Lake Constance states agree to limited whitefish fishing restart from 2027 under strict new rules
After a three-year moratorium, the international commission for Lake Constance fisheries decided on Thursday to allow a limited resumption of whitefish fishing from May 2027, with reduced fishing days, larger mesh nets and a daily bag limit for anglers.
Background
The ban on whitefish (Felchen) in Lake Constance, imposed in 2024 after stocks collapsed, is showing first signs of recovery. Scientists from the fisheries research institute in Langenargen report better growth, more eggs and larvae, and a decline in the invasive stickleback that preyed on young whitefish. However, stocks remain low: professional catches on the Upper Lake hit a new trough of just 116 tonnes in 2025.
Wir fangen ganz moderat an.
The decision
On June 18, 2026, at a meeting in Wasserburg, Bavaria, the International Bevollmächtigtenkonferenz für die Bodenseefischerei (IBKF), representing Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg), Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, agreed to allow a limited resumption of whitefish fishing from May 1 to August 31, 2027. The rules are more restrictive than before the ban: commercial fishermen may only fish two days per week instead of four, use fewer nets with larger mesh sizes, and anglers are limited to three whitefish per day. The measures will be evaluated by the end of 2028.
- Comprehensive whitefish fishing ban imposed after stock collapse
- IBKF meeting in Wasserburg, Bavaria, decides on a limited reopening from 2027
- Limited whitefish fishing resumes with reduced days, larger mesh nets, and an angler limit of three fish per day
- Evaluation of the measures before further decisions on the fishery
Balancing act
The decision is a compromise. While Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria pushed to give the 49 remaining professional fishermen a future, whitefish is their most economically important species, Switzerland expressed reservations. Scientists had warned that a premature reopening could jeopardize the nascent recovery. Reinhard Reiter, IBKF representative of chair state Bavaria, described the resolution as "ganz moderat" (very moderate).
Economic and culinary impact
Restaurants and fishmongers will again be able to offer local whitefish, but supplies will be limited due to the tight catch restrictions. The 49 fishermen hope the partial reopening will ease financial pressure until 2028, when a fuller scientific evaluation could pave the way for a permanent plan.
