Roger's Angling Pages
The Silver Bream Blicca bjoerkna		Carp family Cyprinidae

The Silver Bream is a common resident of still and sluggish waters over almost all Europe. In appearance it is similar to the Bream, with which it is often confused. It is, however, smaller in size and has a smaller number of rays in its dorsal and anal fins and a smaller number of scales along the lateral line. The body is covered by large, regular scales with a silvery bronze coloration. The pectoral and ventral fins are reddish. There are two rows of pharyngeal teeth. In some places, for example the river Elbe, it can breed f profusely and adversely influence the growth of fishes with which it competes for food. Its food consists of crustaceans, insects and plants. The Silver Bream reaches a length of up to 20 cm, but fishes of 8 to 10 cm long are sexually mature and able to breed. The female lays her eggs in May and June on the roots of alder or willow trees or among any water plants. This fish forms a part of the predatory fish's diet and provides anglers with a bait fish.

Anglers who like to fish with extra-fine equipment will enjoy catching Silver Bream. They are relatively voracious and in some places it is possible to fish for them all year round. They can be caught by ledgering as well as by float fishing. The latter method is employed when fishing at a depth of up to 2 m in reeds and among other water plants. In such a case the rod is always as long as possible, with a line of 3 lb breaking strain, and very fine hooks. The bait can be varied according to the situation and the food that the fish has grown used to in its particular environment. When using paste, only the tip of the hook is hidden in it and during fishing, groundbait is scattered.