Danube fishing guide: everything you need to know for a successful family fishing trip

Fishing on the Danube is about diversity, from predators such as catfish and mackerel to wild carp. Success depends on knowledge of the species, specific techniques and fishing rules, including the closed season and necessary paperwork.

• Main species: Carp, catfish, pike, perch, and numerous cyprinids.
• 2025 rules: Fishing is closed during the spring general closed season (April-June).
• Paperwork: ANPA permit is mandatory, and for the Delta you need additional permits from ARBDD.
• Key techniques: Article details stationary and spinning fishing strategies for carp and catfish.

Reading time: 9 minutes | Difficulty level: Medium

This guide is built to make planning a simple and exciting task. Here you will find clear and to-the-point information, without complicated terms, on how to organize a memorable fishing trip on the Danube with your family. You’ll find out what species of fish you can catch, the best and legal times, what basic equipment you need and how to tackle the big catches like carp and catfish to turn a simple outing into an unforgettable family experience.

What fish species you can catch in the Danube?

The Danube is renowned for its biodiversity, offering the chance to catch an impressive variety of fish. Among the most sought-after species are carp, catfish, pike, pike-perch, pike-perch and coarse bream, each requiring a specific approach. The diversity makes every fishing trip unique, whatever your experience.

To give you a better idea, here’s a classification of the main species you can encounter:

Non-fraparatory fish (cyprinids):

• Carp (common, mirror, wild);
• Chara;
• Plaice;
• Red;
• Bream;
• Sorean.

Predatory fish:

• Sleep;
• Shallot;
• Shank;
• Avat;
• Bass.

You’ve seen the variety of species that await you in the Danube waters and perhaps you’re curious to know more about each one, from habitat to catching methods. Knowing your prey is the first step to a successful fishing trip. Discover in detail all the fish species in the Danube Delta and learn how to identify them correctly.

When Danube fishing season opens in 2025?

Recreational fishing on the Danube is allowed all year round in principle, with the exception of the general prohibition period, which takes place in spring to protect the reproduction of fish species. This period is fixed annually by order of the National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture (ANPA) and may be subject to minor changes from year to year.

For 2025, although the exact dates will be published in late 2024 or early 2025, you can go by the calendar of previous years:

• General prohibition: It usually runs for 60 days from April to June.
• Pike ban: It starts earlier, usually from February to mid-March.
• Prohibition on plaice and perch: Often overlaps with general prohibition.

Prohibition legislation is complex and includes exceptions or specific rules for certain areas, such as the Danube Delta. To avoid any inconvenience and ensure you are fishing legally, it is vital to consult official sources. Consult the full fishing ban calendar for 2025 and find out exactly which periods, prohibited species and areas are subject to special arrangements.

What documents you need to fish legally on the Danube?

To fish legally on the Danube and its branches, you need a valid recreational fishing license. This document is issued by ANPA and certifies your right to practise recreational fishing in natural fish habitats, except those within the perimeter of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (ARBDD), for which additional rules apply.

Getting your license is a simplified process and the main things to keep in mind are:

• ● Licență ANPA: It is free of charge and can be obtained online from the institution’s website, on the basis of your identity card.
• ● Access Permit in the Delta Reserve (ARBDD): If you are fishing within the perimeter of the Delta, you will need a tourist access permit, a boat access permit (if applicable) and a recreational/sport fishing permit specific to the reserve. These are for a fee.
• ● Fishing membership card: If you are a member of a fishermen’s association, your membership card can act as a permit on the waters contracted by that association.

The paperwork process may seem daunting at first glance, but it’s a necessary step to enjoy carefree fishing. Each area has its peculiarities and costs vary. Find out exactly what steps you need to follow and how much a fishing permit costs per area so you’re fully prepared.

Carp fishing on the Danube: how to have a memorable catch?

Carp angling on the Danube is a challenge that tests your skills, but success is rewarding. To catch the “giants” of the river, you need to adapt to the force of the water and the specific behavior of wild carp. The secret lies in three elements: pinpointing areas of potential, a net that holds the fish in place without spooking them, and using rigs and tackle that can stand up to the conditions.

Probing the terrain: where to find carp in the Danube?

The wild Danube carp is a survivor. It does not stay in open areas, but is constantly looking for places that offer protection and food sources. Instead of casting at random, focus on reading the water and banks to identify these key spots.

Underwater structures – places that attract carp

• Thresholds and potholes: Look for bumps in the substrate. These are where the current gathers food and carp come to patrol. Use a sonar or, if you don’t have one, a sounding lead to “read” the depth and structure of the bottom. Sudden changes in depth are good signs.
• Trees, stumps and snags: Any underwater structure offers shelter. Even if you risk snagging your mount, these areas are worth exploring. A big carp will always stay near such a refuge.
• Clam beds: Clams are one of the main natural food sources for carp. Areas with hard, shell-covered substrate are real ‘restaurants’ for fish. You can also identify these areas with a sounding lead – you’ll feel specific vibrations on the line.
• Steep banks and washes: The high banks under which the water has burrowed create ideal shelters. Carp often cling to these banks, lurking for food in the current.

Practical example: You’ve arrived at a new spot. Before rigging your casts, take a heavy lead (120-150g) and fan cast in front of you. Pull the lead slowly across the substrate and pay attention to the signals in the blank. You will feel soft areas (slime), hard areas (gravel, sand), bumps (ledges) or snags. Make a mental note of these points.

Danube carp menu: trapping and baiting strategies

On the Danube, the netting needs to be heavy and sticky so that it doesn’t get swept away quickly by the current. Your aim is to create a persistent bed that will attract fish and keep them in the area.

Swim and hook bait recipes

The base can be a mixture of corn cob, wheat, boiled hemp seeds and heavy breadcrumbs. You can use loam or PVA to bind it. Add dried and cooked corn, hard boilies and slow dissolving pellets.

Don’t over-complicate with hook baits. A classic and effective bait is corn. Try different presentations:

• Corn on the cob: A single cob, two kernels or a floating artificial corn cob to critically balance the mount (snowman presentation).
• Hard boilies: Choose 20-24 mm boilies with strong flavors (fish, scallop, garlic) specially designed for wild waters. They are more resistant to small fish.
• Polenta: A classic but effective recipe. Make it a little earlier to hold up on the hook or bait.

Type of Bait	Advantages on the Danube	Dezavantaje
Corn	Accessible, natural, appreciated by wild carp.	It can be quickly attacked by smaller fish (baboon, flounder).
Hard boilies	Selective, current and small fish resistant.	Requires a bigger investment.
Polenta	Quick attraction, disperses creating an attractive cloud.	Low resistance in high current.
Pelets	Slow dissolving, constantly releases attractants.	Can be more expensive, need to be combined with other swims.

Gear and mounts: armor to fight the king

Danube carp are powerful and unpredictable. Undersized tackle means fish off the hook. You’ll need sturdy rods, strong spinning reels and simple but extremely strong mounts.

• Fishing rods and reels: Choose a 3.60m or 3.90m casting weight of 3.5 lbs minimum. These allow you to cast heavy sinkers and control fish in the current. Reels should be sturdy, big pit reels with a large reel capacity (minimum 300m of 0.35-0.40mm line).
• Threads: Use a 0.35-0.40 mm abrasion-resistant monofilament main line. If you’re fishing in areas with a lot of snags, a 0.50 mm textile leader is a good choice for the last few meters of line.

Simple and effective mounts for water currents

On the Danube, simplicity wins. Complicated mountains have more weaknesses and get tangled more often.

1. Lost lead mount: It is the safest and most effective option. In case of breakage, the fish easily escapes from the lead. Use a heavy lead (120-180g), flat, which sits well on the substrate.
2. In-line mount: The lead butts directly to the main line. It’s an unobtrusive mount with good mechanical lock.
3. Helicopter mount: Recommended for long-distance launches, prevents jamming of the rocket in flight.

Dolphin Camping recommandation: For most situations on the Danube, the lost-lead rigging, a short (10-15 cm) forfac made of soft (25-35 lb) textile line and a solid, wide gape hook, size 2 or 4, is the winning combination.

Catfish fishing on the Danube: what techniques work?

Fishing for catfish on the Danube tests the limits of the tackle and the angler, and in return offers an unforgettable battle with Europe’s largest freshwater predator. To be successful, you need to choose the right technique for the place and time of day, using tackle capable of mastering the brute force of this fish. The three basic approaches are cl cl clam fishing, stationary shore angling and spin fishing.

Clunk fishing: the call from the deep

This traditional technique, practiced exclusively from a boat, is one of the most spectacular and effective. It is based on the use of a wooden or carbon instrument called a clunk, which, when struck against the surface of the water, produces a specific sound that irritates the catfish and causes it to rise from the substrate to attack.

The equipment you need:

• Stable boat: Essential for safety and comfort.
• Sonar: Indispensable for locating catfish on the substrate and tracking bait development.
• Short and powerful launcher: Typically a 1.80-2.40 meter launch with high lifting power (300-600g class).
• Robust multiplier or reel: Loaded with 0.50-0.70 mm textile yarn.

Bait is presented in the water column directly under the boat. The best options are:

• Large bouquets of black earthworms or “snake worms”.
• Leeches.
• Squid or octopus tentacles.

Stationary fishing: playing patience from the shore

It is the most popular method of targeting catfish on the banks of the Danube. It is based on planting heavy mounts with bulky ba baits in strategic places where catfish patrol to feed.

Look for areas with strong currents, deep potholes, ledges, stumps, or tributary mouths. These are the sleep highways.

The heavy duty equipment you need:

• Fishing rods: Robust, 3.00-3.60 meters, 300-1000g throwing power.
• Fishing reels: Power reels, size 8000-14000, capable of storing at least 200 meters of textile thread.
• Thread: Exclusively textile, with diameters between 0.50 and 0.80 mm.
• Mounts: Simple but extremely strong. Use forged hooks (size 6/0 – 10/0) and heavy sinkers (150-400g) to secure the mount to the substrate.

Bait Type Live/Natural	Advantages	Disadvantages
Big carps	Resilient, active, a solid mass.	Their use may be prohibited during certain periods.  Use of live fish as bait may be restricted in some areas.
Worm bouquet	Strong smell, irresistible natural attraction.	They can be attacked by smaller fish.
Leeches	Very strong on the hook, extremely attractive.	Harder to get.
River clams	Part of the natural sleep diet.	Requires preparation (breaking the shell).

Spin angling: active hunting

This technique is aimed at active anglers who prefer to look for fish. It is particularly effective at dusk, at night and at dawn, when catfish are out hunting in shallower water.

Concentrate on banks with structures, stone dams, channel mouths and areas with steep ledges.

Vibration-producing nests: The sleeper attacks mainly on the vibrations it senses with its lateral line. It chooses nets that displace a lot of water:

• Heavy oscillating spoons: 40-80g models that can be worked close to the substrate.
• Deep-diver lures: With an aggressive and noisy evolution.
• Soft nets (shads): Large shad (15-25 cm) mounted on heavy jigs (30-60g).

Dolphin Camping recommandation: Whatever technique you choose, don’t compromise on the quality of the components. A poor-quality swirl, a kinking hook or a poorly executed knot will inevitably result in the loss of the fish of a lifetime. Check every element of your line before casting.

What basic equipment you need for a family fishing trip?

When going fishing with the family, comfort and simplicity are just as important as technical equipment. You don’t need the most expensive gear, but a functional basic set that allows everyone to enjoy the experience.

Equipment	Recommendation for a family
Fishing rods and reels	2-3 2.70-3.00m spears for adults, suitable for stationary fishing. A shorter spear (1.80-2.10m) for children, easy to handle.
Fishing rod holders	Individual stakes or a bridge rod to hold the launches in the standby position.
Lines, hooks, sinkers	A pre-packed accessory kit for beginners is ideal. Contains various sizes of hooks, sinkers and clips.
Fishing lures and bait	A bucket of cooked corn and a box of earthworms or worms are enough to attract small and medium-sized fish, much to the delight of children.
Confort	Folding chairs, a large umbrella for sun or rain, a cooler for drinks and snacks.
Safety	First aid kit, bug spray and sunscreen.

Where to find a family-friendly fishing spot on the Danube?

The ideal place for a family combines fishing potential with safety, access to clean facilities and relaxation opportunities for everyone. Look for an area away from the crowds, where children can explore safely and nature itself becomes a playground. Such a place allows you to focus on quality time together.

Imagine a naturally secluded location where you can reach only by boat, leaving the noise and worries behind. A campsite where you have direct access to the Danube bank for fishing, but also to the Black Sea beach for playing in the sand. In the evening, instead of screens, you gather under the open sky at an open-air movie theater. This is the experience that turns a simple fishing trip into a complete vacation of reconnecting with nature and your loved ones. One such place is Dolphin Camping.

How to apply this information

Now that you’ve covered the theory, it’s time to get down to the practical planning of your next fishing trip on the Danube.

What you can do immediately

1. Check the prohibition calendar: Save a link with exact times for 2025 to make sure you’re fishing legally.
2. Get your ANPA license online: It’s free and takes a few minutes. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
3.  Inventory the basic equipment: Use the table in the article to make sure you have everything you need for a relaxing outing, especially if you’re going with the family.

Long-term plan

• Choose a specialization: Instead of trying everything at once, focus on one species. Spend a season fishing for carp or plaice to get an in-depth understanding of their behavior.
• Plan an expedition, not just an outing: Organize a 3-4 day mini-vacation in a strategic location on the Danube that gives you access to various fishing spots.

Quick checklist

● Do I have a valid fishing license?

● Have I checked the closed seasons?

● Have I chosen the location and have the right gear for the species?

What to do next

You’ve learned the theory about species, acts and techniques, but a successful match depends enormously on the location you choose. To put everything you’ve read into practice, you need a place that combines fishing potential with relaxation. 

Discover the ideal family fishing and relaxation location at Dolphin Camping and turn information into memorable experiences.

Frequently asked questions about fishing in the Danube

Can I fish from shore or do I need a boat?

You can fish successfully from the shore in many areas, especially if you’re after peaceful species. However, a boat gives you access to harder-to-reach and more productive spots, and is almost indispensable for techniques such as cl clam fishing for catfish.

What to do with kids if they get bored of fishing?

Choose a location that offers alternatives. Proximity to a beach, green space to play, bird-watching opportunities or even an outdoor movie theater are great options to keep kids excited.

There are extra charges for fishing in the Danube Delta?

Yes. In addition to the ANPA permit, in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (ARBDD) perimeter you need a tourist access permit and a fishing permit specific to the reserve, both of which are available for a fee.

The best time of day for fishing?

In general, the best times are early morning (dawn) and evening (dusk) when the fish are most active. In summer, night fishing can be very productive, especially for catfish and carp.

Photo sources: Pexels