Fishing in Belarus
Including Braslaw Lakes National Park, Lake Narach, and Pripyat River Floodplains. On the map.
The vibe
Angling in Belarus is a traditional pastime, with many lakes and rivers offering carp and pike. The season runs from spring to early autumn. Visitors find it very local, often family‑oriented and DIY.
fishing licence
Braslaw Lakes National Park
Vitsebsk Region
Tess Mattew / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
This stunning region of interconnected glacial lakes is a premier destination for freshwater angling in Belarus. Anglers target pike, zander, bream, and perch in the clear, deep waters surrounded by pine forests.
Access. Accessible by car from Braslaw; local tourist bases and lodges offer boat rentals and can arrange local fishing guides.
Notes. A recreational fishing permit is required for all visitors, available through the National Park administration. Strict catch limits and seasonal spawning restrictions apply.
Lake Narach
Minsk Region
Zedlik / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
As the largest lake in Belarus, Lake Narach offers expansive waters for recreational fishing. It is highly regarded for its healthy populations of eel, pike, and various cyprinids.
Access. Located within the Narachansky National Park, visitors can find boat rental services at various resorts and designated fishing zones around the lake shore.
Notes. Fishing is strictly regulated; visitors must purchase a permit from the National Park office. Certain zones are protected, and specific gear restrictions exist during spawning seasons.
Pripyat River Floodplains
Homyel Region
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
The Pripyat River is considered the 'Amazon of Belarus' and offers world-class river fishing. The vast floodplains and oxbow lakes provide excellent habitats for trophy-sized catfish, asp, and pike.
Access. Best accessed via the town of Turaŭ or Mozyr, where local fishing guides provide boat trips into the more remote, productive stretches of the river.
Notes. A fishing license is mandatory. The area is ecologically sensitive, and anglers must adhere to strict catch-and-release practices for certain species during specific times of the year.