Fishing in May 2026: regulations, permitted sizes and fines
News.LIVE reports on the rules and penalties for offenders, citing the State Fisheries Agency.
What fines face offenders
Liability depends on the severity of the offence and the extent of the damage caused to the environment:
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Administrative fines: under Article 85 of the Code of Administrative Offences, breaches of fishing regulations incur fines ranging from 34 to 680 UAH.
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Criminal liability: if the catch has caused significant damage, fines rise to between 1,700 and 3,400 UAH. Restriction of liberty for up to three years is also possible, with the confiscation of boats, tackle and the entire catch.
Catching species listed in the Red Book is punishable separately, with mandatory compensation for damages at the established rates.
Rules for fishing in May
Fishing during the spawning season is permitted only under the following conditions:
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From the shore: outside official spawning grounds.
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Tackle: one artificial lure on a spinning rod or hook tackle (maximum two hooks per angler).
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Limit: no more than 3 kg per day (+ one fish as a trophy).
Permitted fish sizes in 2026
Anglers are required to measure their catch themselves. If a fish is smaller than the established limits, it must be released:
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European catfish: from 80 cm.
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Silver carp, bighead carp: from 60 cm (in reservoirs), from 40 cm (in other water bodies).
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Pike: from 50 cm; Zander: from 42 cm.
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Bream, carp: from 35 cm (in reservoirs), from 30 cm (in other waters).
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Crayfish: from 10–11 cm depending on the water body.
For tench, trout and roach, the minimum size is 20 cm; for chub and asp, 24 cm. Be responsible and protect Ukraine’s natural resources.
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