Fishing Laws and Specialized Departments

Laws have been promulgated to protect fish from over-fishing and loss of habitats. The Swiss Federation’s laws pertaining to fishery regulate the no-fishing seasons and minimum set for the amount of fish that can be caught. All rules pertaining to angling are also applicable to fishing in private water bodies such as private lakes, ponds or streams.

An official permit is required for angling in Swiss waters. (Exception: Fishing rights,see below). These rules vary from canton to canton and sometimes from water body to water body. The cantonal fishing authorities or the Petri-Heil Website provide information.

Permission is not required if fishing is done at the shore. Usually the large pre-alpine lakes and the lakes of the Mittelland are permit-free. Fishing authorities of the cantons will provide information about which lakes or rivers are on the list of those where fishing is permitted and which preconditions regarding angling equipment have to be met. In general, free angling is only allowed with a hand-held fishing pole with or without fishing tackle and with a simple fishing rod. The use of artificial bait and live or dead baitfish is not permitted.

Training becomes mandatory as of January 1, 2009

As of January 1, 2009 all persons who want to obtain a permit to fish in Swiss waters will have to undergo training. In the future, anglers have to prove their knowledge of the fish- and animal-protection aspects of fishing. This knowledge can be obtained in the following manner:

Short-term permits

Persons who want to obtain a short-term permit (valid less than 1 month) will receive a brochure containing information on the most important fish- and animal-protection aspects of angling with a fishing rod. This information is proof of basic knowledge.

Permits exceeding 1-month validity

Persons, who want to obtain a permit valid for one month or longer, have to take a course that imparts the required knowledge. Information is available at the Fisheries Department.