New penalties for fishermen in 2026: what is now prohibited.

According to ТСН: During this year’s winter season, fishermen must adhere to certain restrictions and be prepared for possible fines for violations.

Prohibition on fishing in wintering pits

The State Fisheries Agency reminds that from November 1, 2025, in most water bodies of Ukraine, an autumn-winter prohibition on fishing in wintering pits will take effect. This prohibition will last until the start of the spawning period in 2026.

Such restrictions have been introduced to protect water resources and create favorable conditions for fish wintering. The State Fisheries Agency has already published orders with lists and boundaries of prohibited areas.

In areas without wintering pits, fishing is permitted in the following ways:

• on ice – winter rods and tip-ups of all types;

• without ice – fly-fishing, bottom, float rods, or spinning with natural or artificial baits.

Important: from the moment the ice forms until the ice begins to break up, it is prohibited to use hooks longer than 10 mm (from the shank to the tip).

Prohibition on catching crayfish

In addition, there is a prohibition on catching crayfish, as these animals undergo important stages of their life cycle in winter, including molting, egg formation, and reproduction.

The restrictions for 2025-2026 are as follows:

• from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026 – in all fishery water bodies;

• from December 15, 2025, to June 30, 2026 – in the Kyiv, Kaniv, Kremenchuk, Kamianske, and Dnipro reservoirs.

Pay special attention to the broad-fingered crayfish, which is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine: catching this species is prohibited all year round.

Additional restrictions for fishermen

The Kyiv fish protection patrol reminds that according to amateur and sport fishing rules:

• the daily catch limit is up to 3 kg of fish and no more than 30 crayfish per person;

• fishing is allowed using any type of rod (up to 5 hooks per fisherman) or spinning from the shore or a boat;

• methods that harm nature are strictly prohibited: explosive or toxic substances, electric current, sharp equipment, firearms (except harpoon guns for underwater hunting), industrial nets, snagging, dams, or drainage of water bodies.

For violations of these rules, the following penalties are provided:

• a fine up to 680 UAH with confiscation of equipment and captured fish;

• in case of significant damage – criminal liability: fines from 17,000 to 85,000 UAH or restriction/deprivation of liberty for up to 3 years with confiscation of all equipment and fish.

Offenders must also compensate the fishery for every illegally captured specimen. For manufacturing, selling, advertising or storing prohibited fishing gear, the fine amounts to 1,700 UAH.

The system of fishing restrictions in Ukraine is designed to ensure the preservation of aquatic biological resources, as the balance of the ecosystem is related not only to fishermen, but also to all who use water resources. Compliance with these rules is very important for maintaining biodiversity and the future of the country’s fishery.