Fishing Cyprus
A practical field guide to fishing in Cyprus: 30 real spots, 50 species, licences and rules in plain words, all on one map.
26 reservoirs, 4 coastal stretches. Map centre 34.94° N, 33.13° E.
Reservoirs in the hills, rocks along the coast
Freshwater dams from the DFMR list and CFAA notes, plus coastal stretches for shore fishing. Every spot has coordinates, species and a difficulty level.
Photo: Cyprus Freshwater Angling Association
Know what is on the line
Six species most people start with in Cyprus. Each guide covers where to find it, the season, methods, baits and safety notes.
Sea Bass
Dicentrarchus labrax
Sea bass is a cautious coastal predator often found in surf, rocks, breakwaters, and harbour entrances.
- Season
- autumn, winter
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Spots
- 2 in the guide
Sea Bream
Sparus aurata
- Season
- summer
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spots
- 2 in the guide
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
- Season
- March-June, September-November
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Spots
- 17 in the guide
Carp
Cyprinus carpio
- Season
- all year, best spring/autumn
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Spots
- 22 in the guide
Mullet
Mugil cephalus
- Season
- all year
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spots
- 3 in the guide
Tilapia
Oreochromis niloticus
- Season
- May-October
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spots
- 9 in the guide
Venomous and toxic species. A few Cyprus fish must never be handled bare-handed or eaten. Learn them before your first bite.
Licence, rules and common sense
Freshwater needs a licence. Simple sea shore fishing usually does not.
- €35
- per year: all dams where fishing is allowed
- €17
- per year: one selected dam
Issued by DFMR: apply through CyLogin, pay through JCC Smart. Valid 1 January to 31 December regardless of the issue date. Boat fishing and spearfishing have separate rules.
- On reservoirs you fish from shore only, in daylight: from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
- No nets, chemicals, lights, hand lines, boats or floating devices on freshwater.
- Some sea areas are restricted: beaches, protected zones, farms and shelters.
- Sharks and rays are not target species: release accidental bycatch quickly and safely.
Questions before a first trip
Do I need a license to fish in Cyprus?
Freshwater fishing in reservoirs and dams needs a DFMR license. Normal sea fishing with a rod from shore usually does not. Spearfishing and boat fishing have separate rules.
Where are the best fishing spots in Cyprus?
What fish can I catch in Cyprus?
Freshwater: largemouth bass, carp, trout, catfish, and more. Sea: sea bream, mullet, barracuda, and others. The fish wiki lists 50 species with methods and baits.
What are the basic freshwater fishing rules?
Fish from shore only and in daylight — from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. No nets, chemicals, lights, hand lines, boats, or floating devices.
CFAA events and announcements
- Event2026-07-12
Children’s Fishing Day “Phivos Papachristoforou”
On Saturday, July 11, for the 19th year, the children’s fishing event took place at Agios Georgio’s park in Athalassa. The event was dedicated to the memory of the former President and for many years Member of the Association, Phivos Papachristoforou. The event was a success as the fish were quite active, making our little [...]
- Announcement2026-06-18
Children’s Fishing Day “Phivos Papachristoforou” – 11/07/2026
The Cyprus Freshwater Angling Association is organizing a children’s fishing day for the Association’s members. The aim of the competition is to provide fun for the children, and at the same time to introduce them to the sport and to issues such as the love and appreciation of nature and the environment, as well as [...]
- Announcement2026-06-05
CFAA Family Day - 28/06/2026
Dear members,We would like to invite you to the association’s ‘Family Day’ that will be held on Sunday 28/06/2026 at Xyliatos picnic site, at 11.00.https://maps.app.goo.gl/FRBpBcwnhdGBG6Vz9The Association will offer free food and beverages to its members and their families. The purpose of the event is for the families of the members to get to know each [...]
- Event2026-05-04
Phivos Fishing Day 2026
On Friday, May 1st, 2026, a friendly team fishing competition was held in memory of our Assosiation’s former president and long-time member, Phivos Papachristoforou. The event took place at the Tamasos Dam, marking the 4th anniversary of Phivos' passing. The purpose of the event was to gather people who love fishing and allow them to [...]
Tackle shops and guides in Cyprus
Partner placements appear only where they genuinely help anglers, and are always marked.