Scientific name
Leuciscus idus
Swedish name
Id
Maximum length
up to 80 cm
Maximum weight
up to 6 kg
Spawning
April–Mai in strömendem Wasser
Swedish record
Kapitale Fische über 3 kg

Technique in brief

Ide can be caught both with coarse-fishing methods and by spinning. Bottom fishing with maize, worm or bread works at river mouths and along harbour edges, while small spinners and dry flies work in flowing stretches in spring and summer.

Tackle

A light feeder or match rod with a main line of around 0.20 mm; for spinning, a rod with a casting weight of 5–20 g is sufficient. Because of its powerful runs, the drag should be finely adjusted.

Handling the catch

Ide are robust but, like all cyprinids, quickly lose their mucus layer. Use wet hands, keep time out of the water short and unhook them over the mat or directly in the water.

Season by country

  1. Jan Quiet
  2. Feb Quiet
  3. Mar Quiet
  4. Apr Good
  5. May Prime time
  6. Jun Prime time
  7. Jul Prime time
  8. Aug Prime time
  9. Sep Good
  10. Oct Quiet
  11. Nov Quiet
  12. Dec Quiet

Prime time · Good · Quiet

The calendar shows bite windows, not closed seasons. Binding closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by the individual water and appear on its page.

Where in Scandinavia

Official sources

Checked: 04.08.2026

Frequently asked questions

When does the ide migrate into the rivers?

In April and May, to spawn. During this period, the fish are concentrated at river mouths and weirs, but many fishing areas then close these stretches.

Can ide be caught with a spinning rod?

Yes. Small spinners and wobblers work well in spring and summer, particularly in flowing water and along harbour edges.

How hard does the ide fight when hooked?

Considerably harder than roach or bream of a comparable size. It makes skilful use of the current, which is why a finely adjusted drag is important.