Roach

Order: OSTARIOPHYSI
Family: Cyprinidae
Latin Name: Rutilus rutilus

The Roach is one of the most common fish found in UK waters, although not as common in Scotland. It is likely to be one of the first species of fish caught by youngsters coming into angling.

Prior to the inception of man-made Carp stillwaters the roach was the mainstay of match fishing weights across the country.

Description

A mature roach is slightly hump-backed. It is predominately silver in colour with a distinctive red eye and red fins, including the tail fins, to match. (As stated, however, the fins can vary from scarlet to a much paler orange depending on habitat). It is very similar to the rudd. Most often there will be little problem in differentiating between a roach and a rudd as the rudd usually has a darker, golden or bronze, tinge to it’s scales. but can be distinguished by the position of the dorsal (top) fin which, in the roach aligns very nearly with the pelvic fins whereas that of the rudd is set a good way behind the pelvic fins. The roach is designed to take food from all levels of the water, including the bottom so you will see that it’s mouth, although down-turned and quite sad looking, is positioned on the front of it’s head. The rudd’s mouth is set more to the top of it’s head as it tends to take food, although not exclusively, from the surface of the water.

Habitat

Roach are ever present in rivers, canals and stillwaters across the UK. In rivers they favour relatively fast running water which will provide a constant source of food.

They tend to swim in shoals, which is why they provide such good sport for match angler.

Baits

Naturally roach feed on worms; small, almost microscopic, shrimps; or insect larvae which are laid on weed or within the debris or gravel in the bottom of the water and then hatch and make their way to the surface. On a calm summers day you will often see these insects actually emerging from the water’s surface and flying away. This activity is often combined with fish splashing on the surface as they take the emerging flies.

Many baits will catch roach and one of the most effective is bread punch or flake. Cut the crusts from a few slices and put them through a liquidiser to turn them into very fine crumbs. A golf ball sized offering of the resultant crumb will turn into a fine cloud as it drops through the water, fetching the surrounding fish into the area to search for food. As the crumb is very fine the fish will get very little food from it and will snatch at your larger offering on the hook.

Hemp and tares or casters (See bait section) can also be useful, accounting for a better stamp of fish.

Maggots, chopped worms, and, especially in the warmer months, sweetcorn, are also suitable baits for roach fishing.

The British record for these fish is only 4lb 4oz, but this a a huge specimen, with any fish of a pound or more being an excellent catch. You will see, then, that your tackle does not need to be very strong and very delicate lines and hooklengths can be used to present your bait.