Lake Tisza is a four-season angling destination that encompasses several different water types, providing a habitat for most native Hungarian fish species. In a uniquely rich way, more than 50 species live here, from giant catfish slumbering in depths of up to twenty metres, through asp hunting in the flushing channels, to carp dwelling along the reed fringes.
The lake offers catch rates well above the national average, all in a stunning natural environment. Anglers can choose among a wide range of fishing spots and techniques throughout the year, as the river, channels, backwaters and reservoir areas each offer opportunities to catch different species.
Along the shoreline there are barrier-free fishing platforms, and in some marinas specially equipped boats are available for rent for visitors with reduced mobility.
Fishing and nature conservation
Around two-thirds of the Lake Tisza area is a protected natural area of national importance and forms part of Hortobágy National Park. The entire lake is also designated as a Natura 2000 site of European Community importance. In addition, Lake Tisza is a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and forms part of the National Ecological Network.
These memberships and designations also come with responsibilities. In order to comply with them and to preserve the area’s natural values in the long term, all activities carried out here – including angling – must be subject to certain restrictions and regulations.
From a nature conservation point of view, Lake Tisza is divided into four sub-basins:
Valki Basin – Here nature conservation interests are the primary regulating factor, and all other activities must be managed with this in mind, ensuring the highest possible level of protection and minimal disturbance.
Poroszló Basin – In this area, nature conservation, ecotourism, angling and “soft” water sports are given equal weight.
Füred Basin and Sarud Basin – Here recreation, tourism and angling interests take priority, while fully respecting nature conservation objectives.
Abádszalók Basin – In this basin, ecological and conservation considerations are subordinated to tourism and recreational activities.
Documents required for a fishing licence
Under the current fisheries legislation, the following documents are required to fish on Lake Tisza:
state angling card
proof of membership in an angling association
catch logbook
area permit (territorial licence)
No angling exam or club membership is required to obtain a children’s fishing licence.
Annual licences or even day tickets valid for Lake Tisza can be purchased at many locations throughout the country; a detailed list is available.
Validity area of the fishing licence
The licence is valid on the section of the River Tisza and the reservoir between river kilometres 403.5 and 440 above the Kisköre dam, on the section of the Eger stream south of the road bridge connecting the villages of Borsodivánka and Négyes, as well as on the drainage ditches around Lake Tisza.
Seasonal restrictions
In December, January and February fishing is only allowed between 07:00 and 17:00.
In addition to the general species-specific closed seasons, the capture of catfish is prohibited in December, January, February and March.
To protect spawning grounds, angling is prohibited from 2 May to 15 June on the section of the Eger stream between the road bridge connecting Négyes and Borsodivánka and the confluence of the stream with Lake Tisza.
Further restrictions
Obligations
On Lake Tisza, anglers must keep the catch logbook issued by the fisheries manager.
Fish protected by size limits must be entered in the catch logbook immediately after capture; all other fish must be recorded at the end of the fishing trip, at the latest by the end of the day, and in the case of multi-day trips, by the end of each day.
The completed catch logbook must be returned by the deadline indicated in it either to the issuing office or sent to: Tisza-tavi Sporthorgász K. N. Kft., 5350 Tiszafüred, Örvényi út 46. Any fish caught and retained during the fishing trip must be kept in a keepnet or other suitable container so that it does not suffer unnecessarily.
After dark, anglers are obliged to keep their fishing spot or boat continuously and clearly illuminated.
Organised angling competitions must be notified in writing in advance to Tisza-tavi Sporthorgász K. N. Kft. During the competition, participants have priority at the competition venue for the duration of the event.
Further obligations
Further information
Tisza-tavi Sporthorgász Közhasznú Nonprofit Kft.
5350 Tiszafüred, Örvény út 46.
Phone: (+36) 59-352-273
http://www.sporthorgasz.eu
Ezüst Ponty Angling Association
3388 Poroszló, Csapó köz 8.
Phone: +36 30 915-9294
http://ezustpontyhe.bloglap.hu/oldalak/fooldal-12590/
Fishing on Lake Tisza
If you would like to fish in an unforgettable setting – and actually catch fish as well – Lake Tisza is the place to be!
This diverse landscape of outstanding natural beauty is a four-season angling paradise, offering catch rates far above the national average. The lake’s varying depths, meandering channels and vast, calm reservoir provide ideal conditions for many different species. A significant proportion of Hungary’s native fish species can be found – and successfully caught – in the waters of Lake Tisza.
The tradition of angling on Lake Tisza dates back to the early 1980s, when nature began to take over and shape this artificial lake created by human intervention. In the freshly flooded area behind the Kisköre dam, a fairy-tale abundance of fish developed. In the early years the main target species were carp and pike, and in the 1990s winter zander fishing also became popular on Lake Tisza. The strong catfish population typical of large reservoirs has continued to grow right up to the present day.
Spring
Spring is the spawning season for many of our fish species, so in addition to the often capricious weather, various restrictions also limit anglers’ opportunities.
March: the main target species are brown bullhead and bream, but tench, white bream and even the occasional early-rising carp can also be caught.
April: spawning time for carp and white bream. Crucian carp bite well, and catfish also appear following the whitefish shoals. It is worth fishing in the shallow, turbid bays.
May: zander and asp fishing is possible again, but despite this, the month is considered the start of the catfish season. As they prepare to spawn, catfish feed intensively to build up condition, constantly moving and feeding. Experienced anglers try to tempt them close to the bank using bottom rigs.
Summer
The main angling season offers countless opportunities on Lake Tisza.
June: one of the best fishing opportunities is linked to bleak spawning. Among the willow trees along the Tisza, millions of small bleak deposit their eggs among the submerged roots, attracting catfish, zander and asp. This month, “kuttyogatás”, a traditional Hungarian method of catfish angling based on creating sound at the water surface, can be particularly effective. The most important natural spectacle of the month is the “Tisza mayfly” hatch, an unforgettable experience.
July–August: on the river section, carp fishing is recommended mainly during the day, while on the reservoir it is more productive at night. Beautiful tench live along the edges of water chestnut beds, and bream can be caught very well along the rip-rap of the Tisza after just a day or two of pre-baiting. On warm summer nights, catfish patrolling near the surface are targeted by lure anglers using wobblers.
Autumn
For many anglers, this is when the real season begins. There are fewer tourists, and in the gradually cooling water the fish still feed actively; several species have their prime season in this period.
September: a transitional month. Many trophy carp are first caught at this time, but it is still worth targeting catfish as well. Increasingly successful evening and night-time zander fishing with fish strips on the reservoir marks the start of the autumn season.
October: the beginning of pike season. When the water is clear, zander can be caught well along the rocky banks and snags of the Tisza.
By the end of October, the water level in the reservoir is usually lowered to its winter operating level, and as the water recedes, fish move towards deeper areas: pike gather in the old oxbow beds, while many asp, zander and carp migrate back into the main river.
November: in good weather, angling conditions can be excellent. Pike can be targeted in the deeper holes and backwaters of the reservoir; when the Tisza is not turbid, vertical jigging can be very effective. Zander take soft plastic lures readily, and very large asp can be caught using combinations of lead and fly. The most persistent carp anglers continue to bait on the Tisza and are often rewarded with fish moving down from the reservoir.
Winter
In the winter months, to protect overwintering fish, carp and catfish are subject to a closed season, while asp and zander can still be caught successfully throughout the season. Severe frosts may prevent boat fishing, but later, when the ice is sufficiently thick, ice fishing becomes possible.
December: through ice fishing, fine pike can be caught, and an increasing number of anglers target bream under the ice, which is also a very enjoyable pastime.
January: the start of the winter zander season. During this period, vertical jigging and even bottom fishing can be very effective.
February: pre-spawning zander begin to feed intensively, and there can be almost more anglers on the water than in summer. In the first half of the month pike can still be targeted, but from mid-February the closed season begins.