Scientific name
Scardinius erythrophthalmus
Swedish name
Sarv
Maximum length
up to 45 cm
Maximum weight
up to 2 kg
Spawning
Mai–Juni im Kraut
Swedish record
Kapitale Fische über 1,5 kg

Technique in brief

Float fishing without weight or with minimal weighting directly below the surface. Bread flake, maggot or sweetcorn, presented so that it sinks slowly, works better than any bottom rig — the rudd feeds upwards, not downwards.

Tackle

A light match or pole rod, main line around 0.16 mm, hooks 12–16 and a small, light float. Nothing more is needed; finesse beats everything else with this species.

Handling the catch

Small, delicate fish with a soft mucous membrane. Wet hands, brief contact, release promptly — and it is best to keep them over the water when handling them.

Season by country

  1. Jan Quiet
  2. Feb Quiet
  3. Mar Quiet
  4. Apr Quiet
  5. May Good
  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

How do I distinguish a rudd from a roach?

The rudd has an upturned, upward-pointing mouth and intensely red fins; the roach has a terminal mouth and strikingly red eyes. The rudd is also found directly beneath the surface much more often.

Which bait works for rudd?

A piece of bread on an almost unweighted rig, as well as maggots or sweetcorn. The key is for the bait to sink slowly through the upper layers of the water.

When is the best time?

Warm, windless summer days from June to August, in the mornings and evenings in shallow areas rich in vegetation.