01 ·
Danube near Vidin
Wels Catfish + Carpknown for monster wels
Europe · Fishing World Guide
Bulgaria.
Fishing in Bulgaria 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
7
target species
Yes
license needed
Mar–Oct
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Annual permit: From 25 BGN (~13 EUR). Weekly permit: From 10 BGN (~5 EUR). Daily permit: From 5 BGN (~2.50 EUR).
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- Online or at the IARA (Fisheries Authority). Tourist permits at fishing shops.
- Cost
- Annual permit: From 25 BGN (~13 EUR). Weekly permit: From 10 BGN (~5 EUR). Daily permit: From 5 BGN (~2.50 EUR).
- Validity
- Daily, weekly or annual permits
- Available online?
- Yes
Bulgaria is extremely affordable and offers good fishing for catfish, carp and trout. The Danube in the north has giant catfish. In the mountains: Crystal clear trout streams. Very uncomplicated licensing system.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Catfish/Carp: May-October. Trout: March-September. Coast: Summer/Autumn.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Iskar Reservoir
Carp + Pike-perchpopular spot near Sofia
03 ·
Dospat Reservoir
Brown Trout + Rainbow Troutin the Rhodopes
04 ·
Vacha Reservoir
Wels Catfish + Tenchdeep water with wilderness character
05 ·
Black Sea Coast near Varna
Sea Bass + Mackerelproductive coast fishing
What's biting?
Your target species.
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
Pike: February-April. Catfish: May-June. Trout: October-January. Sturgeon: Protected!
Catch limits
Catch limits
Moderate daily limits. Carp: 3/day. Catfish: 2/day. Trout: 5/day.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite, poison, electrofishing prohibited. Night fishing allowed on many waters.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Increasingly common. Sturgeon species: Absolute no-take ban.
What does it cost?
2.50 €
License
2.50 EUR/day or 13 EUR/year. Extremely affordable!
60-150 €
Guide per day
60-150 EUR/day. Budget-friendly!
20-40 €
Daily budget
Budget: 20-40 EUR (very cheap!). Comfort: 60-120 EUR.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Bulgaria42.73°, 25.49°
🎣 Live catches in bulgarien
1 verified catches
Not enough data (1 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Online or at the IARA (Fisheries Authority). Tourist permits at fishing shops. — Bulgaria is extremely affordable and offers good fishing for catfish, carp and trout. The Danube in the north has giant catfish. In the mountains: Crystal clear trout streams. Very uncomplicated licensing system.
Rules in detail
Bulgaria is a hidden gem for budget anglers! Great waters, little fishing pressure, extremely cheap prices.
Freshwater
Danube, reservoirs and mountain streams in the Rhodopes and Rila. Lightly fished!
Saltwater
378 km Black Sea coast. Varna and Burgas as base. Bluefish runs in autumn.
Equipment
Basic equipment in fishing shops. Cheap prices.
Guides
Danube catfish guide: 80-150 EUR/day. Trout guide: 60-100 EUR/day.
Getting there
Flights to Sofia or Varna. Rental car cheap. Mountain roads winding.
Safety
Safe country. Mountain roads difficult in winter. Mosquitoes on the Danube.
Customs & fish export
EU member: No restrictions.
More Countries
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Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: May 12, 2026
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