Listen to the Song – Old Rogue of the River
The complete lyrics are included in the companion book, Our Jewels in the Water, allowing readers to follow every song while learning about Britain’s remarkable freshwater fish.
Enjoying the music?
The companion book Our Jewels in the Water includes the full lyrics, additional stories, exclusive photographs and beautiful illustrations for every species.
The Chub – The Chevin
“Wise beyond its years and strong beyond its appearance, the Chub has earned the respect of anglers for centuries. Patient, cautious and endlessly resourceful, it remains one of Britain’s true river legends.”
Species Profile
The Chub (Squalius cephalus), affectionately known in many parts of Britain as the Chevin, is one of our most recognisable and admired freshwater fish. With its broad head, powerful body and large bronze-edged scales, it is a magnificent sight gliding beneath overhanging trees or resting beneath rafts of trailing vegetation.
Unlike many river fish, the Chub is an opportunist. It will feed confidently on insects, crustaceans, worms, bread, cheese, meat, berries and even small fish. This remarkable adaptability has helped it thrive in rivers across Britain and has earned it a reputation as one of the cleverest fish an angler can pursue.
Clive’s Story
Some of my greatest memories were made fishing for Chub.
The River Wye will always hold a special place in my heart. Many wonderful days were spent on its banks, quietly stalking these magnificent fish beneath overhanging bushes and ancient trees.
One thing every Chub angler soon learns is how incredibly wary they are. A careless footstep, a moving shadow or even standing in the wrong place could send them gliding silently back beneath their sanctuary.
Yet when everything came together and the float slipped beneath the surface, the reward was unforgettable.
I still remember winning the Wye Championship with over 84 pounds of Chub, a catch that remains one of the proudest moments of my fishing career. Days like that never leave you.
Natural History
The Chub thrives in rivers with steady currents, deep pools and plenty of natural cover.
Although young Chub often live together in shoals, the largest fish usually become solitary, choosing secluded lies beneath fallen trees, bridges and undercut banks where they wait patiently for food to drift within reach.
Their diet is extraordinarily varied. They are true omnivores, feeding on aquatic insects, crayfish, worms, snails, berries, seeds, frogs and even small fish when the opportunity arises.
This adaptability makes them one of Britain’s most successful freshwater species.
Interesting Facts
- Scientific name: Squalius cephalus
- Common name: Chub or Chevin
- Family: Cyprinidae (Carp Family)
- Average size: 2–6 lb
- Specimen size: Double-figure fish are possible
- Habitat: Rivers with cover, steady flow and deep pools
- Diet: Almost anything edible
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Behind the Song
The Chevin celebrates not only a magnificent fish but also the quiet art of river stalking.
Every Chub teaches patience.
Sometimes success comes only after sitting silently for an hour, watching the water and waiting for the perfect opportunity.
The song reflects that calm confidence. Rather than rushing, it follows the slow rhythm of the river itself, capturing both the mystery and the excitement of meeting one of Britain’s wisest freshwater fish.
Conservation
Healthy Chub populations depend upon thriving rivers with natural banks, clean water and abundant insect life.
Protecting overhanging trees, submerged roots and natural river features is just as important as maintaining water quality. These habitats provide shelter, food and breeding opportunities for countless freshwater species.
Every restored river benefits not only Chub but the entire ecosystem.
Clive’s Reflection
The Chub has taught me more about fishing than almost any other species.
It taught me patience.
It taught me observation.
It taught me that rivers reward those who take the time to understand them.
Some fish are remembered because they are difficult to catch.
The Chub is remembered because every encounter feels like a conversation with an old, wise friend.
“The river always rewards those who learn to watch before they cast.”