New Crayfish Fishing Rules and Fines Take Effect in Ukraine Starting July 1.

Ukraine Overhauls Crayfish Fishing Regulations as of July 1, 2026

According to Novyny.live: Starting July 1, 2026, Ukraine will lift its seasonal ban on catching crayfish, but strict guidelines and limits will remain in place. The ban, which began on December 15, 2025, for certain reservoirs and on December 1, 2025, for other water bodies, will officially end on June 30, 2026. This seasonal restriction was implemented to protect crayfish during their breeding and molting periods.

The ban applied to the following reservoirs: Kyiv, Kaniv, Kremenchuk, Kamianske, and Dnipro. For all other Ukrainian water bodies, the prohibition ran from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Notably, the broad-clawed crayfish, listed in Ukraine's Red Book of endangered species, remains off-limits year-round in the Zakarpattia region.

Post-Ban Crayfish Fishing Rules

Once the ban lifts, anglers will be permitted to catch up to 30 crayfish per day in public waters and up to 50 per day in fee-based fishing areas. A single person may use no more than five fishing rigs at a time. Minimum size limits are also enforced: crayfish must measure at least 11 cm in the Dnipro reservoirs and at least 10 cm elsewhere.

To ensure compliance, a fine of 3,332 hryvnias will be imposed for each illegally caught crayfish. Additionally, night fishing for crayfish using artificial light is strictly prohibited.

These measures are designed to safeguard aquatic resources and promote sustainable crayfish harvesting across Ukraine.

Effective July 1, 2026, these updated regulations introduce a clear framework for Ukrainian fishers, emphasizing daily catch limits, size restrictions, and penalties for violations. By enforcing these standards, authorities aim to monitor and restore crayfish populations, reflecting a firm commitment to protecting water ecosystems.