Sport Fishing in Lake Geneva, Neuchatel, Joux and Swiss Rivers

Amateur sport fishing is allowed in Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and most other lakes and rivers in Switzerland and France but always requires a license and proper equipment.

Fresh lake fish can be enjoyed in many a restaurant in the Lac Léman region but amateur sport fishermen may also catch their own fish legally in Lake Geneva and most other lakes and rivers in Switzerland. However, a fishing license (Permis de pêche de loisir) is always required. A day fishing license is restricted to a specific lake or region. The permit is also valid for only a certain number of fish per day with many further restrictions enforced. Swiss fishing licenses or permits can be bought from many fishing equipment stores and local authorities in the Lake Geneva region or online.

NOTE: This is a general travel article, not legal advice. The Swiss laws and regulations on fishing change annually and are strictly enforced. Certain regulations are national while some are canton or even lake specific.

Fishing in Lakes and Rivers in the Geneva Region

Fishing is allowed in most lakes and rivers in Switzerland but always requires a license or permit. These licenses are sold by the different cantons and are generally restricted to a specific lake or river. In cases where a lake is shared, as with Lake Geneva, the permit issued by for example Vaud is generally not valid for fishing in the lake in canton Genève, Valais, or in France.

Fishing permits in Switzerland are usually available as short-term – usually a day – or long-term – a month or year. For the day fishing permit for Lake Geneva, it is assumed that the angler has the necessary knowledge and by purchasing the permit confirms knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations. Long-term permits usually require a written exam.

Furthermore, usual restrictions apply on where fishing is allowed, the type and size of fish that may be caught, and the number per day or year. Fishing in Switzerland also requires proper equipment.

Buying a Fishing Permit for Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Swiss short-term fishing permits (Permis de pêche de loisir) may be bought from various local authorities and fishing equipment shops on the shores of Lake Geneva. For non-French speakers, this may be the easiest way to obtain a fishing license for Lac Léman.

Fishing licenses can also be bought online – the formulae are in French only. Swiss residency is not required but the license for residents not living in the canton is often up to 50% more expensive than for locals.

Online fishing licenses for Lac Léman can be bought from Geneva or from Vaud canton — if the links moved, search “peche” on the cantonal websites. Vaud also sells licenses for river fishing and fishing in Lake Joux and Neuchatel. A day fishing permit is commonly around CHF10 for Lake Geneva and CHF20 for rivers, with reductions for children under 16.

Licenses bought from fishing equipment shops and local authorities are usually accompanied by a leaflet with more information (in French). Online purchasers must sign a confirmation of knowledge of the applicable laws and restrictions on fishing in Switzerland.

Canton Vaud has a Pêche page with useful links to pdf summaries (in French and German) for basic rules and regulations (2024) for the various lakes and some rivers in the Lake Geneva region.

Fishing in Lake Geneva in Switzerland

The following are the basic requirements when fishing in Lac Léman – the specific dates and regulations for the year will be attached to the license (or websites). Other lakes and rivers have different restrictions.

Fish that generally may be caught in Lake Geneva include:

* Note that the exact dates and quotas vary from year to year

Amateur sport fishermen may only fish from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

Fishing for Tourists in the Lake Geneva Region

Fishing on the lakes and rivers in the Geneva region is not particularly actively promoted. However, local tourist offices could provide information and in some cases, professional fishermen do take day visitors with on their boats. Local restaurants and hotels sometimes are willing to prepare the catch.

See also the following websites – mostly in French only:

• Canton Vaud (Waadt) and Genève (Genf)
• Fishing in Monts de Genevois — fishing in France only.
• Flyfishing in Switzerland — or book at Foncine-le-Bas: Full-Day Fly Fishing Course in the Jura
• Lake Geneva — Lure Fishing — some useful information but some of the English information may be out of date

Some fisherman or boat companies advertising fishing trips on Lake Geneva or vicinity in Switzerland and France:

• Geneva Boats
• Romandie Fishing
• Foncine-le-Bas: Full-Day Fly Fishing Course in the Jura