Over the years fishing has become a popular sport in Cyprus. Fishing is described as a relaxing sport while offering an adrenaline rush as the line starts stretching and the ‘zzzzz' sound is heard. There are different ways to fish according personal preference and skills.

There are over 100 dams in Cyprus out of which 23 are excellent for fresh water fishing. The dams offer 17 species of fish and in the following section one will find the name of the dams available in the Paphos district as well as the type of fish found in the particular dam. These reservoirs are regulated by the government and for those interested in angling in dams, a special licenses must be obtained.

Agia Marina dam: Carp, Mosquito fish, Bass, Roach, Catfish, Perch
Argaka-Makounta dam: Carp, Mosquito fish, Bass, Roach, Catfish, Perch
Arminou dam: Carp, Trout, Roach, Mosquito fish, Bass
Asprokremmos dam: Bass, Carp, Mosquito fish, Roach, Silver bream, Trout, Catfish
Evretou dam: Mosquito fish, Pikeperch, Roach, Crayfish, Catfish, Carp, Bass
Mavrokolympos dam: Carp, Roach, Mosquito fish, Bass, Silver bream
Pomos dam: Carp, Mosquito fish, Bass, Roach, Catfish, Perch

For fishermen that prefer salt water fishing, Cyprus has over 80 different salt water fish species in the Mediterranean Sea. At most harbours one will find boats that accommodate for those who enjoy deep sea fishing. Most o these trips have a great fishing success rate. Perhaps the fish finders on board assist to the success.

One can also fish along the sea banks. No licence is needed for trolling, angling or for spear fishing without diving equipment. Regarding spare fishing there are restricted areas for public safety and also the fishermen's.

According to the Cyprus Freshwater Angling Association here follows a few rules and regulations stipulated by law.

Daily fishing times
• From one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
• The carrying of any fishing gear to the bank of the reservoirs one hour before the sunrise is prohibited.

Method of fishing
• Fishing is only allowed with the use for a fishing rod and the license entitles the holder to use only one rod and line.
• No person shall fish with a rod and line having more than one hook. A triple hook will be classed as one. When the fishing method of cast and spin is used for the fishing of predator species, the use of commercial artificial lures, which have more than one hook is allowed.
• All other methods of fishing, fishing instruments and gear, including the use of lights or lanterns or nets or chemical or other substances, are prohibited.

Fishing Quota
• For the species of Bass, Catfish, Carp and pikeperch, no person shall hold at any time during any one day, more than 10 fish or
• More than 5 fish in total, for the species of Bass, Catfish, Carp, and Pikeperch and 15 Trout.

Size Limit
• No person shall hold, at any time: Trout less than 18cm, Bass less than 25cm, Catfish less than 30cm, Pikeperch less than 30cm and Carp less than 20cm.
• The size shall be ascertained by measuring from the tip of the snout to the end of the fin.

Sale of fish
• The sale of the fish of the reservoirs without the previous permission in writing of the Director of Fisheries Services is prohibited.

Note
• Licenses are obtained at the fisheries department offices of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR).
• Licenses are personal - they cannot be shared or lent out - and are only issued to people over 12 years of age.
• The fee is CYP 10 for each reservoir separately and CYP 20 for all reservoirs.
• All licenses are valid for 1 year and expire on the 31st of December of that year.
• Short term group licenses are available.