Ruffe

Ruffe is a small bottom-dwelling fish with a spiny dorsal fin and spines on its gill covers. Reaches weights of 300 g.

Feeds on bloodworm, small worms, larvae, and fish eggs. An active bottom forager that feeds mainly near the substrate.

Most active at 4–18 °C. Feeds year-round, particularly well in winter. Not weather-dependent. Active mainly at dusk and night, but also bites during the day.

Holds in deep sections with sandy or clay substrate in large schools. Avoids strong current and bright light.

Caught on bloodworm, worm pieces, and maggots. Float and ice jig are the main methods. In winter — one of the primary ice fishing targets.

Ruffe is an excellent live bait for burbot. Burbot finds ruffe irresistible. If ruffe are biting, the spot is promising for other species too — it indicates clean substrate with a solid food base.