Fishing in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, there are 105 different water reservoirs where you can fish. Bulgarian mountain rivers are full of bream, pike, carp, and trout, while the waters of the Danube boast stellate sturgeon and some fantastic carp.

Licences & Regulations

Permits

A fishing permit is required in order to fish in the public lakes, dams and rivers of Bulgaria; sea fishing does not require a permit. There are a number of fishing permits available to amateur fishermen in Bulgaria:

  • Annual permit
  • Six month permit
  • Monthly permit
  • Weekly permit
  • A permit for disabled anglers - the permit is free of charge
  • A permit for for women over 60 and men over 65 years old - 50 percent reduction on fee
  • A permit for children under 14 - free of charge

Applications for a fishing permit can be made in one of the local offices of the National Hunters' and Anglers' Union, or in a fishing tackle store, licenced to issue fishing permits on the behalf of the Union. The only document required is proof of identity. The permit must be carried at all times when fishing

These permits give the permit holder the right to fish anywhere that fishing is allowed.

For a map of fishing areas in Bulgaria click HERE

Seasons

Autumn – During the autumn season most fish take the bait actively and then as they are getting ready for the cold winter months, they go down to the deeper waters because of the higher temperatures found there.

Winter - Carp tend to become lethargic and can be hard to tempt to take bait. The predatory fish (pike, perch, zander and trout) are active during the entire winter season. Fishing sometimes has to be performed on ice. Also active during the winter months are the dace and rudd.

Spring – With the warming of the weather the fish, which have not been that lively during winter, start getting active and move to shallow waters which have flooded the coasts and the out falls of the rivers, searching for food. During the warmer days the fish are more active. The predatory fish also come close to the shores and are particularly active...

Summer- When the temperature reaches the maximum for Bulgaria, fish are most active in the mornings, evenings and during the nights. During the heat of the day the fishing can be slow.

Resources

Fishing Area Map

Website

Check List

  • Fishing Permit (see above)
  • Photo ID
  • Travel Insurance - we recommend these providers

If you are driving:

  • Green Card (Insurance) - contact your insurer
  • Driving licence
  • Vehicle Log Book
  • GB Sticker (unless GB identifier is on your number plate)
  • Be aware of road tolls & charges - see here for details

Recommended Service Partners

For the best deals and for Carp Circle assurance use our recommended partners:

Car Hire

Have a car waiting for you upon arrival. Great rates guaranteed.

Travel Insurance

Stay safe & stay covered. Best rates for European travel.

Flights

Daily budget flights in and out of all main European airports.

    Fishing Bulgaria


    In Bulgaria, there are 105 different water reservoirs where you can fish. Bulgarian mountain rivers are full of bream, pike, carp, and trout, while the waters of the Danube boast stellate sturgeon and some fantastic carp.

  • Licences & Regulations

    Permits

    A fishing permit is required in order to fish in the public lakes, dams and rivers of Bulgaria; sea fishing does not require a permit. There are a number of fishing permits available to amateur fishermen in Bulgaria:

    • Annual permit
    • Six month permit
    • Monthly permit
    • Weekly permit
    • A permit for disabled anglers - the permit is free of charge
    • A permit for for women over 60 and men over 65 years old - 50 percent reduction on fee
    • A permit for children under 14 - free of charge

    Applications for a fishing permit can be made in one of the local offices of the National Hunters' and Anglers' Union, or in a fishing tackle store, licenced to issue fishing permits on the behalf of the Union. The only document required is proof of identity. The permit must be carried at all times when fishing

    These permits give the permit holder the right to fish anywhere that fishing is allowed.

    For a map of fishing areas in Bulgaria click HERE

  • Seasons

    Autumn – During the autumn season most fish take the bait actively and then as they are getting ready for the cold winter months, they go down to the deeper waters because of the higher temperatures found there.

    Winter - Carp tend to become lethargic and can be hard to tempt to take bait. The predatory fish (pike, perch, zander and trout) are active during the entire winter season. Fishing sometimes has to be performed on ice. Also active during the winter months are the dace and rudd.

    Spring – With the warming of the weather the fish, which have not been that lively during winter, start getting active and move to shallow waters which have flooded the coasts and the out falls of the rivers, searching for food. During the warmer days the fish are more active. The predatory fish also come close to the shores and are particularly active...

    Summer- When the temperature reaches the maximum for Bulgaria, fish are most active in the mornings, evenings and during the nights. During the heat of the day the fishing can be slow.

  • Resources

    Fishing Area Map

    Website

  • Check List

    • Fishing Permit (see above)
    • Photo ID
    • Travel Insurance - we recommend these providers

    If you are driving:

    • Green Card (Insurance) - contact your insurer
    • Driving licence
    • Vehicle Log Book
    • GB Sticker (unless GB identifier is on your number plate)
    • Be aware of road tolls & charges - see here for details

  • Recommended Waters
  • Getting There
    Flights

    Daily budget flights in and out of all main European airports.

  • Insurance
    Travel Insurance

    Stay safe & stay covered. Best rates for European travel.

  • Driving
    Car Hire

    Have a car waiting for you upon arrival. Great rates guaranteed.