In Ukraine, not every pond is open for free fishing — in rented waters, tenants often set their own rules or require payment. More details about who is allowed to fish for free in October are provided by Novyny.LIVE.
Types of water use in Ukraine
According to the Water Code of Ukraine, there are two types of water use:
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special, when a body of water is rented or used for economic needs;
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general, when water can be used for free — swimming, collecting water, boating, or fishing in an amateur way.
The main condition for free fishing in a rented pond
If the pond has been rented out, fishing can only occur with the consent of the tenant and the authority that provided the water body. However, if there is no clause prohibiting fishing in the rental agreement, the water body remains open to everyone — fishing is allowed for free. Restrictions only apply after an official decision of the tenant and notification of the community.
According to the Rules of Amateur and Sports Fishing, everyone can fish in Ukraine:
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citizens of Ukraine;
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foreigners;
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stateless persons.
Where free fishing is allowed
Free fishing is allowed:
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in bodies of water of general use;
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in waters allocated to public fishing organizations (for their members — based on membership cards).
Other anglers can obtain a paid card. Charges can only be collected from the shore in small rivers with a catchment area of up to 50 thousand km².
Who can fish for free in rented ponds
Even in rented waters, those who can fish for free include:
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children under 16;
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people with disabilities of groups I and II;
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liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster (categories I and II).
By the rules, during amateur fishing, up to five hooks are allowed per person, and members of fishing organizations can use up to ten. Children under 16 can fish from the shore only without the supervision of adults.
Earlier, we wrote about the fishing calendar and the fines for anglers in October 2025.