Barbel

Barbus barbus

A relative of the carp, barbel are a riverine species and are not native to Wales. However they have been introduced over the years to several waters in order to provide excellent coarse fishing.

Barbel can be found in several Welsh rivers including the Wye, Taff, Severn, Dee and Rhymney. 

Barbel are extremely strong fighters and have been compared to salmon – without the jumping. The Welsh record exceeds 18lb, from the river Taff.

Barbel are bottom feeders and the usual methods include ledgering or feeder fishing with fish flavoured pellets or boilies.  

Barbel can also be found in a several commercial stillwater fisheries in Wales, where they are stocked.

For information on where to go barbel fishing in Wales, read our barbel fishing blog feature by Adam Fisher.