Pirami   (Pale chub)           
 
Average size of adult fish is between 8~12cm, maximum 17cm. Body is elongated and compressed. They have greatly curved lateral line, large and elongated anal fin, very developed rays, bluish brown back, silvery white belly, 10~13 irregularly light black cross bars on sides. red stripe in iris. Their nuptial-color of males in spawning season is awfully beautiful. They prefer to live in clear waters of middle streams but endure even the polluted water. So, they are found in most of streams in Korea, except the ones flowing to east sea. They feed on insects and larvae.

Lure rod of ultra light action and 1~2 weight fly rod are the best tackle. Small spinners are used for lure fishing. Midges on #18~22 hook , small duns, terrestrials are effective. They feed most actively in the evening or on overcast days.

Galkyeoni (Dark chub)     

Average size of adult fish is between 10 ~ 15cm. They resemble to Pale chub, but differ in small scales and large eyes. They have greenish brown back, silvery white belly ; dark brown stripe on sides, very beautiful nuptial-color of males in spawning season.. And this color is mostly yellow tone due to the yellowish orange color on the belly, which is more inspiring than the one of Pale chub. They live only in clear waters of middle and upper streams, never endure to stay in polluted water. They are found in most of clear streams in Korea. They feed on insects. Pale chubs are thin but Dark chubs are relatively fat.

They are much more aggressive than Pale chub on lure and flies. They are the best fish of small fish class for lure and fly fishing Korean stream. Lure rod of ultra light action and 1~2 weight fly rod are best tackle. Small spinners for lure fishing is effective. Various midges on #18~22 hooks and small may flies can be used depending on the situation.

Keuri (Korean piscivorous chub)          

Average size of adult fish is between 20 ~ 35cm. They feed on insects and small fishes. They are found in most of Korean rivers and lakes. They  have relatively mall eyes on big body. Lower jaw is shaped in hook and bigger than upper jaw. They have dark brown back and silverly white belly. Male fish has nuptial-color greenish brown tone with orange-colored belly. Anal fin has V shape. They are fast, gluttonous and aggressive. They are not considered food fish. They are so aggressive on lure and flies that Korean anglers can come back home from mostly every trip without 'no fish' !.

Since they run just beneath the surface of water,  fast reeling without count down just after the lures arrive on the surface of water is productive. Various spoon and some spinners are the best lures. For fly fishing, spiders made of foam rubber or various streamers can be used depending on the situation. Lure rods of light action and 4~6 weight fly rods of are best tackle..  

Keokji (Korean aucha perch)     

Average size of adult fish is 20cm, and maximum 25cm. They resemble to Mandarin fish but they are much smaller. Body is Grayish brown or yellowish brown, oblong and Compressed. They have high body depth, scales on cheeks and opercula, large mouth, long lower jaw, serrated posterior part of preopercula, complete lateral line, greatly compressed caudal peduncle, round caudal fin. They have grayish brown back, pale belly, 7~8 black cross bars on sides , bluish green speckle like eyes on opercula. They live in clear waters of upper streams with pebbly bottoms. They are y found in most of streams of Korea, except in ones flowing to East sea.. They Feed on crustacea, insects and small fish. They are endemic species in Korean streams. Eating quality is excellent. Flesh is white, firm and sweet.

Small spinners are the best for lure fishing. Casts should be done to bottom of water because Keokji usually stay in the shadow of rocks under water, waiting for small fish to feed. Reeling slow enough to let the blade of spinner rotate well would encourage Keokji deadly to bite it. Lure rod of light action and 3~4 weight fly rod are suitable. Various streamers can be used depending on the situation. Large hooks over #12 is better for adequate hooking. .

Sogari (Mandarin Fish)      

Average size of adult fish is 30cm, and records of this fish is 65cm. They resemble to Keokji but much bigger.. Body is yellowish brown with speckles spread whole body, oblong and Compressed. They have high body depth ; scales on cheeks and opercula ; large mouth ; long lower jaw ; serrated posterior part of preopercula ; complete lateral line ; greatly compressed caudal peduncle, round caudal fin, pale belly. They live in clear waters of upper streams with pebbly bottoms. They are found in most rivers of Korea, except the ones flowing to East sea.. They Feed on crustacea, insects and small fish. Eating quality is excellent. Flesh is white, soft and sweet. This species has been the best trophy fish of lure fishing in Korea, due to the superior eating quality to all fish of the rivers.

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When they are hooked, they run to the bottom of the water. Spoon lure has been main bullet but young anglers now try various worms and jigs that are proven quite productive depending on the different situations. Lure rods of light action are mostly suitable. Since Sogari usually stay under the various obstacles in the water waiting for small fish to feed, casts to the bottom of water and slow reeling are essential.  So, anglers lose many lures while they are reeling the lures coming through various obstacles. Lure rods of light action and 4~6 weight fly rods are suitable. Various streamers can be used depending on the situation. Large hooks over #12 is better for adequate hooking. . 

Gangjunchi (Korean river tarpon)     

 Average siae of adult is between 40~50cm, maximum 1m. Body is elongated and compressed. They have almost vertical mouth at the same level of dorsal fin, relatively big eyes, slightly curved lateral line, long base of anal fin, bluish brown back, silvery white belly, yellow dorsal fin. They live in lower streams of large rivers. They are found mostly in western rivers of Korea. They are the biggest species in Korea. They feed on insects, crustacea, small fish. They are usually schooling up in the morning and evening for feeding on small fish. People say that this species has hot temper because it almost die if pulling hook out and release would not be habile or delayed.

Gangjunchi is the biggest and best species for lure and fly fishing in Korea. Lure rods of mediun action, using spoon lure are most productive. As they are usually schooling up and running very fast below the surface of water, middle of rivers like near the piers of bridge, long catings of lure fishing is productive. In most of rivers, wading and or belly boating of fiy fishers are required.  Since this species has relatively weak mouth that hardly support their heavy weight, fast reeling when hooked or tough landing would cause losing fish due to teared mouth. Due to their hot temper and speed, they sometimes swallow lures or flies.  So, anglers are recommanded to use barbless hooks to avoid killing fish. Lure rods of medium action and 4~6 weight fly rods are best tackle. Various streamers for fly fishing are productive.

Megui (Far eastern catfish)        

 Average size of adult fish is between 300~500mm, maximum 1m. They have elongated and cylindrical body, compressed posterior part, naked skin, no scales, depressed head, 2 pairs of barbels, small eyes on anterior part of median head, wide interval of each eyes ; lower jaw, complete lateral line, small dorsal fin, longest dorsal fin ray as long as 3~4 times of eye diameter, anal fin connected with caudal fin, dark brown to greenish yellow-brown back, light yellow to yellowish white belly. They live in lower and middle streams and lakes. They are found in most of rivers, lakes and ponds of Korea. They feed on insects and small fish. Eating quality is excellent.

Lure rods of light or medium action is popular. Spoon lures and various jigs are used. Reeling slowly when the lures hit the bottom of the water is productive. Fly fishers prefer 4~6 weight rods to feel strong reaction. Using various streamers, slow retrieving from the bottom of the ponds could get bite. This species are strongly resistant until they get into the net.

Gamulchi (Snake Head)       

Average size of adult fish is between 30~50cm, maximum 1m. They have elongated and Compressed body, depressed head, large mouth, long lower jaw, dorsal fin equal to anal fin in length, convex posterior part of caudal fin, yellowish brown body, 2 rows of dark brown spots on sides. They live in ponds and swamps with abundant water plants. They are found in most of ponds and swamps of Korea. They feed on small fish, frogs and many other animals under water. Eating quality is good.

Anglers should be cautious of their sharp teeth. Lure rods of medium action, using various lures imitating frogs, spinners, small fish are good for productive fishing. Fly fishers usually take rods of  6~8 weight for enjoying their reaction and prefer streamers that are proven productive. As this species is extremely strong and persistent, landing as quick as possible is recommanded, without playing with fish.

Song eo (Trout)       

Song eo is imported from North America in 1965 and transplanted in Pyonchang gang at first. Average size of adult fish is between 20~30cm, maximum 60cm. They live in clear and cold water. They are transplanted in most of clear and cold streams and lakes flowing to East sea. Trouts have mostly greenish blue back, silvery white belly, pink or red stripes, many small spots on fins and body. small mouth and head. They are feeding on insects, larvae and small fish. Only Rainbow trouts are transplanted in korean streams and lakes.

Lure rods of light or medium action, using spoon lures or spinners, jigs are productive and great. For fly fishers, trout is original trophy species. The studies on tackle and flies are varied. On this web site, we make stress in the explanation about trout fishing. Trouts show fantastic jumps when hooked, that makes anglers be fascinatedl in fishing them and fly fishing. But, population of trouts in korean streams and lakes is not big.

Sancheoneo (Cherry trout)      

Average size of adult fish is 25~30cm. Sancheoneo is reported as same family with Song eo (Trout). The difference comes from their different environment. They resemble much to trouts but they are much smaller and have darker colors. The main difference is vertical stripes on the body. This species is the best fish for Korean fly fishers who are fond of stream fishing, as trouts are quite scarce in Korean waters. Eating quality is better than trouts.

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Sancheoneo is more difficult to fish. They are faster and more cautious than trouts. It is not easy either to find the points nor to get the bite. Anglers should be quiet when they approach to streams. Lure rods of ultra light action, using small  spinners are good and productive.
2~3 weight fly rods are suitable for the size and enjoying the reaction of the fish. Patterns of flies they like are almost same as trout fishing. You should try various flies depending on the situation.

Bluegill        

Average size of adult fish is between 15~25cm. Bluegill was also imported from North America, long time ago,  and transplanted into various waters in Korea. Bluegills have small mouths and oval-shaped, almost rounded, bodies. Body coloration is highly variable with size, sex, spawning, water color, bottom type, and amount of cover. In general, they are somewhat lavender and bronze with about six dark bars on their sides. Males tend to have a copper-colored bar over the top of the head behind the eyes. The breast is silver to slightly blue most of the year, with some yellow or orange during spawning season. Females are generally lighter colored than males. Two distinctive characteristics are the prominent black spot on the rear edge of the gill-cover and a black spot at the base of the posterior portion of the dorsal fin. They feed mainly on insects and crustaceans. Most of them live in lakes and ponds, though some exist in sluggish rivers.Distinguishing features include a black gill flap with no trim and a long, pointed pectoral fin. The basic color ranges from yellow to very dark blue. Eating quality is excellent. They are found in most reservoirs, rivers and lakes of Korea. Bluegills prefer the quiet, weedy waters where they can hide and feed. They inhabit lakes and ponds, slow-flowing rivers and streams with sand, mud, or gravel bottoms, near aquatic vegetation. Because of its willingness to take a variety of natural baits (e.g., crickets, grass shrimps, worms) and artificial lures (e.g., small spinners or popping bugs) during the entire year, its gameness when hooked, and its excellent food qualities, the bluegill is one of the more important sport fish in Florida and the eastern United States.

Lure rods of ultra light action, using small spinners or various worms, jigs are good and productive. 2~3 weight fly rods are suitable for the average resistance of the fish. Crickets, grass shrimps are the best baits. In many instances, you'll draw more strikes by slowly swimming the lures or flies across the surface. Nymphs and small jigs work well. Set the hook when you see the slightest hesitation. If you wait longer, you'll hook few fish. Lures and flies have little resistance when a bluegill takes them. Place few split shot on line a foot or so above the hook to get the lures or flies down. This species is good for beginners and children as Bulegills are gluttonous.

Bass (Black bass)     

Bass is imported from North America and transplanted into most of Korean rivers and lakes. The imported species is black bass. It is found now in most of rivers flowing to the west of country. It generally has light greenish to brownish sides with a dark lateral line which tends to break into blotches towards the tail. Also, its first and second dorsal fins are almost separated by an obvious deep dip, and there are no scales on the soft-rayed second dorsal fin or on the anal fin. The average size of adult fish catched in Korea is 40cm and records exceed 65cm. Bass pefers clear, nonflowing waters with aquatic vegetation where food and cover are available. They occupy brackish to freshwater habitats, including upper estuaries, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and ponds. Also they can tolerate a wide range of water clarities and bottom types and they are usually found at depths less than 20 feet. The diet of bass changes with its size. Young fish feed on microscopic animals (zooplankton) and small crustaceans such as grass shrimp and crayfish. Fingerling bass feed on insects, crayfish, and small fishes. Adult bass will eat whatever is available, including fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, salamanders, snakes, mice, turtles and even birds. The meat is white, flaky and low in oil content. The flavor depends upon the way the fish are cleaned and prepared. The strong weedy taste of bass caught in some waters may be eliminated by skinning the fish and salting and peppering the fillets before battering. Fillets usually are fried, while larger ones may be baked.

Much of its popularity as freshwater game fish is due to its aggressive attitude and willingness to strike a lure or flies with explosive force. They will strike almost any kind of artificial lure or flies, but most are taken on plastic worms, surface plugs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, bass bugs and shiner minnows. The value of the largemouth as a sport fish has prompted a movement toward catch-and-release fishing. Lure rods of medium or heavy action specialized for bassing is best tackle. 6~8 weight fly rods are suitable for bassing in Korea.

Yeolmok eo   

Average size of adult fish is 30~40cm, maximum 60cm. This species that live in certain streams is nominated as Korean Natural Treasures. Yeolmok eo that live in Jeong am sa valley, Jeongseon gun, Gangwon do are nominated as Treasures No.73 and the ones that live in Daehyun ri, Socho myon, Bonghwa gun, Kyeongsang bukdo are nominated as Treasures No. 74. Fishing Yeolmok eo in those areas is strictly prohibited. This species is too rare to meet in any stream but you can catch, by accident, some young Yeolmok eo whose size arrive around 15cm when you fish in Naerin cheon or Kyebang cheon, Gangwon do. They live in cold and clear water only and the termperature of water where they live should not exceed 20 degree centigrade. Their name Yeolmok eo, meaning 'fish of heat in eyes'  comes from the red color of their eyes. They feed on insects and small fish.  Body is yellowish brown and they have many small spots smaller than pupil of eyes spread on each side of body, dorsal fin, oil fin(small fin between dorsal fin and cuadal fin)

Due to Yeolmogueo's aggressive attitude and willingness to strike a lure or flies with quite strong force, fishing is easy. if the population could be increased, this species will surely be a good game fish in Korea.

Eoreumchi    

They are endemic species in Korean streams and nominated as Korean Natural Treaures No. 159. It is reported that they live in Imjin gang, Han gang, Geum gang and their upper streams. But, they are actually found only in Joyang gang and Dong gang near Jeong seon, Gangwon do. Average size of adult fish is between 20~30cm. Body is cylindrical at anterior part and compressed at posterior part. Mouth is round, lips are not thick, a pair of barbels a little bit longer than the diameter of eyes. They have dark brown back and silvery white belly, 7~8 rows of black spots along the lateral line. They also have 3~4 rows of black spots spread on dorsal fin and caudal fin. This species surprise men by their skills to accumulate the towers made of small pebbles for spawning. They feed on insects.

Lure rods of ultra light action , using small spinners are good. 2 weight fly rods, using nymphs, to fish fast streams are most productive.

Nunbulgae      

Average size of adult fish is 25~45cm. They are found mostly in the streams that flow to West sea. But they are actually found only in the middle and lower stream of Keum gang near Daejeon. Body is cylindrical like Sung eo , scales and color of body is also alike. Head is similar with Nuchi's. Nunbulgae feed on insects, crustacean  and small fish. They have aggressive attitude and willingness to strike lure and flies any time. Fishing is available in four seasons.

Spoon and spinners loaded on lure rods of light action are effective. 4~6 weight fly rods are suitable for the average weight and resistance of this species. Most of dry flies and nymphs like caddis, mini poppers, spiders, beadheaded etc. on hooks bigger than #12 are good for frequent strikes.

Nuchi (Steed barbel)        

Average size of adult fish is 20cm, maximum 50cm. Tone of body color is light silver and back is dark brown but it varies depending to environment. They have a vague band that reflects beautiful sun ray. Body is almost cylindrical  at anterior part and it becomes compressed towards cuadal fin. Head is acute and mouth is long. Lower jaw is shorter than upper jaw.
Upper jaw resemble horseshoe and lips are a little bit thick and cute like the ones of little babies. They have a pair of barbel longer than diameter of their eyes. Scales are relatively big. They feed on weed and grass but they are aggressvie to lure and flies during spawning season. They are found in most streams that flow to West sea or South sea. Eating quality is not so good.

Big spoon lures loaded on lure rods of light and medium action are productive. In the spawning season (April and May), they are very aggressive. But, they are no more game fish of lure and fly fishing when the spawning is over.

Euneo (Sweet smelt)     

Average size of adult fish is 20~30cm. Due to their flesh that has flavor of water melon, people treat this fish as an excellent food. Scales are small , color of back is almost black and belly is grayish white. White bone surrounding mouth seems like womens' lips covered by white lipstick.They live in clear water, and found mostly in the streams that flow to East sea and South sea like Namdae cheon at Yangyang, Wangpicheon at wuljin and Osip cheon at Gangku. Also they have been found in Milyang gang, Seomjin gang. Fishing Eun eo between September 16 and October 15 is prohibited. They feed on moss on rocks under water.

Flies on the pole, or 2~3 weight fly rods with bead headed or other nymphs are good tackle. Fishing by lure or flies are available in March and April when they come up to upper stream.

Hwang eo (Sea rundace)       

Average size of adult fish is 15~20cm, maximum 450mm. They have elongated and Compressed body, small scales, anal fin origin behind dorsal fin base, dark bluish brown or yellowish brown back, silvery white belly, reddish yellow streaks on sides and fins during breeding season, 3 row of orange longitudinal stripes on sides remarkable males. They are anadromous species, breeding in spring (March and April), inhabiting clear streams with pebbles. They are found in rivers flowing to the East Sea. They feed on insects, worms, etc.. Their flesh has too many spines to cook. Anglers can meet them in Osip cheon at Samcheok.

Worms and spoon lures on lure rods of light action are good bullets. 3~4 weight fly rods with various nymphs are effective for frequent strikes.

Yeoneo (Salmon)        

 Size of male and female are quite different. It also differs depending to age. sometimes Anglers catch salmons longer than 1m. Salmons are coming back annually to their stream of birth, which are some eastern streams like  Myongpa cheon, Namdae cheon at Yangyang, Osip cheon at Samcheok, Wangpi cheon at Wuljin. Fishing is prohibited, except a certain period specially allowded usually in November.

Spinners loaded on lure rods of medium action is good tacke. 6~8 weight fly fishing with various salmon flies are productive.

Wureok (Red rockfish)      

Saltwater fish. They feed on small fish or crabs and so on. Average size of adult fish is 15~30cm, and maximum 40cm.  This species does not make circulation tour but live in a domiciliation. They are found a lot in West sea of Korea. Body seems like rugby ball , a little bit more compressed. As they have protecting colors, color of body varies depending on the family and the inhabitation. Usually their body show grayish brown with 5~6 rows of black vertical band which are vague.

Plastic worms loaded on lure rods of medium action are good for many strikes , if you cast on the rocks of seashore to swim the lures in the middle of the depth.

Nong eo (Sea bass)         

Average size of adult fish is 50~70cm, maximum 90cm. They have elongated and compressed body, lower body depth, large mouth, a spine on posterior part of preopercula; complete lateral line, slightly forked first dorsal fin, greatly compressed caudal peduncle, grayish blue back, silvery white belly, small black spots scattered all around body. They ascend to middle streams after having grown up to 10cm. When hooked, Nong eo resists with explosive force and show fantastic jumps to pull out hooks. Fishing in near sea is available only until mid September. Young fish of 12~20cm begin to feed on crustacean, clams and small fish and so on. Eating quality is excellent.

Lure fishing on the rocks of seashore or on the boat, using big spoon lures, feather jigs, plugs and many other jigs are good for strikes..You should swim lures in middle depth of near sea. Take care of noise as they are too much sensitive.

8~9 weight fly rods equipped with saltwater flies are productive. Flies shoud arrive to middle or bottom of the sea before retrieve.

Sung eo (Common mullet)        

Average size of adult fish is 30~50cm, maximum 80cm. They have compressed body, depressed head, eye lids, no lateral line, deeply forked caudal fin, dark brown back, silvery white belly, several dark stripes on sides. They live in both sea and fresh-water, ascending to estuaries or brackish waters in summer, descending to sea in winter. They are widely found in all warm seas throughout the world. They are species of paliphagia. They usually feed on small fish, mollusk, and swallow shrimps, crabs, also weeds, with sands. In spawning season, their eye lids will be covered by thick fat that makes them almost blind. The blinds are rushing to seashore to breed.

Lure fshing at that time only is most productive. Big spoon lures should be equipped and fast reeling on the way they rush is required. ...//