Crayfish fishing in Estonia in 2026 is allowed only during August and only with a valid fishing card. This practical guide explains the season, catch limits, legal gear, trap placement, bait, disease prevention and the waters where fishing is prohibited.
Quick answer: In 2026, noble crayfish may be caught from 1 to 31 August. One person may use up to five crayfish traps or lift nets, keep up to 25 legal-size crayfish, and the minimum size is 11 cm. A fishing card for the named water body and date is mandatory.
Rules can change, so check the current information on the Estonian Environmental Board website and buy the fishing card at kalaluba.ee before setting your gear.
Estonia’s 2026 crayfish season at a glance
- Season: 1–31 August 2026
- Permit: a personal fishing card for one water body and one calendar day
- Allowed gear: crayfish trap or crayfish lift net
- Maximum gear: five units per person at the same time
- Minimum size: 11 cm
- Daily bag limit: 25 legal-size noble crayfish per person
- Catch report: submit it within five days after the date shown on the fishing card
Do you need a permit to catch crayfish in Estonia?
Yes. The ordinary recreational fishing right is not enough. You need a fishing card that is tied to you, the selected water body and a specific date. In 2026, cards became available from 1 July. The official price is generally €15–20 depending on the location, and permits for some waters are limited.
Buy the card before fishing. If a limited quota is already full, having a trap does not give you the right to fish that water.
Where is crayfish fishing prohibited in 2026?
Crayfish fishing is prohibited in a number of Estonian waters to protect weak native stocks and prevent invasive species and crayfish plague from spreading. The official 2026 list includes waters in Harju, Ida-Viru, Tartu, Pärnu, Saare and Hiiu counties, as well as the full length of several rivers.
Because the list is precise and may be updated, do not rely on an old screenshot or last year’s rules. Check the water by name on the Environmental Board’s current crayfish page before buying a card or travelling.
Which crayfish gear should a beginner choose?
A compact collapsible trap is the easiest starting point. It is simple to transport, quick to bait and convenient to check from the bank or a small boat. A cylindrical trap is stable and offers good capacity; a flatter trap can be easier to place on a shallow, even bottom.
JahiKala currently stocks several legal-purpose crayfish traps, including the plastic 62 × 24 cm trap with feeder, the 33 × 60 cm cylindrical trap, the 31 × 62 cm spring-system trap and the compact ATORA 40 × 25 cm trap.
Whichever design you choose, use only gear that can be identified, retrieved and emptied without harming undersized crayfish.
How should crayfish traps be marked?
Every crayfish trap and lift net must be marked with the fisher’s Estonian personal identification code. The Environmental Board recommends a buoy at least 10 cm in diameter for a trap; a larger empty plastic bottle can work if the code is written clearly and permanently.
Use a strong line, secure knots and enough buoyancy for the conditions. A poorly marked trap is easy to lose and becomes harmful ghost gear.
Where should you place a crayfish trap?
Noble crayfish prefer places that offer food and shelter. Look for firm or mixed bottom near stones, roots, fallen trees, bank cavities and vegetation edges. Avoid dropping a trap deep into soft silt, where the bait scent spreads poorly and the entrances may settle into the bottom.
Place the trap so that it lies flat and both entrances remain open. In a river, keep the current in mind: the trap should not roll, drift or become buried in debris. Do not block boat routes, bathing places or other people’s access.
What bait works for crayfish?
Fish-based bait is the classic choice because its scent travels well in water. Place it in a feeder or secure it inside the trap so crayfish cannot remove it immediately. A dedicated feeder also makes the trap cleaner and easier to handle.
Use a moderate amount. The goal is to draw crayfish through the entrance, not to leave loose food around the trap. Never use bait or fish in a way that conflicts with local animal-health or fishing rules.
When should traps be set and checked?
Crayfish are generally more active from dusk into the night. A common approach is to set traps in the evening and check them after a few hours. Do not leave gear unattended longer than necessary. Frequent checks let you release undersized animals quickly and reduce the chance of damage, theft or lost gear.
How do you measure a crayfish?
Measure the crayfish in a straight line from the tip of the rostrum to the end of the tail fan. In 2026, the legal minimum for noble crayfish in Estonia is 11 cm. Release undersized crayfish immediately and carefully into the same water body.
The maximum catch is 25 legal-size noble crayfish per person, even if several traps are used.
How do you prevent crayfish plague?
This is one of the most important parts of responsible crayfish fishing. Do not move crayfish, bait water, wet ropes, traps, boots or other damp gear from one water body to another without cleaning and drying them.
After fishing, disinfect equipment by drying it thoroughly, leaving it in direct sun for several hours or treating it with hot water, following official guidance. Never transport an invasive crayfish. If you suspect signal crayfish, spiny-cheek crayfish, narrow-clawed crayfish or marbled crayfish, photograph it, note the location and contact the Environmental Board.
Beginner checklist
- Buy the correct fishing card for the water and date.
- Confirm that crayfish fishing is allowed there in 2026.
- Take no more than five traps or lift nets per person.
- Mark every unit with your personal identification code and a visible buoy.
- Bring bait, strong line, gloves, a headlamp and an 11 cm measuring tool.
- Release undersized and non-native crayfish according to official instructions.
- Keep no more than 25 legal noble crayfish.
- Clean and dry all wet gear before visiting another water body.
- Submit the catch report within five days.
Frequently asked questions
Can I catch crayfish without a fishing card?
No. A specific fishing card is required in Estonia.
How many crayfish traps can one person use?
Up to five traps or lift nets at the same time.
What is the minimum crayfish size in Estonia?
For the 2026 season, the minimum size of noble crayfish is 11 cm.
Can I move live crayfish to another lake?
No. Moving crayfish can spread invasive species and crayfish plague. Invasive crayfish may not be possessed, transported or released.
Summary
Successful crayfish fishing starts with the permit and water-body check, not with the bait. Use clearly marked gear, measure every catch, respect the 25-crayfish limit and disinfect equipment before it reaches another water. For suitable gear, compare JahiKala’s trap with integrated feeder, cylindrical trap and other crayfish-trap options before the August season.
