Loading map...
♥ Donate

Ohrid minnow

Pelasgus minutus

Ohrid minnow© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Ohrid minnow (Pelasgus minutus) is a tiny endemic freshwater fish of Lake Ohrid in the Balkans. It reaches only about 5 cm, lives in shallow, vegetated or rocky littoral zones, and is prized more for its role in the lake’s ecosystem than for sport or food.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Leuciscidae

Max Size

5 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Spring and early summer (April‑June)

Best Time

Early morning or late evening

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Ohrid minnow

  • Use an ultralight 2‑3 ft rod with a 2‑4 lb test line to feel any nibble
  • Employ a tiny split‑shot weight and a size‑2 float to keep the bait near the surface
  • Bait with microworms, tiny insects or daphnia for realistic prey
  • Cast or drift over shallow weed beds and retrieve slowly to let the minnow investigate

Top Fishing Locations for Ohrid minnow

Lake Ohrid (North Macedonian Shore)

North Macedonia
beginner85% Very Common

Crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid host dense populations of the endemic Ohrid minnow, making it a premier spot for dedicated anglers.

Best: May-September

Lake Ohrid (Albanian Shore)

Albania
beginner80% Very Common

The Albanian side offers similar abundant habitats; anglers often target the minnow near the lake's northern bays.

Best: May-September

Upper Drim River (Ohrid Tributary)

North Macedonia
intermediate65% Common

Fast‑flowing sections of the Drim River near its source provide spawning grounds, increasing bite rates for the minnow.

Best: June-August

Lake Prespa (North Macedonian End)

North Macedonia
intermediate45% Occasional

A lesser‑known lake where isolated Ohrid minnow populations thrive, requiring patience and precise light tackle.

Best: July-August

Lake Skadar (Albanian Basin)

Albania
expert20% Uncommon

Occasional introductions have created small pockets of Ohrid minnows; anglers chase them in the lake’s shallow reed zones.

Best: May-June

Lake Trichonis (Western Greece)

Greece
expert12% Rare

Rare introduced stocks make this a bucket‑list destination for adventurous anglers seeking a trophy‑level catch.

Best: June-July

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Ohrid minnow

Recommended Equipment

RodUltra‑light spinning rod, 2‑3 ft, fast action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jig or tiny soft plastic bait, 1‑2 mm
TechniqueLight float fishing with a size‑2 bobber, or gentle jigging

Best bait: Micro worms, daphnia, or other tiny live insects