Appearance: Minnow are distinctive in appearance with green to dark olive sides, usually with a striped banding similar to perch. They have a short, rounded dorsal fin and an upturned mouth. Female minnows have a white shiny belly whereas males have a red belly and red pelvic fins. Sometimes the male minnow can be confused with a three-spined stickleback.
British record: 13.5dms (British record committee 2015)
Lateral line scale count: 80-95 (this is the dark row of scales along the central length of the fish's body)
Lifespan: 2 to 4 years
We like minnow because: well actually, minnow are not usually targeted by anglers.
How to catch a minnow
Minnows can be found in most slack waters and back eddies in river systems. These fish know they are a primary food source for many predators. Anywhere shallow, with low flows and cover is a good place to start. Minnows will eat most baits, but due to their size, small baits and hooks are a must. Squatts, pinkies and maggots are all good baits to attract and catch minnows on.
Where to catch a minnow
They are present in the margins and back waters of most river fisheries.
