River Crayfish Fishing Permit Applications Open July 1

From July 1, fishing permits for river crayfish can be purchased on kalaluba.ee for the 2026 season. River crayfish may only be caught in August, and permit holders are allowed to catch up to 25 individuals per day. On Saaremaa and in waters with restricted quotas, each person can purchase only one fishing permit.

Estonia's river crayfish fishing permits go on sale on Wednesday, July 1. Fishing permits can be purchased on the kalaluba.ee website and are valid for the August fishing season.

Environment Agency water and wildlife senior specialist Märt Kesküla explained that this year the same restrictions apply as last year: permit holders have the right to catch up to 25 river crayfish in a single day. River crayfish is a protected species and fishing for it is permitted only in August.

In waters with restricted quotas, such as on Saaremaa, each person can purchase only one fishing permit. This restriction has been introduced to protect local crayfish populations from overfishing.

To apply for a permit, digital identification is required, using an ID card, mobile ID or Smart ID. Fishing is conducted using traps and nets, and a fishing report must be submitted after the season.