Giant Catfish Haul: What a Record Bodensee Wels Tells Us About Europe’s Changing Waters
A fisherman from Fussach, Austria, recently landed a massive Wels catfish in Lake Constance (Bodensee), weighing in at 109 kilograms (240 pounds) and measuring 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) long. This impressive catch, made near the Rhine River’s entry point into the lake, is the heaviest Wels the fisherman, Franz Blum, has ever reeled in. But beyond a remarkable fishing story, this event highlights a growing trend: larger and larger freshwater predators thriving in European waters.
The ‘Brutal Torpedo’ and a Warming Lake
Blum, a professional fisherman, described the Wels as a “brutal torpedo.” He estimates the fish was around 45 years old, relatively young for a species that can live up to 80 years. The increasing size of these catfish is likely linked to warmer water temperatures. Wels catfish are less active feeders when water temperatures drop below 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit), meaning milder winters allow them to feed and grow for longer periods.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Blum previously caught a 2.72-meter (almost 9 feet) Wels in 2025, which now hangs in his restaurant. A 2.4-meter, 83-kilogram Wels was caught in the same area back in 2011, then considered a record.
Wels Catfish: Europe’s Apex Freshwater Predator
The European Wels (Silurus glanis) is the largest freshwater fish in Europe. They are adaptable, nocturnal bottom-feeders with a keen sense of smell, and taste. Their diet is remarkably diverse, including fish, and even small animals like ducks and mice, as Blum has discovered. They are opportunistic predators, and a plentiful food supply combined with warmer waters creates ideal conditions for growth.
A Debate Over Conservation and Consumption
The capture of such a large fish has sparked debate online, with some questioning the ethics of catching a creature that may have decades of life ahead of it. However, Wels catfish are likewise considered a palatable food fish, with firm, mild-flavored flesh. Blum has already filleted and sold his recent catch to customers.
What Does This Mean for the Future of European Lakes and Rivers?
The trend of increasing Wels catfish size suggests a broader ecological shift. Warmer water temperatures are not only benefiting this apex predator but also potentially impacting other species within the ecosystem. The long-term consequences of these changes are still being studied, but it’s clear that European freshwater environments are undergoing significant transformation.
The Bodensee, like many other European lakes and rivers, is experiencing the effects of climate change. These changes are creating conditions that favor large, predatory fish like the Wels catfish, potentially altering the balance of the entire aquatic ecosystem.
FAQ
How old can Wels catfish obtain?
Wels catfish can live up to 80 years.
What do Wels catfish eat?
They are opportunistic predators and eat fish, amphibians, small mammals, and birds.
Are Wels catfish dangerous to humans?
While generally not aggressive towards humans, their large size and powerful jaws mean they should be treated with respect.
Why are Wels catfish getting bigger?
Warmer water temperatures and a plentiful food supply are contributing to their increased size.
Did you understand? The Wels catfish is native to the Danube, Rhine, and Dnieper river basins, but has been introduced to many other European waterways.
Want to learn more about freshwater fish conservation? Visit the Swiss Fisheries Association website for more information.
Share your thoughts on this incredible catch and the future of European freshwater ecosystems in the comments below!
