Species guide
How to catch River lamprey
Lampetra fluviatilis
freshwaterbrackishsaltwaterPetromyzontidae
The River lamprey is an eel-like fish known for its parasitic feeding habits as an adult. It attaches to other fish to feed on their blood and flesh, causing significant damage. Its larvae feed on microscopic organisms before maturing.
Where they live
Found in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments across Europe and parts of Asia, it inhabits shallow waters down to about 10 meters.
Typical size
Up to about 50 cm
What they eat
- blood and flesh of other fish
- herring
- whitefish
- roach
- cod
- trout
- sprat
- smelt
Best baits
- small fish imitations
- fish flesh
- blood-based bait
Best lures
- soft plastic eels
- small swimbaits
- jigs mimicking small fish
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- drift fishing
- lure fishing near host fish habitats
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