Pike fishing during the closed season: where it is legal
On the Danube Delta's natural waters, pike are protected every spring: in 2026, from 1 February to 7 June under Order no. 23/297/2025. At Holbina you fish on a single private 1,200-hectare lake, a fish farm that is not covered by the natural-water closed season, so you can fish for pike all year as an overnight guest.
Why it is prohibited on natural waters
The closed season protects pike during spawning. On the natural channels and lakes of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, commercial, recreational and family pike fishing is prohibited during this period, including catch and release.
Romanian Law no. 176/2024 classes fishing during the closed season as fish poaching. The full calendar by species and area is on our closed-season page.
Why you can fish at Holbina during the closed season
Holbina has a single private 1,200-hectare lake. As a private fish farm, fishing follows the resort's own rules, not the natural-water calendar.
The rules are simple: fishing is for overnight guests only, every fish is released (catch and release), only artificial lures are used, with no more than one treble per lure, and no more than 3 anglers per boat.
What a spring session looks like
In early spring the water is cold and pike usually respond better to lures worked slowly. Careful handling and a quick release matter more than ever at this time of year.
Local guides are optional and booked separately. You bring your own tackle; boat fuel is included in fishing packages.
Natural waters or Holbina's lake: what you can do
| Natural waters in the RBDD | Holbina's private lake | |
|---|---|---|
| Pike, 1 February – 7 June (2026) | Prohibited | Allowed, catch and release |
| General closure, 9 April – 7 June (2026) | Prohibited | Allowed, catch and release |
| Who may fish | Anglers with a valid permit, outside the closed season | Overnight guests only |
| What you may keep | Outside the closed season, up to 5 kg/day (Law no. 176/2024) | Nothing: every fish is released |
Plan a fishing stay during the closed season
You reach the resort by boat from Dunavățul de Jos in about 45 minutes. Fishing packages run for 3, 4, 5 or 7 days with accommodation and meals; tell us your dates and number of anglers and we will confirm availability.
Questions about fishing during the closed season
Is it legal to fish for pike in February in the Danube Delta?
Not on the natural waters of the RBDD: in 2026 the pike closed season ran from 1 February to 7 June. On Holbina's private lake, yes, for overnight guests, catch and release.
What is the risk of fishing for pike on natural waters during the closed season?
Romanian Law no. 176/2024 classes fishing during the closed season as fish poaching, sanctioned under the law. Catch and release does not make it legal.
Can I keep a pike caught at Holbina?
No. At Holbina every fish is released, all year round.
When are the 2027 closed-season dates published?
The periods are set every year by a joint ministerial order. We update our closed-season page when the new order is published.