Europe
Fishing in
North Macedonia 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·North Macedonia41.51°, 21.75°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- At local fishing clubs or the fisheries authority.
- Cost
- Day ticket: From 5-15 EUR. Annual ticket: From 20-40 EUR.
- Validity
- Day or annual tickets
- Available online?
- No
North Macedonia has Lake Ohrid — one of the oldest lakes in the world (2-3 million years!) with endemic Ohrid trout. Cheap fishing in untouched nature. Lake Prespa is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Book fishing tours in North Macedonia
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- Ohrid trout: Strictly protected! Closed season varies. Carp: Partial spring closed season.
- Catch limits
- Ohrid trout: HIGHLY restricted or C&R only. Carp: 3-5/day.
- Prohibited methods
- Dynamite, poison prohibited. At Lake Ohrid: Strict regulation.
- Catch & Release
- Mandatory for Ohrid trout! Increasingly for other species.
The Ohrid trout (Salmo letnica) is unique worldwide and strictly protected. Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Ohridsee (Ohrid Trout, ältester Lake of Europe)
- —Prespa-Lake (UNESCO, Carp, endemic species)
- —Vardar (Wels Catfish, Barbel, größter River des Landes)
- —Mavrovo-Lake (Trout, Nationalpark)
- —Treska (Trout, Canyon near Skopje)
Target fish
Freshwater
Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa (both UNESCO). Vardar and mountain rivers. Endemic species!
Saltwater
No access to sea (landlocked).
Starting from100 EUR / day
Best season: Spring and autumn optimal. Summer: Hot. Winter: Cold but fishing possible.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Few specialized shops. Basic equipment in Ohrid and Skopje.
- Fishing guides
- Local guides: 40-80 EUR/day. Boat guides on Lake Ohrid: 50-100 EUR.
- Transport
- Flights to Skopje or Ohrid. Rental car. Bus connections.
- Safety
- Safe country. Summer heat. Roads sometimes poor.
- Customs & taking fish home
- Not an EU member. Visa-free for EU citizens. Fishing equipment no problem.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
5-15 EUR/day or 20-40 EUR/year. Very cheap!
Guide prices
40-100 EUR/day.
Daily budget
Budget: 15-30 EUR (extremely cheap!). Comfort: 50-100 EUR.
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in North Macedonia
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for North Macedonia →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to North Macedonia with Kiwi.com
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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Mobile Data
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