Seasonal Fishing Restrictions and Rules: What You Need to Know in 2026

Seasonal Fishing Restrictions and Regulations: What You Need to Know in 2026. Fishing in Russia is governed by Federal Regulations, which are updated annually. In 2026, the main restrictions aimed at preserving fish stocks will remain in effect. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and even criminal prosecution. Below is the latest information every angler should know.

General rules for recreational fishing in 2026

• Fishing is permitted only with recreational fishing gear (fishing rods, spinning rods, tip-ups, mugs, etc.).
• The use of nets, dragnets, electric fishing rods, explosives and other prohibited means is prohibited.
• An identity document is required.
• Fishing is free on public waters, but in paid waters, it is subject to the owner's rules.

Spawning bans (spring-summer period)

In 2026, spawning bans will be in effect for the following main periods (may vary slightly by region):

• Central Federal District: from April 1 to June 10 (on most bodies of water).
• North-West District: from May 15 to June 15.
• Siberian Federal District(including Krasnoyarsk Krai):
  • General ban - from April 20 to June 20 on most rivers and reservoirs.
  • On the rivers of the Yenisei basin, the ban often lasts from May 1 to June 30.
• Far East: from May 20 to July 20 (depending on the region).

Particularly strict restrictions apply to valuable species: taimen, lenok, Siberian sturgeon, Baikal omul, and other endangered species—their fishing is completely prohibited or strictly limited.

Minimum fish sizes for catch

In 2026, the following minimum sizes (in centimeters) are in effect:

• Pike - 32 cm
• Pike perch— 40 cm
• Perch— 15 cm
• Bream - 25 cm
• Crucian carp - 20 cm (not standardized in some regions)
• Taimen– a complete ban on fishing (or the catch-and-release principle)
• Flax - 35–40 cm (depending on the region)

Catch rates (daily limits)

• The total daily weight limit is 5 kg per angler (including all species).
• For some valuable species (salmon, whitefish), the standards may be significantly lower or a complete ban may apply.
• On paid water bodies, the standards are set by the lessee.

Fishing on the Putorana Plateau

The Putorana Plateau is part of the Krasnoyarsk Krai and has strict restrictions:

• Taimen and lenok are under special protection. A catch-and-release policy is recommended.
• On many rivers (Erachimo, Tutonchana, Agata, etc.) additional restrictions are in effect during the spawning period.
• The use of nets and other passive fishing gear is strictly prohibited.
• Helicopter deliveries and rafting require approval from environmental authorities.

Prohibited fishing gear and methods

• Networks of any type
• Electric fishing rods
• Explosives and toxic substances
• Tip-ups with more hooks than permitted
• Fishing with backlight in the dark (in some regions)

Responsibility for violations

• Fines for violating fishing regulations in 2026 range from 2,000 to 300,000 rubles.
• For catching fish during the spawning period or especially valuable species - up to 1 million rubles + confiscation of gear.
• Criminal liability occurs in cases of major damage (especially in cases of poaching in specially protected areas).

Useful tips for anglers

• Before leaving, check the current rules on the official website of the Federal Agency for Fisheries or in the Gosuslugi app.
• Keep a catch diary and adhere to the standards.
• Use the catch and release principle for large and valuable fish.
• On the Putorana Plateau, it is especially important to respect nature—leave only traces of your tent behind you.

Compliance with fishing regulations is not only an obligation, but also a sign of respect for nature and future generations of fishermen.

If you're planning a trip to the Putorana Border base, our instructors will always help you understand the current restrictions on specific rivers in the Putorana Plateau.

Follow the rules – save fish resources!