Norwegian record Roach: 1.16 kg

About Roach

The roach (Rutilus rutilus) is one of Norway's most common members of the carp family. It is silvery with a blue-grey to greenish back, reddish fins and a distinctive red eye. It differs from the rudd in having the dorsal fin directly above the pelvic fins and a less upturned mouth. Most are 15–25 cm, but some pass 40 cm and about a kilo; Norway's biggest came from lakes near Trondheim. Its native Norwegian range is the south-east, especially the Halden and Glomma river systems, and in summer it often moves into brackish water. It thrives in weedy lakes and slow rivers, feeding on insect larvae, zooplankton, algae. Spawning takes place in shallow water in spring when temperatures reach 10–12 °C. Roach bite readily on worm, maggots or paste under a float. Outside its native range it is treated as an invasive species, so never move live fish. Norwegian Red List 2021: Least Concern (LC).

Sources: Artsdatabanken, Store norske leksikon, Lovdata, Wikipedia

• Habitat: Ferskvann
• Best month: Juli

See the species guide

Biggest Roach in FishComp

Caught a Roach? Log it in FishComp.

How to register a Norwegian record

1. Norwegian sport-fishing records are registered with Villmarksliv, not with FishComp. Read the rules before you do anything else with the fish.
2. Records are based on weight and approved by a jury. You give the weight and length, where it was caught, the gear you used and any witnesses.
3. Keep your photos and notes from the catch. Logging it in FishComp does not register a record.