Fishing will be restricted in the Nizhny Novgorod region starting April 1.

      March 31, 2026 11:17 Society From April 1, 2026, annual restrictions on fish catch will be introduced in the Nizhny Novgorod region due to the start of the spawning period. This was reported by the regional Ministry of Forestry. During the spawning season, commercial fishing is completely prohibited. Recreational fishing is allowed only from the shore, outside of spawning areas, using a float or bottom rod and no more than two hooks. The Minister of Forestry and Wildlife Protection of the region, Roman Vorobyov, emphasized that the spring spawning plays a key role in maintaining fish populations. According to him, during this period, raids to detect violations will be intensified. Last year, with the assistance of the agency, 100 cases of non-compliance with fishing rules were recorded. The restrictions will be in effect for different periods depending on the water body:

       from April 1 to June 10 — on the Oka River above the Cheboksary Reservoir dam with tributaries within the region;

       from April 10 to June 10 — on the Cheboksary Reservoir with inflowing rivers (except for the specified section of the Oka);

       from April 15 to June 15 — on the Gorky Reservoir with tributaries and on the lakes of the region.

      The list of spawning areas is posted on the official website of the agency in the appendix to the Fishing Rules for the Volga-Caspian Basin. The daily catch limit is no more than 5 kilograms per person. If the weight of one fish exceeds 5 kilograms, only one specimen is allowed to be kept. The agency reminded that violations of the rules are subject to administrative liability under part 2 of article 8.37 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation — a fine of 2,000 to 5,000 rubles with possible confiscation of the vessel and fishing gear. Illegal extraction of aquatic biological resources falls under article 256 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Penalties include a fine of 300,000 to 500,000 rubles, corrective labor, or imprisonment for up to two years. It was previously reported that a digital service for hunters and fishermen has appeared in the Nizhny Novgorod region. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+