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Danube bleak

Alburnus chalcoides

Danube bleak© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Danube bleak (Alburnus chalcoides) is a small, silvery cyprinid found in the Danube basin and adjacent brackish waters. Anglers prize it for its abundant runs in spring, making it a popular target for light‑tackle anglers seeking action and a tasty, mild‑flavored table fish. Its schooling behavior and willingness to take tiny baits make it an excellent species for learning surface and drift techniques.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Leuciscidae

Max Size

40 cm

Habitat

freshwater, brackish

Climate

temperate

Best Season

Spring (April–June) and early summer

Best Time

Early morning dawn and late evening dusk

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Danube bleak

  • Use ultra‑light 2‑4 lb test line to detect subtle bites
  • Cast small spinners or soft micro‑jigs near surface disturbances
  • Fish in shallow runs and near vegetation where schools gather
  • Retrieve at a slow, erratic pace to mimic drifting insects

Top Fishing Locations for Danube bleak

Iron Gates Reservoir

Romania/Serbia
beginner88% Very Common

Deep, fast‑flowing stretch of the Danube at the Iron Gates, where Danube bleak congregate in large schools during spring migrations.

Best: April-May

Danube Delta

Romania
intermediate80% Very Common

Extensive wetland network where the Danube meets the Black Sea; shallow channels host abundant bleak during spawning months.

Best: May-June

Sava River – Belgrade

Serbia
beginner75% Very Common

The confluence of the Sava and Danube in Belgrade creates turbulent pools favored by bleak in late spring.

Best: May

Tisza River near Szolnok

Hungary
beginner70% Very Common

Wide, slow‑moving sections of the Tisza provide ideal feeding grounds for Danube bleak during their spawning run.

Best: April-June

Danube at Vienna – Donauinsel

Austria
intermediate68% Common

Urban island stretch with clear water and plentiful insect hatches, attracting large numbers of bleak in early summer.

Best: May-June

Danube at Budapest – Margaret Island

Hungary
beginner72% Very Common

Popular fishing spot with calm backwaters; peak bleak activity occurs during the May spawning surge.

Best: May

River Danube near Orșova

Romania
expert65% Common

Remote canyon stretch with deep pools; less pressured, offering solid chances for bleak in late spring.

Best: April-May

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Danube bleak

Recommended Equipment

RodUltra‑light spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line2‑4 lb (0.9‑1.8 kg) test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeTiny spinners (1‑2 in), micro soft‑plastic jigs, tiny inline spinners
TechniqueSurface casting with a slow, twitching retrieve or drift method in current

Best bait: Small live worms, insect larvae, or diced bread crumbs