Fishing in Kashubia
Kashubia is rich in large and small lakes, rivers and many fish species. From pike and zander to perch, bream, tench and eel, there is plenty for anglers to discover.
Where can I buy a fishing permit?A region where water is never far away.
Kashubian lakes vary greatly. Some are large and deep, while others are shallower and rich in vegetation, creating opportunities for both predator and coarse fishing.
Wdzydze Landscape Park alone mentions around 35 fish species, including perch, roach, tench, pike, zander, eel, bream and crucian carp.
Important: not every lake has the same manager or permit. Always check who holds the fishing rights and which rules apply before you fish.
Well-known fish species in Kashubian lakes
The species present vary from lake to lake. This overview describes the region and is not a guarantee of a catch.
Pike
Polish: szczupak
A well-known predator, often found around vegetation, drop-offs and shorelines.
Zander
Polish: sandacz
Found in several larger lakes and often targeted in deeper water and along drop-offs.
Perch
Polish: okoń
A common predator often found around structure, vegetation and shoals of small fish.
Eel
Polish: węgorz
Present in regional waters and often targeted in warmer months, evenings or at night where permitted.
Bream
Polish: leszcz
A typical coarse fish of larger lakes and popular with feeder and bottom anglers.
Roach
Polish: płoć
A common species for float fishing, pole fishing and light feeder fishing.
Tench
Polish: lin
Prefers quieter, warmer and vegetation-rich waters.
Crucian carp
Polish: karaś
Found in quieter, vegetated waters and also listed for the Wdzydze area.
Whitefish
Polish: sielawa / sieja
Some deep, clean lakes also contain cold-water species that may be subject to special rules.
Which fishing style suits you?
| Species | Polish name | Common method | Typical area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pike | szczupak | Spinning, lures | Reeds, vegetation, drop-offs |
| Zander | sandacz | Soft plastics, jigging | Deeper water, drop-offs |
| Perch | okoń | Small lures, dropshot | Structure, shoreline |
| Bream | leszcz | Feeder, bottom fishing | Quieter, deeper water |
| Roach | płoć | Float, pole, feeder | Various areas |
| Tench | lin | Float or bottom | Vegetated, quiet water |
| Eel | węgorz | Bottom fishing | Dusk and night, where permitted |
Where is the best place to buy a permit?
For waters managed by Wody Polskie – RZGW Gdańsk, permits for 2026 are sold digitally through the official WIR system.
Wody Polskie – 2026 prices
- 1 day: 30 zł
- 3 days: 60 zł
- 7 days: 90 zł
- 1 month: 140 zł
- Season 1 May–30 September: 200 zł
- Annual permit: 300 zł
For foreign visitors
Foreigners staying temporarily in Poland are exempt from the Polish karta wędkarska. A valid permit from the fishing-rights holder is still required.
Check whether your chosen water appears on the current RZGW Gdańsk list.
⚠️ One permit does not automatically cover every lake
This is one of the most important things for visitors to know. Kashubian waters can be managed by Wody Polskie, fishing companies, PZW, municipalities or private rights holders.
First identify the exact lake, then check its manager and buy the correct permit.
Fishing around Wdzydze
The Wdzydze area is one of Kashubia’s best-known fishing regions. The landscape park lists around 35 fish species.
Permits around Wdzydze
- Not all lakes have the same manager.
- The park mentions local fishing shops in Kościerzyna as possible permit outlets.
- Zakłady Rybackie “Wdzydze” manages many lakes in the Kościerzyna municipality according to the park.
- Always check the current manager before fishing.
Special protection
Fishing for the special troć wdzydzka is prohibited in Wdzydze Landscape Park. This shows why local rules remain important even when you have a permit.
What should you check before fishing?
The manager may set additional conditions, so always read the current permit and fishing regulations.
Minimum sizes
Different species may have minimum or protected sizes.
Closed seasons
Predators and other species may be protected during certain periods.
Catch limits
The number of fish that may be retained can be limited.
Boat or belly boat
Local restrictions can apply even where the permit includes boat fishing.
Night fishing
Rules can vary by water and manager.
Catch register
RZGW Gdańsk rules include a catch register. Read the permit conditions carefully.
Prepare for a day of fishing
What to bring
- Valid permit, digital or printed.
- Identification.
- Unhooking pliers and a suitable landing net.
- Measuring tape.
- Good footwear for wet or overgrown banks.
- Phone with an offline map.
Before you leave
- Check the exact name of the lake.
- Identify the fishing-rights holder.
- Read the current rules.
- Check minimum sizes, closed seasons and daily limits.
- Check rules for boat, night or predator fishing.
- Respect signs and protected areas.
Fishing in Kashubia
Practical information for anglers on holiday.
Do I need a fishing permit in Kashubia?
Yes. You need permission from the fishing-rights holder for the water where you intend to fish.
Where can I buy a permit for Wody Polskie waters?
For RZGW Gdańsk waters, 2026 permits are sold digitally through the official WIR system.
Do foreign tourists need a Polish fishing card?
Foreign visitors staying temporarily in Poland are exempt from the karta wędkarska, but a valid permit for the water is still required.
What fish can be caught in Kashubia?
Depending on the water, species include pike, zander, perch, eel, bream, roach, tench and crucian carp.
Can I fish every lake with one permit?
No. Different lakes may have different managers and require different permits.
Can I fish from a boat?
That depends on the permit and the water. Local restrictions may apply.
A great base for anglers and nature lovers.
From Villa Alcmaria in Łączyno you can reach several lakes and natural areas in the region.
View Villa Alcmaria →