Bleak ~ Alburnus alburnus

DESCRIPTION: A slim bodied fish silvery fish with a prominent lower jaw. The eyes are large for the size of head. An average fish will be between 12cm and 15cm (5ins to 6ins) A big Bleak is around the 20cm (8ins) mark.

DISTRIBUTION: The Bleak is widely distributed in the lowland areas of Britain  but absent from Ireland and Scotland. Will live in lakes but predominantly found in rivers.

HABITS: Bleak are shoaling fish

DIET: The natural diet includes animal plankton, very small crustaceans and insects.

BAITS: Popular baits include:  pinkies.

METHOD: A variety of fishing methods are popular with anglers for this fish, including float size 22 - 24 hook.

GOOD LOCATIONS:  Lowland rivers.