Best Fishing in Turkey: Top Spots & Seasons Guide

The Most Beautiful and Fish-Rich Places for Fishing in Turkey

A Complete Guide for Passionate Anglers

Turkey is one of the few countries where fishing is equally exciting across all regions — from the cold, fish-rich waters of the Black Sea to the warm Aegean coves and crystal-clear lakes of Eastern Anatolia. With intersecting sea currents, diverse climates and deepwater zones, Turkey is a true paradise for anglers.

We've gathered the most beautiful and productive fishing destinations, added interesting facts, tips, and the types of fish you can expect to catch.

📍 Cunda Island (Alibey) — Aegean Bays With Crystal Waters

Region: Ayvalık, Balıkesir
Fish: sea bass, bream, gilt-head seabream, bluefish, red porgy, garfish, barracuda

Cunda Island is known for its deep coves and clean waters where warm shallow areas meet cooler depths — creating ideal conditions for marine biodiversity.

Fun fact: Cunda lies within a highly oxygenated Aegean current, making it perfect for predatory species such as bluefish.

Tips:

• Best time for bluefish: September–November
• For garfish: use light metal lures
• Bream bites best early morning near rocky shores

📍 Foça — Aegean Fishermen's Favourite

Region: İzmir
Fish: seabass, mullet, sardines, dorado, needlefish

Foça is famous not only for ancient landmarks and seal islands but also for one of the most stable fishing zones in the Aegean.

Fun fact: The complex seabed forms underwater currents that bring sardines and mullet almost directly to the piers.

Tips:

• Seabass is active at night
• Dorado: best caught in rocky coves
• Mullet responds well to bread baits

📍 Lake Çıldır — The Jewel of Kars

Region: Kars – Ardahan
Fish: trout, whitefish, roach, pike (17 species total)

One of the most picturesque high-altitude lakes in Turkey, famous for winter ice fishing.

Fun fact: Winter ice thickness reaches 40–50 cm, making it one of the safest ice-fishing spots in the country.

Tips:

• Best season: January–March
• Popular techniques: ice rods & tip-ups
• Trout prefer deeper central areas

📍 The Bosphorus — Istanbul's Legendary Fishing Spot

Region: Istanbul
Fish: bluefish, horse mackerel, garfish, red mullet

Where two seas meet, strong currents form — perfect for predators. Bluefish migration makes the Bosphorus one of Turkey's most iconic fishing areas.

Fun fact: Seasonal bluefish migration passes directly through the Bosphorus, creating consistently high catches.

📍 Black Sea — Trabzon & Rize

Region: Trabzon, Rize
Fish: bonito, anchovy, horse mackerel, bluefish

The Eastern Black Sea coast is one of the richest fishing areas. In autumn, huge schools of bonito and mackerel approach the shore.

Tip: Best time: September–November — peak bonito season.

📍 Antalya — Kemer, Belek, Alanya

Region: Mediterranean Coast
Fish: mahi-mahi, tuna, sea bass, grouper

The Mediterranean is perfect for offshore sports fishing — charters go into deep waters for tuna, dorado-mahi and large grouper.

Fun fact: The Mediterranean is one of the deepest seas in the region, ideal for large marine predators.

📍 Marmaris & Bodrum — Fishing in Turquoise Bays

Region: Muğla
Fish: sea bass, dentex, mullet, dorado

A breathtaking region with clear water and diverse seabed, ideal for yacht fishing.

Tip: Best time for sea bass: night and early morning.

📍 Lake Van — A Unique Ecosystem

Region: Van
Fish: Van inci kefali (endemic), trout

A mineral-rich, alkaline lake surrounded by mountains — fishing here is a true adventure.

Fun fact: The endemic inci kefali exists only in Lake Van.

📍 Dalaman River — A Dream for Trout Lovers

Region: Muğla
Fish: trout, marinka, grayling

Fast currents and deep pools create perfect conditions for spinning and fly fishing.

📍 Manavgat River — Calm Waters & Big Carp

Region: Side, Antalya
Fish: carp, barbel, pike

Great for relaxed river fishing and ideal for families.

📍 Saros Bay — Aegean's Clearest Waters

Region: Edirne
Fish: red porgy, gilthead bream, dorado, grouper

Thanks to deep currents, Saros attracts a variety of predators — catches are often impressive.

🧭 Best Fishing Seasons in Turkey

🎣 Useful Tips for Fishing in Turkey

• Night fishing is extremely productive (especially for seabass).
• Most regions do not require a license, but protected areas do.
• Coastal towns offer boat charters for jigging, trolling and bottom fishing.
• Turkey ranks in the top 20 countries worldwide for marine biodiversity.

Important: Always check local rules and seasonal restrictions — some species are protected at certain times of the year.