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Turkmenistan

Asia · Fishing World Guide

Turkmenistan.

Fishing in Turkmenistan 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs

5

target species

Yes

license needed

Apr–Oct

best season

Scroll

Do you need a license?

License

Yes.

Included as part of organized tours.

All license details
Where to apply?
State travel agencies and local authorities.
Cost
Included as part of organized tours.
Validity
Valid for the duration of the approved trip.
Available online?
No

Turkmenistan is subject to strict travel requirements. Fishing is only permitted when accompanied by state-certified guides. E-visa procedures were simplified in 2026 for tourists, yet individual freedom of movement remains restricted.

When to go?

The season at a glance.

Best season

April to October. Caspian Sea: Best times in spring and autumn.

Where to fish?

The top waters.

Caspian Sea/Türkmenbaşy

01 ·

Caspian Sea/Türkmenbaşy

Carp + Wels CatfishBrackish Water
Amu Darya River

02 ·

Amu Darya River

Wels Catfish + BarbelLarge Current
Karakum Canal

03 ·

Karakum Canal

Asp + CarpArtificial System
Sarykamysh Lake

04 ·

Sarykamysh Lake

Carp + BreamDesert Location
Duyeboyun Reservoir

05 ·

Duyeboyun Reservoir

Wels Catfish + Pike-perchFish-rich

What's biting?

Your target species.

+2 more species
AspSturgeon (geschützt)

The rules.

Four things you need to know.

Closed seasons

Strict closed seasons for Amu-Darya, Karakum Canal and Murgab (often March-June). Sturgeon: Year-round fishing ban.

Catch limits

Sturgeon: Strictly protected, no take permitted.

Prohibited methods

Net fishing prohibited for recreational anglers.

Catch & release

Absolute requirement for sturgeon and protected species.

What does it cost?

License

Included in tour packages.

100-300 USD

Guide per day

About 100-300 USD per day (state regulated).

100-300 USD

Daily budget

100-300 USD including guide and permits.

Bite times

The best fishing times  free.

Best fishing times

·Turkmenistan

38.97°, 59.56°

🎣 Live catches in turkmenistan

5 verified catches

View all
When are they biting?
24-hour bite time · turkmenistan
Based on: 5 verified catches
NOW 0% · 17:00
NOW00:0006:0012:0018:00100%0%
01:00
100%
Sunrise ☀
02:00
100%
Sunrise ☀
10:00
100%
Morning

Catch statistics

Top catch species
Carp
2 · 67%
Barbel
1 · 33%
Best conditions
990
998
1006
1014
1022+
0481216+
Pressure (hPa)Wind (m/s) →

Plan your trip.

Everything in one place.

Book a fishing trip & guide in Turkmenistan

Starting from300 USD / day

View trips
OfferCharter boats & guides
GuidesLocal captains & guides
AvailabilityInstant booking
Top-rated captainsSecure payment

Best season: April to October. Caspian Sea: Best times in spring and autumn.

All the details

The fine print.

License in detail

State travel agencies and local authorities. — Turkmenistan is subject to strict travel requirements. Fishing is only permitted when accompanied by state-certified guides. E-visa procedures were simplified in 2026 for tourists, yet individual freedom of movement remains restricted.

Rules in detail

The Caspian Sea is subject to an internationally agreed moratorium on commercial sturgeon fishing in 2026. Recreational fishing is only possible to a limited extent and in accordance with local regulations.

Freshwater

Amu-Darya, Karakum Canal as well as various reservoirs.

Saltwater

Caspian Sea (only accessible in designated tourist zones).

Equipment

Equipment should be brought complete by yourself.

Guides

Professional state guides are mandatory for foreign tourists.

Getting there

Arrival via Ashgabat; local transfers by accredited tour operators.

Safety

Safe, but strict police controls. Photography in cities/near bridges often restricted.

Customs & fish export

Visa with invitation letter required (e-visa possible). Bureaucratic effort slightly reduced in 2026.

Detailed guide: Fishing in TurkmenistanPlan your fishing trip to Turkmenistan 2026: Everything about licenses, top spots like Amu-Darya and Caspian Sea, charters, costs and the protected sturgeon.Read blog article →

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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: June 15, 2026

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