Zander (pikeperch) closed season in Germany: all states compared

The closed season for zander (pikeperch) differs by German state; we compare 13 states. Minimum sizes range from 35 to 50 cm. Today (2026-10-23) it is in closed season in 0 states. As of 2026-10-23

Zander (pikeperch) closed season by state

StateClosed seasonDaysMinimum sizeTodayChecked
Baden-Württemberg1 Apr – 15 May (Main: 1 Feb – 30 Apr)4545 cm (Main: 50 cm)open2026-10-18
Bayern15 Feb – 30 Apr7550 cmopen2026-10-18
Brandenburg1 Apr – 31 May (rod angling)6145 cmopen2026-10-18
Bremen1 Feb – 15 May10440 cmopen2026-10-18
Hamburg1 Feb – 31 May120harvest slot 45–75 cm; max 2/dayopen2026-10-18
Hessennone–from 50 cm–2026-10-18
Mecklenburg-Vorpommernnone listed in this version–45 cm–2026-10-18
Niedersachsen15 Mar – 30 Apr4735 cmopen2026-10-18
Nordrhein-Westfalen1 Apr – 31 May6140 cmopen2026-10-18
Rheinland-Pfalz15 Mar – 15 May (Lahn: 1 Apr – 31 May)6245 cmopen2026-10-18
Sachsen1 Feb – 31 May12050 cmopen2026-10-18
Schleswig-Holstein15 Mar – 15 May6245 cmopen2026-10-23
Thüringen1 Apr – 31 May6145 cmopen2026-10-23

Not yet verified: Berlin, Saarland, Sachsen-Anhalt.

“Days” and “Today” are computed by script from the dates. Mind regional exceptions (in brackets).

Length of closed season

Hamburg120Sachsen120Bremen104Bayern75Rheinland-Pfalz62Schleswig-Holstein62Brandenburg61Nordrhein-Westfalen61Thüringen61Niedersachsen47Baden-Württemberg45

Days per year, excluding all-year protection.

FAQ

When is the closed season for zander (pikeperch) in Germany?

It depends on the state – see the table. Many states protect predatory fish in spring during spawning.

Is it the same on every water?

No. Local water rules and permits can be stricter. The official regulation and your permit always apply.

Other species: Pike · Brown trout · Eel · Salmon

Our own summary of the official state regulations (sources on each state page); not legal advice.