Winter for freshwater fish is a time of survival, not activity. When water temperature drops to +4°C and below, metabolism slows down severalfold in most species (russet redfish, bream, pike, roach). They gather in deep depressions in the riverbed — wintering pits where they lie in dense schools and enter a state close to anabiosis.

During this period, fish:

• Practically do not feed and do not move.
• Spend only the minimal amount of energy accumulated over summer and autumn.
• Become easy prey for any predator or poacher.

Catching even a small portion of a school in a wintering pit can lead to the death of the entire school due to disruption of oxygen levels and stress. That is why the law places these areas under special protection.

⚠️ Warning: Prohibited zones in the Stolinsk and Luninec districts

Restrictions apply throughout the country, but for residents of Polesie it is important to know specific locations. In this season's list of protected wintering pits, three key areas have been included:

• Stolinsk district: Pripyat River area in the village of [clarify village name if present in official list, otherwise keep general description] — a traditional gathering place for ruff and bream.
• Luninec district: Pond on Stviga River near [village name] — a critically important wintering point for local populations.
• Luninec district: Deep-water section of canal [river/canal name] — an artificial wintering pit created to maintain fish stocks for irrigation systems.

Important: Exact coordinates and boundaries of wintering pits are published in official lists of fishing lands. Ignorance of boundaries does not relieve one of responsibility. Before heading out onto the water, be sure to check the current prohibition map!

What lies ahead for catch-and-release fishing on "the forbidden zone"?

Fisheries protection intensifies patrols specifically from October to April. Violating the ban on fishing in wintering pits is classified as a serious administrative offense.

Responsibility under the Criminal Code of Belarus (KoAP RB):

• Fine: Up to 50 basic units for illegal catch.
• Confiscation: Fishing gear (spinning rods, poles, nets) and vessels may be seized.
• Compensation: The poacher is required to pay a fine for each caught fish. Amounts range from tens to hundreds of rubles depending on the species and size of the trophy.
• Criminal code: For significant damage or repeat violations, qualification may be made under Article 282 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

What should a fisherman do in October?

The ban on wintering holes does not mean a complete refusal to fish! Autumn is an excellent time for fishing in other areas:

• Fishing on shallows and riffles: Predators (pike, perch) feed actively before winter, hunting small fish.
• Feeder fishing on edges: Bream and roach are still feeding at depths of 3–4 meters, not reaching the wintering holes themselves.
• Spinning in small rivers: Trout and grayling in Polesian rivers are active right up until the ice forms.

The main rule of October: respect nature and the law. Give the fish a chance to survive the winter so that it can delight you with a new catch in spring.

• Where exactly is fishing prohibited in the Stolin District? Specifics for anglers

Stolinsk District is the heart of Polesie, and the Pripyat River here serves as the main artery. It is precisely on its deep-water sections that key wintering pits are located. According to current Fishing Rules and fishery protection zone lists, full prohibition takes effect from October 1st for the following locations:

1. Wintering Pit "Stolinskaya" (Pripyat) Location: The waterbody of the Pripyat River in the city of Stolinsk and immediately upstream (reference point — the area of the old bridge over the Pripyat and below until the mouth of the Goryn River). Why important: This is a classic river pit with a depth of more than 6–8 meters. Perch, bream, zander and catfish from the entire upper course of the Pripyat come here to winter. How to determine boundaries: The prohibited zone usually covers an area from 500 meters above the bridge to 300 meters below it. On the shore, informational signs with coordinates are often installed. If you see a sign "Wintering Pit" or "Prohibited Zone" — fishing is completely banned, even from the bank without gear.
2. Mouth of the Goryn River (Pripyat National Park / buffer zone) Location: The confluence of the Goryn River into the Pripyat (area of the village of Rechitsa, Olsany). Feature: Depths reach 7–9 meters due to channel erosion. This is a natural "cauldron" where fish concentrate before entering the main river pit. Nuance: This zone is located very close to the borders of the Pripyat National Park. Here control is strengthened by both fishery guards and NP park inspectors. Fishing is prohibited year-round in certain sectors, and during the wintering period (October–April) the ban extends to the entire watershed area within a radius of 1 km.
3. Pit near d. Bereshne / Hotomel Location: A section of the Pripyat between the settlements Bereshne and Hotomel. Characteristics: Deep-water pit that serves as a transit and main wintering point for migratory fish schools coming from tributaries (Stviga, Lev). Risk: Due to distance from the regional center, many anglers mistakenly consider this place "wild" and safe for fishing. However, mobile fishery guard groups most often depart to this location by boat.

⚠️ How not to make a mistake on the water? In Stolinsk District, the boundaries of wintering pits are clearly tied to geographic landmarks: bridges, tributary mouths, power lines crossing the river.

Golden rule: If the depth at the fishing spot exceeds 4–5 meters and there is no active current (surface drift) around — you are likely at the edge of a wintering pit. Move away/turn onto a shoal (depth of 2–3 meters) or onto a surface drift. There you can and should fish!

Check: Before departure, be sure to visit the website of the Stolin District Executive Committee or call the local animal and plant protection inspectorate (the duty officer's phone number can be found in the directory). Boundaries may be adjusted annually depending on hydrological conditions.