River Fishing: 9 Lures We Always Bring for Perch, Zander and Pike

What do you bring for a day of fishing on the river?

River fishing is a different game. Current. Depth. And often, you really need to convince the fish. That's why we've listed exactly what you want in your tackle box for a day on the river, whether you're targeting perch, zander, asp or pike. Especially on those days when switching lures is key!

All tested. All effective. And yes, some of these lures you simply must have with you.

Let's start with the must-bring softbaits

Rapala CrushCity The Kickman
Our all-round favourite. This softbait moves even at low speeds thanks to its clever salt distribution and flexible body. It works great for zander and perch, especially on jig heads of around 10 to 14 grams. Perfect for all kinds of depths and structures!

Toppies Skeletonius
A slightly slimmer finesse profile, but an explosive action. You'll feel every vibration. Besides the classic jig head, this one also shines on a drop shot! On a jig head we love the 10 cm version, and for drop shot you can go for the 7 cm.

Rapala CrushCity Cleanup Craw
Sometimes you need to adapt and match the hatch! If fish won't come off the bottom for regular shads, a craw imitation can work wonders. Our favourite two years running? The Cleanup Craw, especially in Candy Bug or Water Melon Red, at least on our waters. Definitely give it a try: even though it looks bulky, even 25 cm perch can't resist it.

Silvian's personal best of 54 cm was caught on this lure, fished on a Carolina rig!

Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits!

PXS Copper Head Blade
Few lures give you this much feedback. You instantly feel whether you're fishing it right, and so does the predator. This chatterbait is both visible and audible in murky water. Combine it with a PXS Kagashi Worm or a Rapala CrushCity The Stingman for the ultimate combo!

Tip: cast it along groynes or where sand meets rocks, that's where the predators wait!

PXS Guppi Spinnerbait
Finally, a spinnerbait truly designed for zander and perch! Perfect for shallow water, and available in 9, 11 and 14 grams for different conditions. It also pairs well with a PXS Kagashi Worm or a Rapala CrushCity The Stingman.

Crankbaits you don't want to miss

Rapala DT Series
One word: depth. DT stands for "Dives-To", and that's exactly what it does. These crankbaits are your go-to when you want to fish a specific depth with precision. They're fantastic over hard bottoms or just above mussel beds. Perch, zander, asp… even big pike can't leave them alone. Our top pick! Choose the DT4, DT10, DT12 or DT16. The number is the depth in feet the lure dives to.

Rapala Shad Rap Elite 55
Targeting perch? This is your lure. Ultra-tight, natural action, and you feel every bump. The Elite version has a balsa wood body and no rattles. Super effective in pressured water!

Topwater for early mornings or late evenings

Rapala Precision X-Treme Pencil 87
The Precision X-Treme Pencil is made for rivers, with ultra-long casts and a standout topwater action. Its walk the dog movement combined with the Dual Frequency Knocker (high and low tones) pulls predators in, even in strong current. It's durable enough to handle aggressive strikes from perch, pike and asp. Plus, the 3D eyes and realistic finish add maximum visual appeal!

And a glidebait for the current

BlueBlue Snecon 90S
The Snecon 90S has a distinct finned head and a deliberately unstable centre of gravity. Thanks to this unique build, it swims in wide, natural S-curves even on a straight retrieve. The stronger the current or the further out the lure, the more pronounced and stable its action becomes. Pike, zander, perch and asp simply can't resist. Browse the full BlueBlue Fishing collection.