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Nagy-Pap-to is a local carp and catfish water in northern Hungary offering fair sport for UK tourists with valid state ticket and territorial permit. The lake is part of the lesser-known Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén system, less crowded than major destinations.
For anglers visiting Hungary, Nagy-Pap-tó is a lake in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county in hilly northern Hungary, covering 1.1 ha,. Expect to find carp, wels catfish, pike here.
All anglers at Nagy-Pap-tó must carry a valid catch log (fogási napló). Catches must be recorded with time, location, and weight immediately after landing. Submit the log within 30 days of ticket expiry. The HORGÁSZ app enables digital recording from April 2026.
Visiting anglers from the EU/UK can purchase a Hungarian tourist state fishing ticket at horgaszjegy.hu — the process is entirely online and the ticket is issued digitally. The tourist ticket (~€9) covers 90 days and allows one rod. Most territorial permits are also purchasable through the same platform.
Nagy-Pap-tó holds carp, wels catfish, pike, bream. A productive Hungarian freshwater fishery.
A state ticket (állami horgászjegy) and territorial permit (területi jegy) are required. Both available at horgaszjegy.hu. A catch log (fogási napló) must be completed for every catch.
Recommended methods for the species found at Nagy-Pap-tó:
Hungarian still waters respond well to classic continental tactics. Method feeder fishing with fishmeal-based groundbait and pellet hook baits produces reliable sport. Float fishing with maggot, sweetcorn or worm over groundbait works well in the margins. Pre-bait a swim the evening before for best results with bream, roach and tench.
Hungarian waters fish well year-round, with each season offering distinct opportunities:
Water temperatures rise and fish become more active after winter. Carp begin spawning from late April — respect spawning fish and move swims if needed. Zander and pike feed aggressively. The Tisza mayfly hatch (tiszavirágzás) is a spectacular natural event in May–June.
Peak season for surface and margin carp fishing. Catfish are at their most active in warm nights. Night fishing is permitted on most waters with mandatory lighting. Avoid the hottest midday hours — dawn and dusk sessions produce the best results.
Prime time for specimen carp, catfish and zander. Fish feed hard before winter. Lure fishing for pike and zander is excellent in cooling water. The catch log must be submitted within 30 days of ticket expiry — plan ahead if your ticket ends in autumn.
Fishing slows but dedicated anglers target catfish on deadbaits in deep holes, and zander on slow-jigged lures. Ice fishing is traditional on some frozen oxbow lakes — always confirm ice thickness and local rules before walking on ice.
Two permits are required: a state fishing ticket (állami horgászjegy) and a territorial permit (területi jegy) for Nagy-Pap-tó specifically. Both can be purchased online at horgaszjegy.hu.
Tourist state ticket: ~€9 / 90 days / 1 rod. Standard annual ticket: 2 rods. A catch log (fogási napló) is mandatory — record time (to the minute), location, species and weight for every catch. Submit within 30 days of ticket expiry. The HORGÁSZ app supports digital recording. Fines up to 500,000 HUF (~€1,280) for fishing without documentation.
Night fishing requires continuous lighting throughout the session. Carry printed or digital copies of this water's local fishing rules (helyi horgászrend) while fishing.
Hungary is a long journey from the UK — most dedicated carp and catfish anglers drive via the Channel Tunnel (Folkestone–Calais, ~35 min) then east through Belgium, Germany and Austria into Hungary. Flying to Budapest is faster and budget flights are available from major UK airports.
Hungarian fishing requires a national State Fishing Licence (Állami horgászjegy), plus a water-specific permit for most venues. Both can be purchased online through the HORINFO system or from local fishing shops. Tourist day/week tickets are available for many popular waters. Always carry your licence while fishing.
Hungary is one of Europe's best catfish and carp destinations. Lake Balaton is the crown jewel — carp fishing peaks from May through October, with June–August producing the most consistent sport. Wels catfish on the Tisza and Danube rivers are most active from June through September, with the biggest fish caught in the warmest months. Pike and perch are at their best in autumn (September–November) and early spring (February–April) when water temperatures drop. Zander fishing on the major rivers is excellent from October through February.
Before fishing Nagy-Pap-tó, purchase your state fishing ticket and territorial permit at horgaszjegy.hu. The HORINFO system covers most Hungarian waters and the process is entirely online. Permits are issued digitally and can be shown on a smartphone.
Hungary is approximately 913 miles from Calais — typically a 14–16 hour drive or overnight ferry + drive via Calais. The road network is excellent and many venues have fishing platforms and basic facilities.