01 ·
Lake Ohrid
Ohrid Troutoldest lake of Europe
Europe · Fishing World Guide
North Macedonia.
Fishing in North Macedonia 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
6
target species
Yes
license needed
Frühling
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Lake Ohrid (shore): approx. 6-12 EUR/day, approx. 34-67 EUR/year. With boat: approx. 12-22 EUR/day, approx. 44-84 EUR/year. Vardar: approx. 3-8 EUR/day, approx. 16-33 EUR/year.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- At local fishing associations or the fisheries authority. Sold in tackle shops in Ohrid and Skopje.
- Cost
- Lake Ohrid (shore): approx. 6-12 EUR/day, approx. 34-67 EUR/year. With boat: approx. 12-22 EUR/day, approx. 44-84 EUR/year. Vardar: approx. 3-8 EUR/day, approx. 16-33 EUR/year.
- Validity
- Day or annual permits
- Available online?
- No
Lake Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the endemic Ohrid trout (Salmo letnica) — unique worldwide! Closed season: 1 December to early March. C&R mandatory for Ohrid trout.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Spring and autumn optimal. Summer: hot, but possible. Winter: cold, but fishing possible.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Prespa Lake
UNESCOCarpendemic species
03 ·
Vardar
Wels CatfishBarbellargest river of the country
04 ·
Mavrovo Lake
Troutnational park
05 ·
Treska
Troutcanyon near Skopje
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+2 more species
Ohrid-Forelle (endemisch!)Chub
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
Ohrid trout: 1 December to early March strictly prohibited. Carp: partial spring closed season in some areas.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Ohrid trout: C&R mandatory! Severely restricted. Carp: 3-5 fish/day.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite, poison, electrofishing prohibited. Strict regulations at Lake Ohrid.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Mandatory for Ohrid trout! Increasingly recommended for other species as well.
What does it cost?
6-12 €
License
6-12 EUR/day or 16-84 EUR/year — very cheap!
40-100 €
Guide per day
40-100 EUR/day.
15-30 €
Daily budget
Budget: 15-30 EUR (extremely cheap!). Comfort: 50-100 EUR.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·North Macedonia41.51°, 21.75°
🎣 Live catches in nordmazedonien
4 verified catches
Not enough data (4 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
At local fishing associations or the fisheries authority. Sold in tackle shops in Ohrid and Skopje. — Lake Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the endemic Ohrid trout (Salmo letnica) — unique worldwide! Closed season: 1 December to early March. C&R mandatory for Ohrid trout.
Rules in detail
The Ohrid trout (Salmo letnica) is strictly protected and must not be taken. Minimum size in North Macedonia: 35 cm. Lake Ohrid is approx. 1.36 million years old and is Europe's oldest lake!
Freshwater
Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa (both UNESCO). Vardar and mountain rivers. Endemic species!
Saltwater
No access to the sea (landlocked country).
Equipment
Few specialized shops. Basic equipment in Ohrid and Skopje.
Guides
Local guides: 40-80 EUR/day. Boat guides at Lake Ohrid: 50-100 EUR.
Getting there
Flights to Skopje or Ohrid. Rental car. Bus connections.
Safety
Safe country. Heat in summer. Roads partly poor.
Customs & fish export
Not an EU member. Visa-free for EU citizens. Fishing equipment unproblematic.
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: May 9, 2026
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