When can you fish for Pikeperch (zander) in Romania 2026?

Closed seasons

• 20 Mar – 7 JunAll fishing zones (Art. 6 alin. (1) lit. b))
  Pikeperch and perch.

General closure (all species)

In addition to the per-species rules, a general closure for all species applies in these zones:

• 9 Apr – 7 JunNatural inland waters (rivers, lakes) (Art. 1 alin. (1))
• 24 Apr – 7 JunDanube and its branches (state border) (Art. 1 alin. (1))
• 16 Apr – 30 MayBorder with Ukraine, incl. Musura Gulf (Art. 1 alin. (3))
• 9 Apr – 7 JunPrut River and Stânca-Costești lake (Art. 1 alin. (4))
• 9 Apr – 7 JunRazim-Sinoe complex and littoral lakes (Art. 1 alin. (2))

Minimum keep size

Minimum keep size: 40 cm. Specimens below this size must be released immediately.

Source: Ordin 342/2008, anexă (Stizostedion/Sander)

Special rules by zone

• In the DDBR, outside the prohibition, recreational fishing for pike, pikeperch, catfish and carp is allowed ONLY with immediate release (catch & release), keeping a single specimen/day from one species. (Art. 6 alin. (8))
• In the DDBR, a recreational angler may not transport more than 10 kg/angler or 15 kg/family, regardless of the number of days. (Art. 10 alin. (15))
• In named mountain zones (upper Râul Târgului, Doamnei, Moldova, Bistrița Aurie, Iadului valley, etc.), outside the prohibition, recreational fishing for ALL species is allowed only with release of catches (catch & release). River list in the Order text. (Art. 6 alin. (9))
• In named zones (upper Dâmbovița, Iadului valley, Cibin, etc.), trout: max 3 specimens/day, over 25 cm. (Art. 6 alin. (10))
• Sătic lake: trout, max 2 specimens/day, between 25-45 cm. (Art. 6 alin. (12))
• Turbot: minimum keep size 45 cm; net 2a ≥ 400 mm; max 180 fishing days/year. (Art. 6 alin. (4)-(5))

Fines (indicative)

• 2.000–4.000 RONFishing during prohibition periods and in protection zones; or within 500 m downstream of dams. (Legea 176/2024, Cap. XII art. 52)
• value-based / criminalValue-based fine: min = annual value of the fish product, max = 5× (repeat within 3 years: 2×-8×). Not a fixed sum. (Legea 176/2024, Cap. XII art. 55 (amendă valorică; reținere recreativă sub dimensiune, lit. j))

Frequently asked questions