Huchen: The Last Queen of the Danube Vanishing Before Our Eyes
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Danube Salmon
Hucho hucho (Linnaeus)
Mladica
Description
Danube salmon (Hucho hucho) is a large predatory freshwater fish. Endemic to the Danube river system and considered endangered in Europe.
Habitat
Lives in cold, fast, oxygen-rich rivers. Shelters in deep pools and requires clean gravel for spawning. In Croatia it occurs in the Kupa, Sava, Drava, Dobra and Mrežnica rivers.
Diet
Adult young are exclusively carnivorous; they feed mainly on other fish, but also on aquatic insects, frogs, small mammals and wading birds. Younger juveniles feed on benthic invertebrates and insect larvae.
Regulations and Responsible Fishing
The closed season is listed as 16.02. - 30.09.. During that period, release the fish immediately and carefully.
The minimum size is 80 cm. Fish below this size should be released immediately.
Always check local association or concession holder rules before fishing, because they may be stricter than this general overview.
🎣 Recommended Bait
- Large wobblers
- Hucho-copf
- Large streamers
📅 Best Seasons
Winter (Nov–Feb)
🕐 Best Time of Day
Dawn, Dusk
📍 Where to Fish
Deep pools, under waterfalls, and around large boulders in fast rivers.
How to catch: Danube Salmon
The fish of a thousand casts. Requires top physical condition, patience, and the strongest tackle.