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At this time of year, the chub is gradually leaving the deep pools and is often seen on the edges, preying on small fish, larvae or drifting insects, making it an ideal prey for a casting approach. The aim is to offer discreet, imitative lures, while respecting the light, current and natural caution of the fish.
The right moment and the right lure
In early spring, when the water remains cool, chub are more active at depth, so crankbaits and soft lures mounted on light lead heads are preferred. As mid-season approaches, cyprinids rise to the surface, and small hard lures such as jerkbaits or minnows (3 to 5 cm) become very effective, especially on already aggressive chub. Wobbling and spinning spoons can also make a difference in calm or slow-moving areas, where a simple cast is enough to trigger reflex strikes.
Visual approach and drifting
Spring chub fishing is often sight fishing: the fish takes up position under foliage, near bridge piers, submerged branches or shaded banks, exactly where natural prey passes. The approach is then made discreetly, with precise casts behind the fish or just above it, letting the lure drop into the drift or rest gently on the surface. The animation must remain natural: small twitches, a light jerk, sometimes a simple "do nothing" for a few seconds, letting the lure imitate a wounded fish or insect.
Fixtures and fittings
We recommend using a light braid (6 to 8/100) combined with a 14 to 20/100 fluorocarbon leader, which allows you to cast small lures while limiting visibility and cushioning loads. For soft fish, a drop-shot rig or a 1 to 2 g lead head is perfectly suited to clear banks and cold waters, where a slow swim and subtle action are the key to success. Plastic insects, small shads and imitations of flies or chafer complete an arsenal designed to imitate local prey and seduce increasingly educated chub.
Fishing for chub with lures in spring requires you to read the river well: you don't just cast everywhere, but observe, spot each position, anticipate the fish's trajectory and adapt the lure's speed and animation to the light and current. The strike must be firm but measured. This approach, both visual and technical, makes it a veritable fishing school, where the angler learns to read a river and adapt to the behaviour of the fish.
