Common Bream

Scientific Name: Abramis brama
 UK Status: Native

Quick Facts

Identification

Common Bream are deep-bodied, laterally flattened fish with a bronze or silvery-brown appearance. They have a small downward-facing mouth and long anal fin running along much of the underside.

Younger fish are often silver in colour, darkening to bronze as they mature. They can sometimes be confused with silver bream, but common bream grow much larger and have a more pronounced hump behind the head.

Habitat & Behaviour

Bream favour slow-moving rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and canals with soft or silty bottoms. They often shoal in large groups, especially in deeper water.

They feed along the bottom, rooting through silt for insect larvae, small invertebrates, and organic matter. Bream are often most active in low light and can feed heavily at dawn, dusk, or during the night.

Best Baits & Methods

Baits:

Methods:

Pre-baiting an area can be very effective when targeting shoals.

Tackle Guide

Balanced tackle is important, especially when fishing for larger specimens in open water.

Notes

Bream are a popular coarse species and are common across much of the UK. Large shoals can provide consistent sport, particularly in warmer months.