.5lb) line, and hook sizes 14 to 20. When ledgering for Roach, use a 3 to 3.7m (10 to 12ft) rod with quivertip, a fixed-spool reel, 1.36 to 1.8kg (2.5 to 4lb) line and hook sizes 10 to 16.
BAIT: Maggots, casters, bread flake, and worms. Can also be taken on fly tackle, using either wet or dry flies.