Carps and minnows · Cyprinidae
Barbel
Barbus barbus
May be keptNative
- Typical size
- 30–60 cm
- Maximum size
- 100 cm
- Minimum size to keep
- 40 cm
- Daily limit
- 3 fish
Closed season
Statutory period: 15 April – 31 May
No closed season now. The next one starts on 15 April 2027.
- 2026: 15 April – 29 May
About
A powerful river fish with four barbels, living on fast, gravelly stretches. A great fighter and a favourite of feeder anglers. Caught on maggots, pellets and cheese; its roe is poisonous and must not be eaten.
Waters with barbelSpawning season
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May – spawning
- June – spawning
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
The closed seasons and size limits shown here are the national (general) rules in Hungary. Some waters – such as Lake Balaton, Lake Velence or Lake Tisza – and local fishing rules may set different, stricter limits; always check the local rules before fishing.
