Main points
- Ukrainian legislation distinguishes between general and special water use, where general allows free fishing without special permits.
- Tenants of private ponds can set fishing conditions, but must coordinate them with local authorities and inform fishermen through information stands.
Is it possible to fish on private ponds / Pexels
With the onset of warm spring days, many Ukrainians choose a place to fish, not only for the sake of fish, but also to relax and recharge. Then the question arises whether it is possible to fish without a permit on private ponds.
Who can use the reservoirs?
The rights and obligations of fishermen, as well as owners or tenants of ponds, are defined by the Water Code of Ukraine.
Ukrainian legislation clearly distinguishes between the types of use of water bodies. According to Article 46 of the Water Code of Ukraine, there are two types – general and special use.
- Total water use
This is an inalienable human right. Every Ukrainian can freely and free of charge swim, boat, water livestock, and engage in recreational fishing. There is no need to obtain separate permits or prepare documents for this.
- Special water use
This is the use of water bodies for industrial or agricultural purposes, such as fish farming for sale. It is carried out on the basis of special permits and lease agreements.
Can I fish on a private pond?
It is fishing in rented ponds that raises the most questions. In this case, an important rule applies: even if the pond is leased, general water use is not automatically canceled, writes Pyriatinsky fisherman.
However, the lessee has the right to set his own conditions, for example, to limit fishing or to set a fee for the catch. In this case, he is obliged to:
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Agree these conditions with the body that provided the plot for rent, that is, with the local council or state administration;
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Inform people about fishing conditions by installing information stands with a clear list of rules, prohibitions, or conditions for paid fishing.
Important! If there are no such restrictions and they are not published, it is considered that fishing is free and free. That is why before fishing, it is worth checking whether there are any rules established at a particular pond in order to avoid conflicts.
Who can fish for free?
Amateur and sport fishing in Ukraine is permitted in various water bodies, but there are exceptions. It is prohibited to fish:
- in the water bodies of the nature reserve fund;
- in specialized fish farms;
- in water bodies with limited use (for example, drinking or technical);
- in places where a complete ban on fishing has been imposed.
Fishing is free in ordinary public water bodies. However, if the water body is assigned to public organizations, the conditions may differ. Members of such organizations fish with certificates or with paid permits.
Note! Even where paid fishing has been introduced, disabled people of groups I and II, participants in the liquidation of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident (categories I and II), and children under 16 years of age can fish for free.
What fish can you catch in April?
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From February 15 to March 31, a ban on catching pike was in effect in Ukraine – this is due to its spawning. Since April 1, it has been possible to catch it again, but certain restrictions still remain for fishermen.
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In particular, you are allowed to catch no more than 3 kilograms of fish per day, plus one more if it is larger than the minimum size. For pike, this is 50 centimeters. If the fish is smaller, it must be carefully released back into the water.
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There are other separate bans in effect. For example, you can't catch crayfish until June 30 (and in Transcarpathia, it's permanent).
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At the same time, some species of fish can be caught without restrictions: carp, carp, dwarf American catfish, smallmouth bass, sunfish, carp, and Amur carp.