Fishing is among the most practised outdoor activities in Switzerland. Whether on the shore of a lake, along a river or in a more remote spot, it attracts both enthusiasts and curious people who simply want to enjoy a quiet moment in nature.

But before talking about gear or techniques, fishing always starts with one essential thing: knowing the rules and having the right licence. In Switzerland, and particularly in the canton of Vaud, the regulations are clear and must be followed.

This guide is designed to explain fishing in Switzerland, the basics you need to know, and above all how to obtain a Vaud fishing permit, simply and legally.

Fishing today: a regulated and responsible activity

Fishing is not just about catching fish. In Switzerland, it is part of an approach focused on the protection of aquatic environments and the sustainable management of species.

In practice, this means in particular:

• regulated open seasons,
• certain protected species,
• minimum catch sizes to respect,
• and, in most cases, a mandatory permit.

These rules may seem restrictive, but they help preserve rivers and lakes over the long term.

Fishing in Switzerland: how does it work?

In Switzerland, fishing is largely managed at cantonal level. Each canton sets its own rules based on its rivers and bodies of water.

In practice, this means:

• a permit valid in one canton is not necessarily valid in another,
• open seasons may vary,
• authorisations differ depending on the area (lake, river, specific sectors).

There are also national information platforms about fishing in Switzerland, often searched using generic terms such as lapeche ch. However, the rules that apply are always those defined by the canton where you are fishing.

Fishing permits in the canton of Vaud: key information

To fish legally in the canton of Vaud, you must hold a valid Vaud fishing permit. However, not all permits are purchased in the same place, and this is an important point to know.

Daily and weekly permits: available at GiantFish

GiantFish is an official sales outlet for fishing permits for the canton of Vaud, for the following durations:

• Daily permit
• Weekly permit

These permits are particularly suitable for:

• occasional anglers,
• visitors passing through,
• beginners who want to try fishing,
• short stays in the canton of Vaud.

Annual permit: where to get it?

The Vaud annual fishing permit cannot be purchased at GiantFish. It must be obtained:

• online, via the official website of the canton of Vaud,
• or directly from the competent prefecture.

SaNa (Sachkundenachweis): an important certificate for fishing in Switzerland

In Switzerland, certain forms of fishing require a SaNa (Sachkundenachweis), a certificate proving basic knowledge of fish protection and animal welfare.

The SaNa is generally required for long-term permits or for certain specific practices. Before you go fishing, it is therefore important to check whether this certificate is required depending on the type of permit and the area concerned.

In store, we can guide you through the steps to follow and explain in which cases the SaNa is required to fish legally in the canton of Vaud.

Where can you fish in the canton of Vaud?

The canton of Vaud offers a wide variety of fishing spots: Lake Geneva, Vaud rivers, as well as areas authorised depending on the season and the type of fishing.

Before each outing, remember to:

• check open seasons,
• know which species are allowed and their minimum sizes,
• make sure your permit actually matches the chosen area.

Getting started with fishing: simple, practical tips

If you are new to fishing, there is no need to complicate things. A few basics are enough to avoid mistakes and quickly enjoy yourself:

• start with simple, versatile gear,
• find out about the species present locally,
• follow the regulations carefully,
• handle fish with care,
• favour a responsible approach that respects the environment.

Good advice is often more valuable than overly complex equipment. If you stop by the store, we can help you choose a setup suited to your spots and your budget.

Conclusion

Fishing in Switzerland, and particularly in the canton of Vaud, is an activity accessible to everyone, provided that the applicable rules are respected. Having the right permit is the first step to fully enjoying your time by the water.

As an official sales outlet for daily and weekly permits, GiantFish supports anglers with practical advice and a local approach, so you can fish legally and with complete peace of mind.


See the location on Google Maps - GiantFish, Ch. de la Tuiliere 1, CH-1052 Le Mont-sur-Lausanne

Slug: la-peche-suisse-permis-peche-vaud

Target keywords: fishing, la pêche, fishing, Vaud fishing permit, lapeche ch