Barbel lives in flowing water with a hard bottom, feeds on worms, pellets or cheese, and bites best from late spring to early autumn. Choose channels, bridge piers or groyne sections in rivers in Belgium or the Netherlands. Use sturdy gear and wait patiently – an adrenaline rush is guaranteed.
Barbel fishing is fantastic because you get solid action, but also because you learn technique and how to read river terrain. This guide helps you step-by-step: from choosing a spot to rigging, bait and the right equipment.
Why barbel fishing is so great
Barbel is a true river dweller: streamlined, powerful and with a distinctive lower jaw and four sturdy barbels. It hunts in currents, loves gravel or pebble bottoms and gives spectacular runs — ideal if you want something more challenging than stillwater fishing.
Where can you catch barbel in Belgium?
Barbel is mainly found in larger, well-flowing rivers with hard bottoms. Think of parts of the Grensmaas, Waal or IJssel-like waters. Fishing at a bend, behind a bridge pier, in a deep hole or directly below an inlet significantly increases your chances.
When is the best time?
-
Late spring to early autumn is ideal: warming water, barbel active
-
Fish in moderate to strong current, in the evening or twilight
-
Avoid peak high or low water without flow – the fish may move away then
Equipment and gear
-
Rod: heavy feeder or special barbel rod, length about 3.30 ‑ 3.90 m
-
Reel: robust casting reel with good drag
-
Line: nylon 0.28 ‑ 0.32 mm or braided line with 12‑15 kg breaking strength
-
Leader: fluorocarbon or monofilament, thickness 0.25‑0.30 mm
-
Weights: river weights flat model 80‑150 g, matched to current
The right bait
Barbel is greedy and variable in its diet. Good options are:
-
Cheese cubes: classic and often effective
-
Pellets (e.g. halibut pellets): provide scent, volume and attract fish
-
Worms (cluster of manure worms): natural, lively and attractive
-
Corn: especially effective in warm water
-
You can also attract fish with feed baskets or loose balls on the bottom.
Rigging & technique
-
Use a basic rig: line → swivel → leader (± 50 cm) → hook (size 6‑10)
-
Attach anti-tangle tube in current to avoid tangles
-
Cast slightly upstream, place the rod in a rest, line tight but not taut
-
The bite is often explosive: be alert and strike as soon as the rod tip snaps
Common beginner mistakes
-
Gear too light: barbels are strong and break thin rods or lines
-
Wrong spot: no current or soft bottoms give little chance
-
Too little baiting: without an attractive feeding spot the fish won’t come
-
Giving up too quickly: barbel fishing requires patience, sometimes waiting until the fish shows itself
Safety and fishing ethics
-
Be careful near strong rivers: deeper water and unpredictable currents can be dangerous
-
Handle the fish carefully when caught and unhooking
-
Follow local permit and fishing regulations