Fishing in Estonia – where, when, and how to do it

Fishing rules and regulations

Under Estonia's Freedom to Roam policy, anyone may fish with a single hand line free of charge and without a permit on a public or publicly used body of water, considering fishing bans, closed areas, and restrictions on fish species.

When do you need a paid recreational permit or fishing card?

A recreation fishing permit is required if you want to fish with a float rod, spinning rod, bottom rod, fly rod, line and jig, or use more than one hand line, as well as if you use an underwater harpoon gun or a five-barreled harpoon.

The permit can be purchased online!

A special fishing card is required to fish with a gill net, trolling line, fish trap, crab pot, crab cage, or crab line. You also need this license for fishing in Matsalu National Park, Silma and Endla Nature Reserves, and certain salmon-rich rivers.

You must submit a catch report when using a fishing card, even if you did not go fishing or catch anything.

Prepare fish like a pro

Follow these four tips recommended by the Estonian fishing portal:

• How to defrost frozen fish: Immerse the whole fish in cold salt water - one teaspoon of salt per liter of water. This method minimizes the loss of minerals. Fish fillets, on the other hand, should be defrosted in the air.
• How to keep fish in one piece when frying: Sprinkle salt on the fish about 15 minutes before frying. This will prevent it from falling apart.
• How to store opened canned fish: Transfer the leftovers from an opened can into a ceramic or glass container. Avoid storing the fish in the open can in the refrigerator. Reactions with the air can produce toxic substances that can harm both the fish and your health.
• How to get rid of fishy smells after cooking: Sprinkle the fish with a little citric acid or vinegar water – this effectively neutralizes the smell.