Full guide on fishing bans in the suburbs from November 2026

Red Line: A fish you can never catch

Before collecting gear, it is worth refreshing the list of species whose extraction in the Moscow region is prohibited year-round and everywhere. This list includes ten species of fish: sterlet, trout (freshwater trout), freshwater catfish, garius, podum, white-eyed, bluish, caechn, berches and lamprey.

To this list are added species listed in the Red Book of the region. If such a fish is hooked, the only correct action is to carefully remove it and release it back into the water. You cannot take this trophy home under any circumstances.

Winter ban on nalima: silence since December 15

One of the key restrictions, which comes into effect at the end of the year, concerns one of the winter angler's most coveted trophies - nalim. From December 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027, a complete ban on its extraction is established at all water bodies of fisheries value of the city of Moscow and the Moscow region.

This is due to the period of spawning. As explained in the relevant sources, at this time, moulding under the ice is engaged in procreation, and any intervention can harm the population. If during this period we pour a peck on a shrine or rattle, it must be immediately released. It is worth noting that the minimum allowed size for the extraction of cash in the rest of the time is 40 cm, and the daily rate is not more than 3 copies.

Winter pits: 'bedrooms' banned until end of April

Another restriction, which will be in effect until the beginning of the next open water season, concerns the so-called wintering pits. From October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027, fishing in these specific locations is completely prohibited.

It is important to understand that the ban does not apply to the entire body of water. It acts point-only on those parts of the bottom that are officially included in the list of wintering pits. With the onset of cold weather, fish accumulate in the deepest places, where the water is warmer and richer in oxygen, to survive the winter, almost no food. She's particularly vulnerable at this time. “A winter pit is like a fish bedroom. She's resting there, gaining strength. If you throw a gear in there, the fish will bite, but it will be like getting a person out of bed. Therefore, the ban is not a whim, but a concern for the fish to survive in the winter, said Yuri Ivanov, an experienced fisherman near Moscow.

The Price of Ignorance: Fines and Confiscation

Violation of fishing rules in terms of prohibited terms or places of fishing is fraught not only with a spoiled mood, but also with serious financial losses. According to part 2 of article 8.37 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation, for citizens a fine of 2,000 to 5,000 rubles is provided.

However, the most unpleasant consequence for the fisherman is not the amount of the fine itself, but the possible confiscation of fishing gear. At risk are not only fishing rods and sonar, but also a boat. “A fine is not the worst thing. The worst part is confiscating the gear you've been collecting for years. Therefore, it is better to spend time studying the map than then biting your elbows, adds Yuri Ivanov.The main advice, which is given by experienced fishermen and fish protection inspectors, is extremely simple: before leaving for an unfamiliar reservoir, you need to consult official documents. The list of wintering pits with accurate GPS coordinates is published in the annex to the Fisheries Rules and is available on the website of the Federal Agency for Fishery and the Moscow-Oka Territorial Administration.

In today’s world, where the boundaries of no-go zones are often determined by coordinates, rather than visual landmarks on the shore, fishing becomes an occupation for those who know how to use gadgets. Moving a couple of tens of meters away from the permitted brow, you can easily find yourself in the zone of prohibition and get under the raid of inspectors.