Fishing for Chub

Fishing for Chub

Learn practical chub fishing tips, seasonal bait choices, and simple rig setups—whether you’re surface fishing for chub in summer or using winter chub bait methods.

Meet the Chub

The chub is one of those fish that keeps you on your toes. It’s clever, bold, and never turns down the chance for a snack. They’re sleek, strong, and built for ambush. One second they’re lurking under a branch, the next they’re launching at your bait like they’ve not eaten in a week. It’s that sudden, wild strike that makes chub fishing such a rush—you never quite know when it’s going to happen, but when it does, it’s a proper buzz.. Found in rivers, streams, and even some still waters, chub love hanging out near overhanging trees, weedy margins, and undercut banks. They can grow big too—fish over 5 pounds are not uncommon, and anything over 6 is a right old lump.

Summer Action: Surface, Fly & Lure Fishing for Chub

When the sun’s out and the water’s warm, chub are active and often feed right up in the water column—or even on the surface. 

  • Surface Fishing: On a warm day, cast out a dog biscuit or bread crust under an ultra-light float and watch the drama unfold. Chub love to patrol the surface for easy pickings, especially in clear, slow stretches of river. 
  • Fly Fishing: Yep, you heard right. Chub on the fly is brilliant fun. Use small dry flies or even a bushy deer hair pattern to imitate a struggling insect. They’ll rise confidently for the right presentation. 
  • Lure Fishing: Small crankbaits, spinners, and soft plastics all work wonders. The key is stealth—chub will smash a lure one minute and spook the next, so move quietly and cast accurately. 

And for all this roaming summer action, a Fish Rig 180 travel rod is perfect. Check out our Fish Rig 180 review for why it’s ideal for freelining slugs and versatile summer chub fishing. It’s light, compact, and packs a punch. Whether you’re flicking out a surface bait, twitching a soft lure down a streamy run, or freelining a slug under a shady overhang, this rod has your back.. It’s light, compact, and packs a punch. Whether you’re flicking out a surface bait, twitching a soft lure down a streamy run, or freelining a slug under a shady overhang, this rod has your back.

Multi-function fishing rod

• Freelining a Slug: This old-school method still works a treat in both summer and winter. Simply hook a big black slug (yes, really!) and let it drift naturally under trees or along slack margins. Chub can’t resist it—and it’s about as natural a bait as you can offer.
• Bug-Style Surface Lures: Imitations of beetles and cicadas, like the Fox Cicada or a diving beetle pattern, are brilliant for surface work. Twitch them gently near cover and watch for that explosive take.
• Small Shads: Subsurface action more your thing? A 2–3 inch shad soft plastic fished slow and steady can draw chub out from their hidey-holes. Go natural in colour and keep your retrieves varied.
• Floating Crayfish: These lures can be deadly when twitched along the surface or just sub-surface. The subtle kick and silhouette make them look like the real deal to a hungry chub.

Also Read: HOW TO MAKE MONEY FISHING WITH RIGGED AND READY!

Winter Wisdom: Best Chub Bait and Cheese Paste Recipe

chub fishing tips

As things cool down, chub sink into deeper water and become a little more suspicious. But they’re still catchable if you fish smart.
• Worms: A juicy lobworm or a bunch of redworms fished ledger-style can tempt even the wariest chub. Add a little chopped worm or groundbait for attraction.
• Cheese Paste: A classic winter bait that still works today. It’s rich, smelly, and irresistible to cold-water chub. Here’s how to make it:

Cheese Paste Recipe for Chub (Winter Chub Bait)

Want to see it in action? Check out this video: https://youtu.be/COv93JgG1s0?si=rMenlo1VBeEXY6tU
•    100g of strong cheddar (grated)
•    50g of blue cheese (like Stilton)
•    2-3 slices of white bread (crusts removed)
•    A splash of water or milk (optional)
Tear up the bread and blend it into crumbs. Add the grated cheeses and knead it all together until you get a soft, pliable paste. If it’s too dry, just add a splash of water or milk to bring it together. Once it’s a soft, squishy paste, wrap it in cling film and pop it in the fridge to firm up. It’s even better if left overnight, ready for a cold morning’s session. Job done!

Tips for Chub Fishing Success

Chub fishing rod

• Use stealthy access: Chub are notoriously wary and will spook at the slightest noise or movement. One of the best ways to approach unfished spots quietly is from the water. Fishing from a kayak, canoe, or even better—a packraft—is a game-changer. Packrafts are incredibly portable, light, and durable, making it easy to sneak into secluded stretches that rarely see an angler. You’ll be able to reach tight swims, undercut banks, and remote river bends without disturbing the fish or trampling the bank.
• Travel light: Chub fishing often involves roving from swim to swim. A small bag, a landing net, and the Fish Rig 180 are all you need.
• Stay hidden: Chub are sharp-eyed. Wear drab clothing, keep low, and approach the water quietly.
• Vary your approach: If they’re ignoring surface baits, try subsurface. If worms aren’t working, switch to cheese paste or a small lure.
• Use the flow: Chub love hanging just off the current. Cast upstream and let your bait drift naturally into position.
• Hook sizes: For baits like cheese paste and worm, size 6–10 hooks are ideal. Don’t be afraid to scale down if the fish are finicky.

Also Read: Essential Fishing Rod Care Guide

Final Thoughts

Chub are the perfect mix of cheeky and powerful. One minute they’re giving your bait the side-eye like it owes them money, the next they’re tearing off toward a snag with your hook in tow. Whether you’re sneaking a lure through a summer back eddy or watching your quivertip twitch on a cold winter morning, chub fishing keeps you guessing—and that’s what makes it so addictive.

So grab your FishRig 180, pack a bit of cheese paste, and go find yourself a shady riverbank. Keep these chub fishing methods in your back pocket, and you’ll land chub year-round—hot or cold. There’s a chub out there with your name on it.

RIGGED & READY BLOG