Masuria – with over 2,000 lakes connected by a network of canals and rivers – is an absolute paradise for anglers. The clean, fish-rich waters are home to pike, perch, bream, tench, eel and many other species. The area around Węgorzewo and Lake Mamry is one of the best fishing grounds in all of Poland.
Fish Species and Fishing Seasons
Lake Mamry and the surrounding lakes offer a wealth of species. Pike (Esox lucius) is the king of Masurian waters – catchable year-round by spinning or trolling. Perch season runs from spring to late autumn; the best results come from jigging at dusk. Bream and carp are the main trophies for float fishermen – huge shoals of full-sized fish cruise the depths of Mamry from May to September. Eel, though increasingly rare, still appears in night bottom fishing. Roach and rudd bite readily almost year-round.
Best Fishing Spots Around Węgorzewo
Within 10 km of Poza Zgiełkiem you'll find a dozen outstanding fishing spots. Lake Mamry at Węgorzewo is a must for every angler. We recommend the bay at Ogonki (excellent for spinning for pike) and the Węgorapa canal connecting Mamry with Lake Dargin (superb for perch). Lake Rydzówka (2 km from Poza Zgiełkiem) is a peaceful spot for pike and perch with wild nature and a cormorant colony. Lake Święcajty, 8 km from Poza Zgiełkiem, is less well-known but exceptionally fish-rich and tranquil – a favourite of experienced anglers. The Węgorapa River below Węgorzewo is an ideal spot for chub.
Fishing Permits in Poland
To fish legally in Poland, a PZW (Polish Anglers' Association) permit is required. Foreigners can buy a temporary permit online at epzw.pl or at fishing shops. A weekly permit costs around PLN 30–50, an annual permit around PLN 150–200. Masuria belongs to the PZW District of Olsztyn – check current regulations for specific lakes (size limits, protected dimensions, closed seasons). In Węgorzewo, the fishing shop at Zamkowa Street sells equipment, bait and permits.
Angler's Tip
The best fishing times are dawn and dusk. Hire an inflatable dinghy at Ogonki (4 km from Poza Zgiełkiem) – it opens up deeper and more productive spots. Don't forget your life jacket and a valid PZW permit! If you're interested in eel, check out the [[Masurian Eel Festival|swieto-wegorza-wegorzewo-2026]] (6 June 2026, Folk Culture Museum, Węgorzewo) – eel smoking demonstration and tastings all in one place.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Ludwig Schneider / CC BY-SA
