In Ukraine, from November 1, 2025, an autumn-winter ban on catching aquatic biological resources in wintering pits will be introduced. It will last until the beginning of the spawning period in 2026.
“Ensuring proper protection of fish in wintering pits is extremely important for the preservation of aquatic biological resources. During this period, aquatic inhabitants are especially vulnerable, so compliance with the established catch restrictions allows them to safely survive the winter and successfully begin spring spawning. We are strengthening control over water bodies and calling on the fishing community to be responsible and strictly comply with the requirements of the law,” said Igor Klymenok, head of the State Fish Agency.
To preserve and protect aquatic bioresources, the territorial departments of the State Fish Agency have issued relevant orders, which define the list and boundaries of wintering holes where fishing is prohibited.
During the ban, fishing is allowed only outside the wintering holes – using winter fishing rods and ice rods of all types or, in the absence of ice, fly fishing, bottom fishing, float fishing rods and spinning rods. Each fisherman is allowed no more than seven hooks, regardless of the type of gear.
Also, from the period from the formation of ice to the breaking of the ice, it is prohibited to use fishing gear with hooks whose distance from the shank to the sting is more than 10 mm. At the same time, it is prohibited to fish with single, double and triple hooks without a spinner or bait – natural or artificial – throughout the year.
For violation of these rules, liability is provided – from administrative fines to criminal penalties, as well as the obligation to compensate for the damage caused to the fishery.
