Anyone who fishes in prohibited areas faces heavy fines, may have their equipment confiscated, and could even face criminal charges, Világgazdaság reported.
It is important to know that fishing in natural waters (lakes, rivers, canals) is only permitted with a valid state fishing license and a local permit, this rule applies to both adults and children. The good news is that the price of the state fishing license did not increase in 2026, it can still be purchased at last year’s rates. This is just one of the reasons why it is not worth fishing without a license.
Photo: Pixabay
Anyone who wants to fish in Hungary must register in the Horinfo system, whether they are a Hungarian or foreign citizen. After successful registration, you must apply for a fishing license. The fee for this is 2,200 forints (6.20 euros/ 1 euro = 355 forints), and it is valid for five years. It is important to note that anyone who has not reached the age of 15 by December 31 of the given calendar year, is a foreign citizen, or wishes to fish with a tourist state fishing permit valid for only 90 days does not need to apply for a fishing license. The next step is to pass the state fishing exam. The fishing exams are organized by examination committees designated by Mohosz member associations, and you can also register for them through the Horinfo system.
The state fishing exam is free of charge.
After passing the fishing exam, you can obtain a state fishing license and a catch log. Starting in 2025, state fishing licenses will be issued exclusively in electronic form. Beginning February 1, 2024, you can obtain an electronic catch log, which can be maintained through the Fishing app. The state fishing license costs 6,000 forints, the catch log costs 600 forints, and the electronic catch log is free of charge. In addition, the uniform federal contribution (ESZH) costs 6,000 forints. The state fishing license is free for child anglers, those over 70, and people with disabilities; they are also exempt from paying the uniform federal contribution.
An adult angler can purchase the 2026 license for at least 16,200 forints if all documents are valid, while child anglers only need to purchase the catch log, which costs 500 forints.
In addition to the state fishing license, a regional permit must also be purchased for the specific body of water. The national consolidated regional permit system is valid for 107 bodies of water and 116,400 hectares of water surface in 2026. The prices of national, Danube, and Tisza regional permits valid for waters managed by Mohosz have not increased this year either: the full-price national annual permit costs 114,000 forints, while the discounted version costs 83,000 forints, according to Csakapeca.
The national consolidated regional permit for children costs 3,000 forints.
Photo: Pixabay
In summary, to fish legally on public waters, you need the following: a valid Hungarian Fishing License, a state fishing permit, the Unified Federal Contribution, a catch log, and a local permit for the specific body of water.
Although it may seem like a lot at first glance, it is not worth the risk, as fishing without a permit on natural waterfronts is a violation of the law and, in more serious cases, may even be classified as unauthorized use, reported Horgászhelyek. It can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to 100,000 forints, confiscation of equipment, a ban on fishing, and even criminal proceedings if we take the fish with us unlawfully.
If a lake is privately owned and not part of a managed fishing area, the owner can set their own rules, meaning they can allow fishing without a permit on a day-pass basis, Origo reported.
Via Világgazdaság, Csakapeca, Horgászhelyek; Featured photo: Pixabay