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Fourspine stickleback

Apeltes quadracus

Fourspine stickleback© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Fourspine stickleback (Apeltes quadracus) is a tiny, highly adaptable fish found in coastal marine waters, fresh‑water streams, and brackish estuaries of the North Atlantic. It grows to just over 6 cm and is popular among anglers seeking ultra‑light tackle challenges and studying breeding behavior.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Gasterosteidae

Max Size

6.4 cm

Habitat

marine, freshwater, brackish

Depth Range

0-3m

Climate

temperate

Best Season

Spring (April‑June), when spawning activity peaks

Best Time

Early morning and late evening, when surface activity is highest

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Fourspine stickleback

  • Use a nano‑spinning rod or ultralight fly rod (6‑8 ft) with a 2‑4 lb test line
  • Tie on a size 8‑10 split‑shot jig or a tiny live bait such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, or tiny shrimp
  • Fish over submerged vegetation, moss‑covered rocks, or shallow riffles where the fish hold
  • Keep the presentation extremely gentle; a light float or bobber helps detect the subtle taps of this tiny species

Top Fishing Locations for Fourspine stickleback

The Wash, East England

United Kingdom
beginner55% Common

Large shallow estuarine area with abundant Fourspine stickleback in tidal flats.

Best: June-August

Limfjorden

Denmark
beginner60% Common

Brackish lagoon with plentiful Fourspine stickleback, especially near the fjord mouth.

Best: May-September

Gotland Coast

Sweden
intermediate45% Occasional

Rocky shoreline and seaweed beds around Gotland host dense populations of Fourspine stickleback.

Best: June-July

Helgoland

Germany
intermediate50% Common

Island in the North Sea with rich coastal habitats ideal for Fourspine stickleback.

Best: July-August

Western Fjords, Norway

Norway
expert30% Occasional

Cold, clear waters of the Norwegian fjords, especially near the mouth of the Sognefjord, support healthy Fourspine stickleback numbers.

Best: June-August

Curonian Lagoon

Lithuania
beginner65% Common

Shallow lagoon with brackish water, known for high Fourspine stickleback densities.

Best: May-September

Isle of Skye

United Kingdom
intermediate40% Occasional

Coastal inlets around Skye provide ideal habitats with seaweed and rocky pools for Fourspine stickleback.

Best: June-July

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Fourspine stickleback

Recommended Equipment

RodUltra‑light spinning or fly rod, 6‑8 ft, fast action
Line2‑4 lb (0.8‑1.8 kg) test line
Lure TypeSize 8‑10 split‑shot jig, micro‑soft plastic grub, or tiny spoon; live bait like daphnia
TechniqueFloat/finesse fishing with a light bobber, or delicate dry‑fly presentation

Best bait: Live daphnia, mosquito larvae, or tiny shrimp pieces