Europe
Fishing in
Switzerland 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Switzerland46.82°, 8.23°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Fishing Competence Certificate (SaNa) required; fishing patent/fishing card depending on canton
- Cost
- SaNa course 36 CHF (from 01.01.2026), SaNa card 25 CHF, day patent 25-35 CHF
- Validity
- SaNa valid indefinitely; day patents for 1 day, 1 week or 30 days
- Available online?
- Yes
Switzerland has one of the strictest animal rights laws in the world; cantonal differences are significant - consult the water register before arrival
Buy fishing license for Switzerland online
Official authority website
Book fishing tours in Switzerland
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- Closed seasons for trout Oct 1-Dec 25, whitefish Nov 20-Dec 31, Arctic char, grayling and crayfish in autumn/winter; observe cantonal differences
- Catch limits
- Example Canton Zurich/Zurichsee: trout 4 fish, whitefish 10, pike 5, perch 50; minimum sizes trout 40 cm, whitefish 25 cm; highly canton-dependent
- Prohibited methods
- Live baitfish prohibited (national 2026); only dead baitfish or artificial lures; free fishing right only with natural baits and one hook
- Catch & Release
- Prohibited - catch-and-release is not permitted
Switzerland takes the catch log (catch statistics) very seriously. Every caught fish must be recorded. Inspections are frequent and penalties are high!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Murgsee (Trout, Lake Char)
- —Thunersee (Trout, Lake Char, Whitefish, Grayling, Pike, Pike-perch)
- —Wägitaler Reservoir (Salmoniden)
- —Vierwaldstättersee (Trout, Lake Char, Whitefish, Grayling, Pike, Pike-perch)
- —Walensee (Pike, Eels, Whitefish, Pike-perch, Trout)
- —Brienzersee (diverse species)
- —Zugersee (Freiangelrecht)
- —Bodensee (Freiangelrecht)
Freshwater
Switzerland has numerous high-quality freshwater bodies with excellent water quality
Saltwater
Not relevant for Switzerland
100-150 CHF per day (optional)
Best season: Year-round fishing possible; cool water temperatures in mountain lakes ideal for salmon and trout
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- In deep Swiss lakes, fish often need to be targeted 50+ meters deep; cool water temperatures in mountain lakes; equipment partially rentable on site
- Fishing guides
- Optional fishing guides available; cantonal fisheries offices are the first point of information
- Transport
- Boat rental optional (50-100 CHF); equipment partially rentable locally
- Safety
- Switzerland has one of the strictest animal rights laws in the world; strict compliance with all regulations required
- Customs & taking fish home
- Free fishing right without patent at: Bodensee, Walensee, Vierwaldstattersee, Zugersee, Zurichsee; fishing from public bridges, piers and shores
05
Cost Overview
License fees
SaNa course 36 CHF, SaNa card 25 CHF, day patent 25-35 CHF
Guide prices
100-150 CHF per day (optional)
Daily budget
50-60 CHF (without equipment); total daily budget 50-200 CHF (without equipment purchase); boat rental 50-100 CHF (optional)
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Switzerland
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
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Airport Transfer
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