Fishing in Hungary: A guide for foreigners, tourists, and expats

Fishing in Hungary offers a wealth of opportunities for tourists, foreigners, and expats, thanks to its rich variety of lakes, rivers, and well-managed fish stocks. Whether you’re an angling enthusiast or a curious beginner, Hungary’s waters hold something for everyone—from the pristine Lake Balaton to the majestic Danube and the tranquil Tisza River. This guide will cover the essential information you need for fishing in Hungary as a non-resident.

Fishing licenses for foreigners

For fishing in Hungary, both locals and foreigners must hold a state license and a local permit. This applies to nearly all fishing locations, except for a few private lakes and gravel pits. According to OHB’s guide, if you hold a fishing license from your home country, you may use it as a substitute for the Hungarian state fishing license. This means you only need to buy the local permit for the specific body of water you plan to fish in.

Fishing in Hungary is an exciting and rewarding experience. Photo: depositphotos.com

If you don’t have a fishing license, you’ll need to join a Hungarian fishing club through the Hungarian Fishing Association (MOHOSZ). The process is straightforward, and the annual fee is around 10-15 euros. After this, you can obtain local permits at nearby fishing shops or at fish-guard cottages for smaller lakes.

Where to fish in Hungary

Hungary offers a variety of fishing spots. Popular locations include Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, where you can fish for species like carp and catfish. The Danube and Tisza Rivers are also top fishing destinations, rich in pike, zander, and carp. For those seeking something quieter, Lake Velence is an excellent option.

Lake Balaton. Photo: depositphotos.com

As Carp Circle explains, fishing in Hungary is both affordable and accessible. The state license costs less than EUR 10, and local permits are available at nearby settlements. Hungary’s fishing laws also include environmental protection rules, such as maintaining logbooks to record catches.

Guided fishing tours and gear

For tourists or expats new to Hungary’s fishing culture, hiring a guide is a convenient way to get started. Gone Fishing Hungary offers guided fishing trips on Lake Balaton and other locations, catering to all experience levels. These trips include everything from securing permits to providing equipment, making the experience hassle-free for non-residents.

Guided trips also allow anglers to explore the scenic beauty of Hungary while enjoying local hospitality. Whether you prefer kayak fishing or more traditional methods, Hungary’s fishing guides can customise the experience to your preferences.

Fishing in Hungary: Regulations and guidelines

Photo: depositphotos.com

According to OHB, fishing regulations in Hungary are straightforward. Adults (18+) are allowed to fish with two rods, with a maximum of three hooks per rod. Juniors aged 14-18 can fish with one rod, also with a maximum of three hooks. Children under 14 are permitted to fish with a single rod and hook. For those fishing without a guide, purchasing licenses can be done at fishing shops near major lakes and rivers, or even in Budapest for larger bodies of water like Lake Balaton and the Danube.

Some of the best not too well-known fishing spots

Some of the best not too popular fishing places include:

• Maconka Reservoir – Known for a variety of fish species and regular competitions.
• Ráckevei-Soroksári Duna Branch – A diverse, natural fishing location along the Danube.
• Nyékládháza Lakes – Popular for carp and other fish, with scenic surroundings.
• Nagybajcs fishing lake – One of the most beautiful fishing lakes in the Győr-Moson-Sopron county region, with carp, grass carp, crucian carp, bream and other fish.
• Palotavárosi Lakes – Located near Székesfehérvár, offering easy access and good catches.

Impressive records

Hungary has seen some impressive fishing records over the years. For example:

• The largest carp caught weighed 51.20 kg (113 lbs) and was caught at Euro Aqua Lake on 23 November 2018. This catch set a world record at the time. Euro Aqua Lake is a renowned fishing destination for massive carp, consistently producing impressive catches for anglers.

• Catfish records are also notable, with a 2023 catch exceeding 74 kg (163 lbs) in the Ráckevei-Soroksári Duna Branch.

• Other large species like grass carp and pike-perch are commonly caught in lakes like Balaton and Tisza, making Hungary a hotspot for anglers seeking big fish.

Conclusion

Fishing in Hungary is an exciting and rewarding experience, offering anglers a chance to enjoy beautiful landscapes and a wide variety of fish species. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or trying it for the first time, Hungary has everything you need—from accessible licensing procedures to guided fishing tours. So pack your gear and head to Hungary’s rivers and lakes for an unforgettable angling adventure!

Read also:

• Discover 5 beautiful lakes in Hungary beyond Balaton and Velence!
• Discover unique stays around Lake Balaton

Featured image: depositphotos.com

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