Silurus glanis · Also called Catfish, Cat
The UK's biggest freshwater fish. Wels catfish live in a limited number of stillwaters and need serious tackle.
🏆 British record: 150 lb 3 oz (68.12 kg), Chigborough Fisheries, Essex (2024)
Huge, scaleless, slimy body with a broad flat head, a wide mouth lined with sandpaper-like teeth, tiny eyes and six barbels: two long ones on the top lip and four shorter ones underneath. A very long bottom fin runs most of the way to the tail.
A limited number of stillwaters, mainly in southern and central England. Catfish lie up in snags and deep holes by day.
Wels hunt mostly at night, using their barbels and senses to find fish, crayfish, worms and even birds. They feed best in warm water.
Best time: Summer nights.
Large halibut pellets
Squid or fish deadbaits
A big bunch of lobworms
Catfish waters, at night
Fish near snags and deep water with a strong lead set-up and bite alarms. Most catfish waters have their own rules on kit, so ask the fishery. Never leave the rods.
You'll need a huge landing net and a big padded mat. Wear a glove: wels are held by the lower jaw, not by the gills or tail. Support the whole body and keep it low and wet. If you've never handled one, ask the bailiff for help.
📜 Rules and seasons
Wels catfish are a non-native species: stocking or moving them needs a permit from the Environment Agency. Catfish waters usually have their own tackle and handling rules.
Check the official rules on gov.uk
