legislation · checked on 2026-10

clear rules,
peaceful fishing

License, piracema, bag limits, sizes and prohibitions, with the regulation and official link for each item. Filter by your state or basin.

state

basin or coast

Fishing rules change often and vary by state, basin and species. This summary was checked in October 2026 and does not replace the law: in case of doubt or conflict, the official text published by the federal (MPA, MMA, Ibama) and state agencies governs. When federal and state rules differ, follow the stricter one.

first of all

recreational fishing license

Every recreational or sport angler, Brazilian or foreign, in inland or marine waters. Under the MPA guide, anyone who fishes only with a handline or simple pole, with no commercial purpose, is exempt from registration and license. Several states require their own license or do not recognize this exemption (see "state").

from shore

R$20.00 per year

For people fishing without a boat: bank, beach, rocky shore, pier, jetty. Includes handline, simple pole, rod with spinning or baitcasting reel, landing net (puçá) and natural or artificial baits.

from a boat

R$60.00 per year

Allows fishing with or without a boat (sport and leisure boat). It is also the category required for breath-hold spearfishing with a speargun or crossbow.

how to get it

Log in to gov.br (bronze, silver or gold account level) and open the service "Request Recreational or Sport Angler License (Unified)". You need a CPF.
Choose the category: from shore (R$20) or from a boat (R$60). For spearfishing, choose from a boat.
Fill in the form to the end and click submit. Paying alone is not enough. Exempt applicants attach proof (retirement or age).
Pay by PIX, credit card or boleto (GRU). For the boleto, attach the receipt using the "Reply" option on your request.
When you submit, you get a provisional 30-day license. The final license is issued within 3 days (PIX or card) or within 7 days after you send the receipt (boleto). Download it under "Check requested services" on gov.br.
When fishing, carry the license (digital or printed) and an official photo ID.
Foreign national without a CPF: since November 2025, a Brazilian person can apply for the license on the foreigner's behalf by entering the passport (option "The application is for a foreigner without a CPF").
After fishing, fill in the MPA Monitoring Form by the 5th business day of the following month, with the total length of at least 5 fish of each species.

Validity: 1 year, throughout the national territory. It is not valid in places protected by federal, state, or municipal rules, and it does not replace the state license where one is required.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022 (recreational fishing rules); IN MPA nº 5/2012 (registration); Lei nº 9.059/1995 (fee exemption); MPA Recreational and Sport Fishing Guide (2025 data edition); gov.br service page

exemptions and waivers

Exemption from the FEE (the license is still required and must be issued in the system): Brazilian retirees; men over 65; women over 60 (Law nº 9.059/1995).
The exemption applies only to people fishing with handline, simple pole, or pole with a spinning reel, with single or multiple hooks. Bring proof of retirement or a document showing your age.
Exemption from registration and license: people who use only handline or simple pole, with no commercial purpose (MPA guide). Check your state's rule, which may still require a license.
Minors: the federal rule does not provide a specific exemption. Some states do: GO exempts those under 18 from the fee; PR exempts those under 16 from the license; MG exempts those under 12.

state licenses

MS · Recreational Fishing Environmental License (Imasul)

Required for fishing in the rivers of Mato Grosso do Sul, in addition to the federal license (State Decree 15.166/2019, art. 3). Issued through Imasul's Siriema/Pesca Amadora system or the MS Digital app, with a payment slip (guia) paid at a bank. There are boat, shore, spearfishing and catch-and-release options; check the prices on the website, as we have not confirmed them.

https://www.pescaamadora.imasul.ms.gov.br

MT · Recreational Fishing Card (Sema-MT)

Costs 0.5 UPF per year for people over 18 and is free, valid for 5 years, for people over 60 and retirees. According to Sema-MT (Feb 2026), the license issued by the federal government is also valid in Mato Grosso.

https://carteirapesca.sema.mt.gov.br

GO · State fishing license (Semad-GO)

Required for recreational, sport, guided and spearfishing in Goiás. Valid for 1 year, with an annual fee (State Law 13.025/1997; IN Semad 17/2026, arts. 3 and 15). Exempt from the fee but still required to obtain the license: retirees, men over 65, women over 60, Indigenous people, quilombola people, and people under 18.

https://www.go.gov.br/servicos/servico/obter-licenca-de-pesca

TO · Recreational Fishing License (Naturatins)

Issued by Naturatins, online (SIGAM) or in person, with a fee that depends on the method. Naturatins Portarias 44/2026 and 47/2026 refer to the "licensed angler." We have not confirmed whether the federal license replaces the state one: check with Naturatins.

https://servicos.to.gov.br/servico_detalhado.aspx?cod_assunto_documento_tipo=7795

MG · Recreational Fishing License (IEF-MG)

Annual state license: from a boat 27 UFEMG, from shore 12 UFEMG, and spearfishing 27 UFEMG. Exempt: under 12, retirees, men over 65, and women over 60, who must carry a document proving the exemption. Issued through the MG Pesca system.

https://www.mg.gov.br/servico/obter-licencas-para-pesca-amadora

AM · State license for recreational and sport fishing for peacock bass

State Law 6.647/2023 (art. 24) requires a license from Amazonas's environmental agency for recreational and sport fishing for peacock bass, valid only in permitted areas. Operators' boats need a Fishing Registration Certificate. Check fees and how to get it at Ipaam/Sema-AM.

http://sapl.al.am.leg.br/media/sapl/public/normajuridica/2024/13589/7208.pdf

PA · National card accepted in Pará

State Decree 5.271/2026 accepts the national card (RGP/MPA) for recreational fishing throughout Pará; we did not find a separate state license. The state has its own bag limits (see "bag limits").

https://sistemas.semas.pa.gov.br/legislacao/files/pdf/898360.pdf

PR · License required in Paraná's inland basins

Portaria IAT 650/2025 (art. 9) requires an identity document and a recreational fishing license; the federal license is accepted. Exempt: retirees, women over 60, men over 65, and anyone under 16. A person under 16 without a license has no bag limit of their own: whatever they catch counts toward the accompanying adult's bag limit.

https://celepar7.pr.gov.br/sia/atosnormativos/form_cons_ato1.asp?Codigo=7472

piracema and closed seasons

closed-season calendar
closed season Period when the law bans or restricts fishing, usually during spawning. Piracema is the closed season for river fish that migrate upstream to spawn. See what remains allowed in each rule.

Each bar is the period when fishing is prohibited or restricted. The green line is today. Tap the name to see what is still allowed.

JanFebSeaAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Spawning closure (piracema) in the Paraná River basin

SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná01/11 to 28/02

Annual closed season for the Paraná basin (Paraná River, its headwaters, tributaries, lakes, floodplain lakes and reservoirs), except Lake Paranoá (DF). Protected native species.

Allowed: Recreational fishing only for non-native species and hybrids (peacock bass, tilapia, black bass, carp, croaker, etc.; piauçu remains prohibited), with handline, simple pole, or rod with spinning or baitcasting reel, up to 10 kg + 1 fish. In rivers, from shore only; in reservoirs, from a boat or from shore. Prohibited: floodplain lakes, aquatic-animal bait, within 1,500 m of dams and waterfalls, and within 500 m of confluences. Tournaments only in reservoirs and only with non-native species.

Source: IN IBAMA nº 25/2009

Spawning closure (piracema) in Minas Gerais (state rule)

MGParanáSão FranciscoEast AtlanticSoutheast Atlantic01/11 to 28/02

Minas applies the spawning closure (piracema) from Nov 1 to Feb 28 in all basins, with rules stricter than the federal ones.

Allowed: Only exotic or hybrid species, 3 kg + 1 fish per day, with handline, rod, simple pole, or spinning or baitcasting reel. Nets prohibited. Keep the minimum distances from dams and reservoirs.

Source: Portarias IEF nº 154/2011 (São Francisco), 155/2011 (East) and 156/2011 (Grande/Paranaíba)

Closed season in Goiás (state rule)

GOParanáTocantins-AraguaiaSão Francisco01/11 to 28/02

Annual closed season in the Araguaia-Tocantins, Paranaíba and São Francisco basins in Goiás. It prohibits recreational, spearfishing, ornamental, sport, subsistence (except household consumption) and guided fishing, as well as competitions.

Allowed: Sport and guided fishing only in reservoirs, catch and release with barbless hooks (no keeping, transporting or eating). Subsistence: up to 5 kg per day, for household consumption only.

Source: IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, arts. 8º to 11

Spawning closure (piracema) in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul

MSParaguay (Pantanal)05/11 to 28/02

Annual closed season in MS, Nov 5 to Feb 28 (or Feb 29 in leap years), in rivers, bays, lakes and flooded areas connected to the rivers. In the MS part of the Paraná basin, the federal start date, Nov 1, applies.

Allowed: Subsistence fishing by riverside residents and authorized scientific fishing. Decree 15.166/2019 (art. 11, §5) allows catch and release only in February and only in the channels of the Paraguay and Paraná rivers. For the rest of the period, not even catch and release is allowed. Check the Imasul portaria for each season.

Source: Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 11; IN IBAMA nº 201/2008

Spawning closure (piracema) in Mato Grosso (all basins)

MTParaguay (Pantanal)AmazonTocantins-Araguaia01/10 to 31/01

Closed season Oct 1 to Jan 31 in MT rivers. 2026/27 season: Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 (Cepesca Resolution nº 1/2026). On border rivers, federal dates apply: Nov 5 to Feb 28 on the MT/RO and MT/PA borders and on the Paraguay border; Nov 1 to Feb 28 on the Araguaia.

Allowed: All fishing modalities are prohibited in rivers, including catch and release (Law 9.096/2009, art. 19-A). Exceptions: subsistence fishing from shore (3 kg or 1 fish, no transport or sale) and scientific fishing. Law 13.159/2025 now allows licensed sport fishing in UHE/PCH hydropower reservoirs, natural lakes and border rivers, subject to a scientific study and a license from the environmental agency. We have not confirmed whether these licenses are already being issued.

Source: IN Interministerial MAPA/MMA nº 10/2017; Resolução Cepesca-MT nº 1/2026; Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, arts. 19-A and 27 (Leis 12.434/2024 and 13.159/2025)

Spawning closure (piracema) in the Araguaia River basin

GOTOPAMTTocantins-Araguaia01/11 to 28/02

Annual federal closed season for all fishing categories on the Araguaia (GO, TO, PA and borders with MT). Within MT, the state rule applies (Oct 1 to Jan 31).

Allowed: Recreational fishing only in reservoirs, with handline, rod, or spinning or baitcasting reel. Fish may only be eaten on site, not transported. Competitions prohibited. Subsistence: 3 kg + 1 fish. State rules (GO and TO) may be stricter.

Source: IN Interministerial MPA/MMA nº 12/2011

Spawning closure (piracema) in the Tocantins and Gurupi river basins

TOPAMAGOTocantins-Araguaia01/11 to 28/02

Annual federal closed season in the Tocantins and Gurupi basins.

Allowed: Recreational fishing only in reservoirs, with on-site consumption. Subsistence: 5 kg + 1 fish. State rules may be stricter.

Source: IN Interministerial MPA/MMA nº 13/2011

Spawning closure (piracema) in Tocantins (state rule)

TOTocantins-Araguaia01/11 to 28/02

In the 2025/26 season, Portaria Naturatins 244/2025 banned all fishing modalities in all rivers and lakes in the state, and tournaments too. As of Oct 12, 2026, we have not found the portaria for the 2026/27 season: confirm with Naturatins.

Allowed: In 2025/26: catch and release with barbless hooks and recreational fishing card; subsistence fishing on foot or from a rowboat, with simple pole or handline.

Source: Portaria Naturatins nº 244/2025 (2025/26 season); INIs MPA/MMA nº 12 and 13/2011 · confirm with the agency

Spawning closure (piracema) in the São Francisco River basin (rivers and reservoirs)

MGBAPEALSEGODFSão Francisco01/11 to 28/02

Annual federal closed season in the rivers and reservoirs of the São Francisco basin. In Minas, the stricter state rules apply.

Allowed: Recreational fishing from a boat or from shore with handline, rod, spinning or baitcasting reel, up to 5 kg + 1 fish. Prohibited within 1,000 m of dams, waterfalls and rapids, and within 500 m of confluences. Floodplain lakes have a longer closed season (see next item).

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 50/2007

São Francisco: floodplain lakes

MGBAPEALSEGODFSão Francisco01/11 to 30/04

In the floodplain lakes of the São Francisco basin, the closed season runs until Apr 30.

Allowed: No fishing in the floodplain lakes during the period.

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 50/2007

Spawning closure (piracema) in the Uruguay River basin

RSSCUruguay01/10 to 31/01

Annual federal closed season in the Uruguay basin (RS and SC).

Allowed: Recreational fishing from shore, or from a boat without motor. Only handline or rod, line and hook, one gear per angler, up to 5 kg. Prohibited in floodplain lakes, within 1,500 m of dams, within 500 m of confluences, and in stretches listed in the rule (e.g., Turvo River).

Source: IN IBAMA nº 193/2008

Spawning closure (piracema) in the southern basins (RS and SC, outside the Uruguay)

RSSCSouth Atlantic01/11 to 31/01

Annual federal closed season in the southern coastal basins. Excluded: Patos Lagoon (Lagoa dos Patos), the Tramandaí lagoons, Peixe Lagoon (Lagoa do Peixe) and SC coastal lagoons, which have their own rules.

Allowed: Recreational fishing from a boat or from shore, with a single hook, one gear per angler, up to 5 kg.

Source: IN IBAMA nº 197/2008

Spawning closure (piracema) in the Southeast basins

ESMGRJSPPRSoutheast Atlantic01/11 to 28/02

Annual federal closed season in the Atlantic Southeast basins (outside the Paraná and São Francisco basins).

Allowed: In rivers, shore fishing only; in reservoirs, from a boat or from shore. Only non-native species, hybrids, and giant river prawn (camarão-gigante-da-malásia), up to 10 kg + 1 fish. Prohibited in floodplain lakes and within 1,000 m of dams.

Source: IN IBAMA nº 195/2008

Spawning closure (piracema) in the East basins

BAESMGSEEast Atlantic01/11 to 28/02

Annual federal closed season in the Atlantic East basins (outside the São Francisco).

Allowed: Same rules as the Southeast basins: only non-native species and hybrids, up to 10 kg + 1 fish; in rivers, shore fishing only.

Source: IN IBAMA nº 196/2008

Public reservoirs (açudes) in Bahia

BA01/12 to 28/02

Closed season in public reservoirs (açudes) in the state of Bahia.

Allowed: Check the rule for exceptions for recreational anglers.

Source: IN IBAMA nº 129/2006

Spawning closure (piracema) in the Parnaíba River basin

PIMACEParnaíba15/11 to 16/03

Annual closed season in the Parnaíba basin. WARNING: the text of IN MMA 40/2005 says "Nov 15 to Mar 16", but the Ibama table (updated Nov 27, 2025) shows an end date of Feb 16. Confirm with Ibama or the state agency.

Allowed: Recreational fishing from a boat or from shore with handline, rod, spinning or baitcasting reel, up to 5 kg + 1 fish per day. Prohibited within 1,500 m of dams, waterfalls and rapids. Competitions prohibited.

Source: IN MMA nº 40/2005 · confirm with the agency

Closed season in the Maranhão basins

MAWestern Northeast Atlantic01/12 to 30/03

Closed season in the Pindaré, Mearim, Itapecuru, Munim, Turiaçu, Grajaú, Balsas and other rivers, plus public reservoirs (açudes) in Maranhão.

Allowed: Recreational fishing from a boat or from shore with handline or rod, up to 5 kg or 1 fish. Transport only within the municipality. Competitions prohibited.

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 85/2003

Closed season in the Ceará basins

CEEastern Northeast Atlantic01/02 to 30/04

Prohibits mesh gear and the trade in curimatã, piau, sardine, branquinha, piaba and tambaqui in the Ceará basins.

Allowed: Recreational fishing with handline or rod is outside the prohibition.

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 04/2008

Closed season in the Rio Grande do Norte basins

RNEastern Northeast Atlantic01/12 to 28/02

Closed season for curimatã, piau, sardine and branquinha in the RN basins.

Allowed: We did not check the specific rules for recreational anglers: see the rule.

Species: curimatã, Piau, sardinha, Branquinha

Source: IN IBAMA nº 209/2008 · confirm with the agency

Closed season in the Paraíba basins

PBEastern Northeast Atlantic01/12 to 28/02

Closed season for curimatã, piau, sardine and branquinha in the Paraíba basins.

Allowed: We did not check the specific rules for recreational anglers: see the rule.

Species: curimatã, Piau, sardinha, Branquinha

Source: IN IBAMA nº 210/2008 · confirm with the agency

Lambaris in public reservoirs (nationwide)

Brazil01/11 to 28/02

Closed season for tambiú (yellowtail lambari) and redtail lambari in public reservoirs nationwide.

Allowed: No catch of these species in public reservoirs during the period.

Species: Lake tetra

Source: IN IBAMA nº 51/2004

Catfish of the Tramandaí River basin (RS)

RSSouth AtlanticSouth Coast15/12 to 31/03

Closed season for marine catfish (Genidens barbus, Netuma planifrons, Genidens genidens) in the Tramandaí River basin and estuary. White catfish (bagre-branco) is also a threatened species (EN): see "prohibitions."

Allowed: No catfish may be caught during the period.

Species: White sea catfish

Source: IN MMA nº 17/2004

Closed season in the Amazon basin in Amazonas

AMAmazon15/11 to 15/03

Annual closed season in AM for the species in Annex II of Portaria 48/2007: pirapitinga, mapará, sardine, pacu, aruanã and matrinxã. Tambaqui and arapaima (pirarucu) have their own rules (see the specific items and "prohibitions").

Allowed: Under Portaria 48/2007 (art. 2, II), the recreational angler who fishes with handline or rod, line and hook is outside the Annex II prohibitions, unless a stricter state rule applies. Recreational angler bag limit: 5 kg + 1 fish. Competitions prohibited.

Species: Red-bellied pacu, Silver arowana, Matrinxã

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 48/2007

Closed season in the Amazon basin in Acre

ACAmazon15/11 to 15/03

Annual closed season in AC for the species in Annex II: dourada, piraíba, pirapitinga, caparari, aruanã, jaraqui, mapará, sardine, matrinxã and pacu. On the Acre River, the closed season applies to all species (IN IBAMA 205/2008).

Allowed: Recreational anglers with handline or rod, line and hook are outside the Annex II prohibitions, with a bag limit of 5 kg + 1 fish, unless a stricter state rule applies. On the Acre River, no fishing of any species during the period.

Species: Gilded catfish (dourada), Kumakuma, Red-bellied pacu, Tiger shovelnose catfish, Silver arowana, Matrinxã

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 48/2007; IN IBAMA nº 205/2008 (Acre River)

Closed season in the Amazon basin in Pará

PAAmazon15/11 to 15/03

Annual closed season in PA for the species in Annex II: pirapitinga, curimatã, mapará, aracu, pacu, jatuarana, fura-calça and branquinha. In the rivers of Marajó Island the period is different (see next item).

Allowed: Recreational anglers with handline or rod, line and hook are outside the Annex II prohibitions, with a bag limit of 5 kg + 1 fish, unless a stricter state rule applies.

Species: Red-bellied pacu

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 48/2007

Closed season in the rivers of Marajó Island (PA)

PAAmazon01/01 to 30/04

A separate closed-season period applies to the rivers of Marajó Island.

Allowed: The same recreational-angler exceptions as in Portaria 48/2007 apply (handline or rod, 5 kg + 1 fish), unless a stricter state rule applies.

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 48/2007

Amazon basin closed season in Rondônia

ROAmazon15/11 to 15/03

On the Madeira River, the closed season protects pescada, surubim, caparari, pirapitinga and jatuarana. In the Guaporé-Mamoré sub-basin it applies to all species, except those listed in the rule.

Allowed: Recreational anglers with handline or rod, line and hook are outside the Annex II prohibitions, with a bag limit of 5 kg + 1 fish, unless a stricter state rule applies.

Species: Surubim-amazônico, Tiger shovelnose catfish, Red-bellied pacu, South American silver croaker

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 48/2007

Closed season in the Amazon basin in Amapá

APAmazon15/11 to 15/03

The Ibama table lists Amapá in the Nov 15 to Mar 15 closed season of Portaria 48/2007. Confirm with Ibama which Annex II species apply to Amapá.

Allowed: Recreational anglers with handline or rod, line and hook are outside the Annex II prohibitions, with a bag limit of 5 kg + 1 fish, unless a stricter state rule applies.

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 48/2007 · confirm with the agency

Closed season in Roraima

RRAmazon01/03 to 30/06

In Roraima, the Amazon basin closed season runs from Mar 1 to Jun 30 in all rivers.

Allowed: Subsistence fishing only.

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 48/2007

Border rivers MT/RO and MT/PA

MTROPAAmazon05/11 to 28/02

On the border rivers between MT and RO and between MT and PA, the federal period of Nov 5 to Feb 28 applies.

Allowed: See the exceptions in Portaria 48/2007 and the state rules for each bank.

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 48/2007

Tambaqui closed season in the Amazon basin

Amazon01/10 to 31/03

Annual tambaqui closed season across the Amazon basin. WARNING: from about Oct 25, 2026, catching wild tambaqui is banned all year across the country, as it is a threatened species (see "prohibitions").

Allowed: No tambaqui may be caught during the period.

Species: Black pacu

Source: IN MMA nº 35/2005

Arapaima (pirarucu) closed season in Amapá and Pará

APPAAmazon01/12 to 31/05

Arapaima (pirarucu) closed season. Minimum size: 150 cm.

Allowed: No arapaima (pirarucu) may be caught during the period.

Species: Arapaima

Source: IN IBAMA nº 34/2004

Arapaima (pirarucu) closed season in Rondônia

ROAmazon01/11 to 30/04

Arapaima (pirarucu) closed season in Rondônia.

Allowed: No arapaima (pirarucu) may be caught during the period.

Species: Arapaima

Source: IN IBAMA nº 34/2004 (Ibama table)

Arapaima (pirarucu) closed season in Roraima

RRAmazon01/03 to 31/08

Arapaima (pirarucu) closed season in Roraima.

Allowed: No arapaima (pirarucu) may be caught during the period.

Species: Arapaima

Source: IN IBAMA nº 34/2004 (Ibama table)

Arapaima (pirarucu) closed season in Acre

ACAmazon01/06 to 30/11

The Ibama table has two entries for Acre: Jun 1 to Nov 30 (IN Ibama-AC 1/2008) and Dec 1 to May 31 (IN IBAMA 34/2004). Together, they cover the whole year. We could not clarify this: treat arapaima (pirarucu) in Acre as prohibited and confirm with Ibama-AC.

Allowed: Do not fish for arapaima (pirarucu) in Acre without confirming the rule.

Species: Arapaima

Source: IN Ibama-AC nº 1/2008; IN IBAMA nº 34/2004 · confirm with the agency

Arapaima (pirarucu) closed season in the Araguaia-Tocantins

Tocantins-Araguaia01/10 to 31/03

Annual arapaima (pirarucu) closed season across the Araguaia-Tocantins basin.

Allowed: No arapaima (pirarucu) may be caught during the period. Outside it, TO requires between 120 and 180 cm.

Species: Arapaima

Source: IN MMA nº 24/2005

Caparari and surubim in Amazonas

AMAmazon15/11 to 15/03

State closed season for caparari and surubim in Amazonas, published by Ipaam.

Allowed: No catch of these species during the period.

Species: Tiger shovelnose catfish, Surubim-amazônico

Source: Resolução Cemaam nº 21/2015 (confirmed only by press reports) · confirm with the agency

Closed season for dusky grouper (garoupa-verdadeira)

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast01/11 to 28/02

Targeted fishing, transport, landing and sale of dusky grouper (garoupa-verdadeira) are prohibited, for all methods and vessels. Outside the closed season, only fish of 47 to 73 cm (total length). The species is Vulnerable, and the plan is under review under Portaria GM/MMA 1.666/2026 (art. 11).

Allowed: Outside the closed season, only fish of 47 to 73 cm. Grouper caught by accident during the closed season must be released alive.

Species: Dusky grouper

Source: Portaria Interministerial SG-PR/MMA nº 41/2018

Closed season for caranha, sirigado/badejo-quadrado (black grouper), garoupa-são-tomé and badejo-amarelo

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast01/08 to 30/09

Closed season for threatened reef fish whose use is regulated by the recovery plan (Portaria MMA 292/2018 and PI 59-C/2018). Period confirmed in the 2026 official closed-season calendar of Sema-BA. We could not read PI 59-C (sizes and recreational-angler rules). Black grouper (badejo-quadrado) moved to EN in the 2026 list, and the plan is under review.

Allowed: Outside the closed season, only within the plan's rules. Confirm sizes and whether recreational anglers may keep them.

Species: Cubera snapper, Black grouper, Red grouper

Source: Portaria Interministerial SEAP-PR/MMA nº 59-C/2018; 2026 closed-season calendar of Sema-BA · confirm with the agency

Snook (robalo) closed season in Bahia

BANortheast Coast15/05 to 31/07

Catching, transporting and selling snook (robalo) in Bahia are prohibited.

Allowed: No catch, transport or sale of snook (robalo) during the period. If you hook one by accident, release it immediately.

Species: Common snook, Fat snook

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 49-N/1992; 2026 closed-season calendar of Sema-BA

Snook (robalo) closed season in Espírito Santo

ESSoutheast Coast01/05 to 30/06

Snook (robalo) closed season in ES for any gear. Tournaments targeting snook are prohibited from May 1 to Aug 31. In April, July and August, only the gear listed in the IN may be used.

Allowed: No snook (robalo) may be caught during the period.

Species: Common snook, Fat snook

Source: IN IBAMA nº 10/2009 · confirm with the agency

Mullet (tainha): estuarine-lagoon mouths in the Southeast and South

ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast15/03 to 15/08

Prohibits all fishing modalities at the estuarine-lagoon mouths of the Southeast and South: up to 1,000 m out to sea, 200 m upstream, and 1,000 m along the banks. Lagoons and estuaries with their own rules are excluded. The mullet season in open sea is regulated by annual portarias for the commercial fleet.

Allowed: The IN makes an exception for cast nets (tarrafa). Outside the mouths, recreational mullet fishing follows the general rules and the minimum size (35 cm in SE/S).

Species: Lebranche mullet

Source: IN IBAMA nº 171/2008, art. 2º · confirm with the agency

Snapper closed season (North)

APPAMANorth Coast15/12 to 30/04

Snapper closed season from Amapá to the MA/PI border, beyond the 50 m isobath. Transport and sale of any volume are prohibited from Feb 16 to Apr 30. Catching is allowed only for authorized vessels (modalities 1.8 to 1.10); the portaria does not provide for recreational fishing (see "prohibitions"). Portaria MPA 755/2026 closed the 2026 snapper fishing season on Sep 19, 2026.

Allowed: Nothing for recreational anglers: snapper catching is reserved for the licensed fleet.

Species: Southern red snapper

Source: Portaria Interministerial MPA/MMA nº 66/2026 (DOU Jul 27, 2026), which repealed PI 42/2018

Closed season for red, green and painted lobsters (AP to ES)

APPAMAPICERNPBPEALSEBAESNorth CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast Coast01/11 to 30/04

Red lobster (Panulirus argus), green lobster (P. laevicauda) and painted lobster (P. echinatus), from the French Guiana border to the ES/RJ border. Fishing is allowed only from May 1 to Oct 31; landings until Oct 31. From Nov 1 to Jan 31, transport, storage, processing and sale only with a stock declaration (filed by Nov 7); from Feb 1 to Apr 30, sale in the domestic market is prohibited. Even in season, only pots (covo/manzuá) and cangalha, and diving is prohibited (see "prohibitions").

Allowed: No lobster may be caught. Sales only of declared stock, and only until Jan 31; from February to April, not even that in the domestic market.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 221/2021, arts. 8º and 9º (amended by Portaria Interministerial MPA/MMA nº 56/2026)

Closed season for Brazilian sardinella (Cabo de São Tomé/RJ to Cabo de Santa Marta/SC)

RJSPPRSCSoutheast CoastSouth Coast01/10 to 28/02

Catching Brazilian sardinella (Sardinella brasiliensis) is prohibited between parallels 22°00'S (Cabo de São Tomé, RJ) and 28°36'S (Cabo de Santa Marta, SC). Landings are tolerated only until Oct 3, and anyone transporting, storing or selling must declare the stock held on Oct 3. The rule makes no exception for recreational fishing (sardines used as bait). Year-round, sardines 17 cm or less in total length may not be caught, transported or sold (10% weight tolerance).

Allowed: No Brazilian sardinella may be caught in the area. Trade in declared stock continues, with the declaration accompanying the product.

Source: IN IBAMA nº 15/2009, art. 4º, as amended by IN SAP/MAPA nº 18/2020

Closed season for uçá crab from ES to SC (males and females)

ESRJSPPRSCSoutheast CoastSouth Coast01/10 to 30/11

Catching, keeping in captivity, transporting, processing, storing and selling uçá crab (Ucides cordatus) are prohibited in ES, RJ, SP, PR and SC, for males and females. In December the ban continues only for females (next item). Ibama in the states may set stricter rules, such as suspending catches on andada days. In the North and Northeast the closed season is different: andada windows set by ordinance each year.

Allowed: No catch during the period. Year-round, berried females, crabs with a carapace under 6 cm, and loose parts (legs, claws) may never be caught; traps, cutting tools and chemicals are prohibited (only "chuncho" and "gancho" as aids).

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 52/2003, art. 1º, I

Uçá crab from ES to SC: females protected in December

ESRJSPPRSCSoutheast CoastSouth Coast01/12 to 31/12

In December, only uçá crab females (Ucides cordatus) remain protected in ES, RJ, SP, PR and SC: catching, captivity, transport, storage and sale are prohibited.

Allowed: Males with a carapace of 6 cm or more, without traps (only "chuncho" and "gancho" as aids). A captured female must be released.

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 52/2003, art. 1º, II

Closed season for mussel (ES to RS)

ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast01/09 to 31/12

Extraction, stocking of farms, transport, processing, storage and sale of mussels (Perna perna) from rocky shores and natural beds are prohibited at any life stage in ES, RJ, SP, PR, SC and RS. Farmed mussels may be sold with an invoice and proof of origin.

Allowed: Only farmed mussels, with an invoice. Outside the closed season, the recreational angler may take from the rocks only adult mussels (5 cm or more), within the bag limit set in the specific rule (art. 6).

Source: IN IBAMA nº 105/2006, art. 3º

Shrimp in southern Bahia (Camaçari to the BA/ES border): September and October

BANortheast Coast15/09 to 31/10

Allowed: No shrimp fishing. Transport and sale only of stock declared to Ibama.

Source: IN MMA nº 14/2004, art. 1º, II

Shrimp in southern Bahia (Camaçari to the BA/ES border): April and May

BANortheast Coast01/04 to 15/05

Allowed: No shrimp fishing. Transport and sale only of stock declared to Ibama.

Source: IN MMA nº 14/2004, art. 1º, II

Shrimp from Alagoas, Sergipe and northern Bahia (PE/AL border to Camaçari)

ALSEBANortheast Coast01/12 to 15/03

Fishing for pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus subtilis and F. brasiliensis), seabob (sete-barbas, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) and white shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti) is prohibited with any gear, from the PE/AL border to the border of Mata de São João and Camaçari municipalities (BA). Since June 2026, the closed season in this area is a single period, Dec 1 to Mar 15. The old periods (Apr 1 to May 15 and Dec 1 to Jan 15), still in the Ibama table updated in Jan 2026, no longer apply in this area.

Allowed: No shrimp fishing. Transport and sale only of stock declared to Ibama.

Source: IN MMA nº 14/2004, art. 1º, I, as amended by Portaria Interministerial MPA/MMA nº 60/2026

Shrimp from Amapá to Piauí

APPAMAPINorth CoastNortheast Coast15/12 to 15/02

Trawling and artisanal fishing with any other method aimed at pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus subtilis and F. brasiliensis), white shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti) and seabob (sete-barbas, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) are prohibited, from the French Guiana border to the PI/CE border. Authorized shrimp boats may go out from Feb 16. The portaria's area includes the Maranhão sea (the Ibama table lists only AP, PA and PI); in Maranhão estuaries, the separate closed season of Jan 1 to May 31 applies.

Allowed: No shrimp fishing. Transport and sale only of declared stock. Authorized shrimp boats may fish other species with a supplementary authorization.

Source: Portaria Interministerial MDIC/MMA nº 75/2017, art. 2º, as amended by Portaria Interministerial MDIC/MMA nº 15/2018

Shrimp in the estuaries, inlets and igarapés (creeks) of Maranhão

MANorth Coast01/01 to 31/05

In the natural nursery grounds of Maranhão (estuaries, inlets and igarapés), artisanal fishing for pink, white and seabob shrimp is prohibited with any fixed or semi-fixed gear: redinha (gillnet), puçá (trawl net), furzaca, muruada and zangaria.

Allowed: No shrimp fishing with these gears in Maranhão's nursery grounds.

Source: Portaria Interministerial MDIC/MMA nº 75/2017, art. 2º, § 5º

Shrimp in the Espírito Santo sea

ESSoutheast Coast01/12 to 28/02

Closed season for pink, seabob, white, santana (red) and barba-ruça shrimp in the territorial sea and exclusive economic zone of ES. Landings are tolerated until Dec 3. Bays, estuaries and other inland waters follow their own rules (art. 19).

Allowed: Fishing white shrimp without motorized trawling remains permitted (art. 3, § 2). Minimum size for pink and white shrimp: 9 cm.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 656/2022, art. 3º

Shrimp in the sea from RJ to RS

RJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast28/01 to 30/04

Closed season for pink, seabob, white, santana (red) and barba-ruça shrimp in the territorial sea and exclusive economic zone of RJ, SP, PR, SC and RS. Landings are tolerated until Jan 30. Bays, estuaries and lagoons follow their own rules (e.g., Babitonga Bay, the southern SC lagoon complex and Patos Lagoon).

Allowed: Fishing white shrimp without motorized trawling remains permitted (art. 2, § 3). Minimum size for pink and white shrimp: 9 cm.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 656/2022, art. 2º

Shrimp in the southern Santa Catarina lagoon complex

SCSouth Coast15/07 to 15/11

Fishing for pink shrimp (Penaeus paulensis and P. brasiliensis) and white shrimp (P. schmitti) is prohibited with any method and gear in Mirim, Imaruí, Santo Antônio dos Anjos, Santa Marta, Camacho and Garopaba do Sul lagoons and their tributaries. Interministerial Portaria MPA/MMA 65/2026 kept the window: fishing is allowed only from Nov 16 to Jul 14, with cast net (tarrafa, minimum mesh 25 mm) or aviãozinho (24 mm, only for professional fishers with a special license), and shrimp of 8 cm or more.

Allowed: No shrimp fishing in the complex's lagoons; gear must be removed from fishing spots.

Source: IN IBAMA nº 21/2009; Portaria Interministerial MPA/MMA nº 65/2026, art. 3º

Shrimp in Babitonga Bay (SC)

SCSouth Coast01/11 to 31/01

Fishing for white shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti) and pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus paulensis) is prohibited inside Babitonga Bay. Landings are tolerated until the 3rd business day of the closed season.

Allowed: No shrimp fishing inside the bay. Sales only of stock declared to Ibama, or of shrimp from outside with proven origin (slip and invoice).

Source: Portaria IBAMA nº 70/2003

Pink shrimp in the Patos Lagoon estuary (RS)

RSSouth AtlanticSouth Coast01/06 to 31/01

In the Patos Lagoon estuary (from Arambaré to Barra do Rio Grande), pink shrimp fishing (Farfantepenaeus paulensis) is allowed only from February to May; it is closed the rest of the year. The rule regulates licensed professional fishing in the estuary. In RS, pink shrimp under 9 cm may not be caught, transported or sold.

Allowed: No pink shrimp fishing in the estuary during the period.

Source: Instrução Normativa Conjunta MMA/SEAP nº 03/2004, art. 2º

Croaker in the Patos Lagoon estuary (RS)

RSSouth AtlanticSouth Coast01/03 to 30/09

In the Patos Lagoon estuary (from Arambaré to Barra do Rio Grande), croaker fishing (Micropogonias furnieri) is allowed only from October to February. The rule regulates licensed professional fishing in the estuary and does not mention recreational fishing; it applies only in the estuary, not at sea or in the rest of RS.

Allowed: Outside the estuary, croaker follows the general rules. In the estuary, no croaker may be caught during the period.

Source: Instrução Normativa Conjunta MMA/SEAP nº 03/2004, art. 2º · confirm with the agency

Closed season for piramutaba trawling (AP and PA)

APPANorth Coast01/09 to 30/11

Trawling for piramutaba (Brachyplatystoma vaillantii) is prohibited from the French Guiana border to the PA/MA border. Authorized trawlers may only start fishing from Dec 1. The same rule prohibits, year-round, any motorized trawling within 10 nautical miles of the coast in this area.

Allowed: The closed season applies only to trawling. Piramutaba caught by other methods may be sold with proven origin.

Source: IN SAP/MAPA nº 6/2020, art. 2º

Snowy grouper (cherne-verdadeiro) and peixe-batata (Southeast and South)

ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast01/09 to 31/10

Closed season for fishing between 100 and 600 m depth on the Southeast and South coast, in permit modalities 1.6, 1.7, 3.10, 3.11 and 3.12 (INI MPA/MMA 10/2011), to protect snowy grouper (cherne-verdadeiro, Hyporthodus niveatus) and sand tilefish (peixe-batata, Lopholatilus villarii). Retention on board and landings only until Sep 5. Both species are Vulnerable (VU) on the 2026 list; the plan remains in force during the review (Portaria GM/MMA 1.666/2026, art. 11).

Allowed: Outside the closed season, only fish of 45 cm or more (snowy grouper) and 40 cm or more (peixe-batata). A fish caught outside the rules must be released alive.

Source: Portaria Interministerial SG-PR/MMA nº 40/2018, art. 6º

Closed season for gurijuba

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast17/11 to 31/03

Targeted fishing, transport, landing and sale of gurijuba (Sciades parkeri) and its by-products are prohibited, for all methods and vessels, in all Brazilian jurisdictional waters. Retention on board and landings only until Nov 20. The species is Vulnerable (VU) on the 2026 list; the plan remains in force during the review (Portaria GM/MMA 1.666/2026, art. 11).

Allowed: Outside the closed season, only fish of 55 cm or more. Gurijuba caught by accident must be released.

Source: Portaria Interministerial SG-PR/MMA nº 43/2018, art. 3º

Closed season for bluefish (anchova) on the southern coast (PR, SC and RS)

PRSCRSSouth Coast01/12 to 31/03

Article 4 prohibits, every year, "the catching of bluefish (anchova) on the country's southern coast." The rest of the rule covers authorized vessels (coastal purse seine and surface gillnet), which may only start fishing from Apr 1. During the period, transport and sale are allowed only for declared stock or for bluefish caught as bycatch in other authorized fisheries.

Allowed: The rule has no exception for recreational anglers. If in doubt, release any bluefish hooked during the period.

Species: Bluefish

Source: Instrução Normativa Interministerial MPA/MMA nº 02/2009, art. 4º · confirm with the agency

Closed season for oysters (SP and Paranaguá Bay/PR)

SPPRSoutheast CoastSouth Coast18/12 to 18/02

Oyster harvesting (Crassostrea spp.) is prohibited along the entire SP coast and in the Paranaguá (PR) estuarine-lagoon region.

Allowed: Outside the closed season, only oysters over 5 cm and under 10 cm in shell height.

Source: Portaria SUDEPE nº N-40/1986

Closed season for manjuba (anchovy) in Iguape and Ilha Comprida (SP)

SPSoutheast Coast26/12 to 25/01

Closed season for manjuba (Anchoviella spp.) in the Ribeira de Iguape River region, Mar Pequeno and Ilha Comprida, on the southern SP coast. The same rule defines where "manjubeira" and "corrico" nets may be used, and prohibits manjuba fishing at the Ribeira and Icapara river mouths, at Praia do Leste and at Valo Grande.

Allowed: No manjuba fishing during the period.

Source: IN IBAMA nº 33/2004, art. 7º

Manjuba in the Rio Doce and ES inland waters: April and May

ESSoutheast Coast15/04 to 15/05

Manjuba (Anchoviella spp.) fishing is prohibited in the Rio Doce and in ES inland waters. There is a second closed season, Jul 1 to Dec 31. The Ibama table describes the area as the "ES coast"; the portaria text refers to the Rio Doce and inland waters.

Allowed: No manjuba fishing during the period. Transport and sale tolerated only until Apr 15.

Source: Portaria IBAMA/SUPES-ES nº 01/1998, art. 2º · confirm with the agency

Manjuba in the Rio Doce and ES inland waters: July to December

ESSoutheast Coast01/07 to 31/12

Manjuba (Anchoviella spp.) fishing is prohibited in the Rio Doce and in ES inland waters. There is a second closed season, Apr 15 to May 15. The Ibama table describes the area as the "ES coast"; the portaria text refers to the Rio Doce and inland waters.

Allowed: No manjuba fishing during the period. Transport and sale tolerated only until Jul 1.

Source: Portaria IBAMA/SUPES-ES nº 01/1998, art. 2º · confirm with the agency

Brazilian red crab (caranguejo-real) in deep waters (19°S to 30°S)

ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast01/01 to 30/06

Industrial pot fishery for the Brazilian red crab (Chaceon ramosae) between parallels 19°S and 30°S, limited to 2 vessels and to a minimum depth of 500 m. From Jan 1 to Jun 30, fishing is prohibited at depths less than 700 m.

Allowed: Rule applies only to permitted vessels in this deep-sea fishery.

Source: IN SEAP/PR nº 21/2008, art. 2º, VII

Red crab in deep waters (south of 32°S)

RSSouth Coast01/07 to 31/12

Industrial pot fishery for red crab (Chaceon notialis) between parallel 32°S and the southern limit of the exclusive economic zone, limited to 2 vessels and to a minimum depth of 400 m. From Jul 1 to Dec 31, fishing is prohibited at depths less than 600 m.

Allowed: Rule applies only to permitted vessels in this deep-sea fishery.

Source: IN SEAP/PR nº 23/2008, art. 2º, VI

not allowed

protected species and prohibitions

Tambaqui becomes a threatened species: catching prohibited

Brazil

The new national list (Portaria GM/MMA 1.667/2026, DOU of Apr 28, 2026) classifies tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) as Vulnerable (VU). Under Portaria GM/MMA 1.666/2026 (art. 3), VU, EN and CR species receive full protection: catching, transport, storage, processing and sale are prohibited. For species that were not on the previous list, such as tambaqui, the bans start 180 days after publication (art. 12), that is, around Oct 25, 2026. Exceptions: fish from licensed aquaculture (art. 3, § 2) and incidental catch released alive immediately (§ 4). Bills in the Chamber seek to overturn the portarias (PDLs 352, 385 and 490/2026), which as of Oct 2026 were awaiting referral and have no effect. Note: outside the Amazon, tambaqui is an exotic species, and state rules (MS, GO) allow it with no limit; the federal portaria makes no such exception. If in doubt, release it and confirm with the environmental agency.

Black pacu

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026 (arts. 3º and 12) and Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.667/2026 (Annex I)

Pintado (VU): catching only within the recovery plan

Paraguay (Pantanal)ParanáSão FranciscoUruguay

Pintado (spotted sorubim, Pseudoplatystoma corruscans) has been Vulnerable since Portaria MMA 148/2022 and remains VU on the 2026 list. Use is allowed only under the recovery plan (Portaria MMA 355/2023) and PI MPA/MMA 15/2024, which sets closed seasons and minimum sizes by basin: upper Paraguay 85 cm, Paraná 90 cm, São Francisco 80 cm, Uruguay 80 cm. Because the species was already on the list, the 180-day deadline of Portaria 1.666/2026 (art. 12) does NOT apply to it: art. 11 applies, keeping the plan and rules in force during the review. As of Oct 2026, the plan was still published on the MMA website. Stricter state restrictions: MT (transport prohibited until Dec 31, 2028), PR (catch and release only) and GO (threatened species may not be caught, IN Semad 17/2026). Watch for a possible revision of the plan.

Spotted sorubim

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.667/2026; Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026, art. 11; Portaria MMA nº 355/2023; PI MPA/MMA nº 15/2024 · confirm with the agency

Piracanjuba: Critically Endangered, catching prohibited

ParanáUruguayParaguay (Pantanal)

Brycon orbignyanus is CR on the national list (Portaria MMA 148/2022 and Portaria GM/MMA 1.667/2026). Catching, transport and sale are prohibited nationwide, with no use plan. If you hook one, release it alive immediately. In PR and RS it is also listed as threatened in state rules.

Piracanjuba

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026 (art. 3º) and nº 1.667/2026

Pirá: Endangered, catching prohibited

São Francisco

Conorhynchos conirostris (pirá or pirá-tamanduá, from the São Francisco) is EN on the national list. Catching prohibited; release it if hooked.

Pirá

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026 (art. 3º) and nº 1.667/2026

Matrinchã/piabanha from the Araguaia-Tocantins (Brycon gouldingi): catching prohibited

TOGOMTPATocantins-AraguaiaAmazon

Brycon gouldingi is on the national list (EN in 2022, VU in 2026), with catching prohibited. It is NOT the Amazonian matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus, slug "matrinxa"), which is not on the list. In Tocantins it appears as "piabanha" on the prohibited fishing list (Portaria Naturatins 47/2026). IN Semad-GO 17/2026 still gives sizes for "matrinchã B. gouldingi", but the same IN excludes threatened species from catching: in practice, release it.

Piabanha-do-araguaia

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.667/2026; Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026 (Annex III, as amended by Portaria 105/2026)

Goliath grouper (mero): catching prohibited

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast

Epinephelus itajara is Critically Endangered (CR). Catching, transport, storage and sale are prohibited, with no end date. Protection began with moratoria in 2002 (Portaria IBAMA 121/2002, renewed later). It now stems from the national threatened species list. Incidental catch: release alive, with care (goliath grouper suffers from decompression).

Goliath grouper

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026 (art. 3º) and nº 1.667/2026 (CR); previously, Portaria MMA 445/2014 and 148/2022

Tarpon (camurupim): threatened species, catch and release only

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast

Megalops atlanticus is listed as Vulnerable on the national list (Portaria MMA 148/2022 and Portaria GM/MMA 1.667/2026), with no published use plan. Catching, keeping and transport are prohibited. Release the fish alive, preferably without lifting it out of the water.

Tarpon

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026 (art. 3º) and nº 1.667/2026

Miraguaia: Critically Endangered, catching prohibited

Southeast CoastSouth Coast

Pogonias courbina is CR on the 2026 list (EN in 2022, under the name P. cromis). Catching, transport and sale are prohibited. The old minimum size from IN MMA 53/2005 (65 cm) does not authorize catching.

Miraguaia

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026 (art. 3º) and nº 1.667/2026

White catfish (bagre-branco): Endangered, catching only in SP and PR at 45 cm or more

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast

Genidens barbus is EN on the national list. The recovery plan for marine catfish (Portaria MMA 127/2018) and PI SEAP-PR/MMA 39/2018 allow catching only in SP and PR waters, at a minimum of 45 cm, by artisanal fishing (boats up to 20 AB) and non-commercial fishing, respecting Portaria SUDEPE N-42/1984. In the rest of the country, catching is prohibited. The plan is under review (Portaria 1.666/2026, art. 11) and was still published on the MMA website in Oct 2026.

White sea catfish

Source: PI SEAP-PR/MMA nº 39/2018; Portaria MMA nº 127/2018; Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026, art. 11 · confirm with the agency

Black grouper (badejo-quadrado, EN) and caranha (VU): use only under the reef fish plan

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast

Sirigado or badejo-quadrado (Mycteroperca bonaci, black grouper) moved from VU to EN on the 2026 list. Caranha (Lutjanus cyanopterus, cubera snapper) remains VU. Both have recognized use under Portaria MMA 292/2018, with rules in PI SEAP-PR/MMA 59-C/2018: closed season Aug 1 to Sep 30 and sizes we could not confirm. Because the black grouper moved up a category, the plan is under review (Portaria 1.666/2026, art. 11). If in doubt, release.

Black grouper Cubera snapper

Source: Portaria MMA nº 292/2018; PI SEAP-PR/MMA nº 59-C/2018; Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.667/2026 · confirm with the agency

Snapper (pargo): fishing reserved for the licensed fleet

APPAMANorth CoastNortheast Coast

Snapper (Lutjanus purpureus, southern red snapper) moved to EN on the 2026 list. PI MPA/MMA 66/2026 allows catching only by authorized vessels in modalities 1.8, 1.9 and 1.10, with a minimum size of 35 cm (fork length) and a closed season from Dec 15 to Apr 30. The rule does not provide for recreational fishing; in practice, recreational anglers should not keep snapper.

Southern red snapper

Source: Portaria Interministerial MPA/MMA nº 66/2026; Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.742/2026 (snapper plan) · confirm with the agency

Blue marlin: threatened species, always release

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast

Makaira nigricans is VU on the 2026 list (EN in 2022). Catching and keeping are prohibited; catch and release only. White marlin (Kajikia albida), VU in 2022, does not appear on the 2026 list, and sailfish is not listed. Even so, releasing billfish is the good practice in offshore sport fishing.

Blue marlin

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026 (art. 3º) and nº 1.667/2026

Threatened sharks and rays: catching prohibited

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast

Many sharks and rays are on the national list (CR, EN or VU), with catching, keeping and transport prohibited, including those listed here. Species added to the list only in 2026 follow the 180-day deadline (until about Oct 25, 2026). If unsure of the species, release it.

Scalloped hammerhead Sand tiger shark Nurse shark School shark Narrownose smooth-hound Spiny butterfly ray Smalltooth sawfish Common sawfish Chola guitarfish Great hammerhead Smooth hammerhead Scoophead Dusky smooth-hound Narrowfin smooth-hound Spinetail devil ray Brazilian guitarfish Angular angel shark Smalleye smooth-hound Striped smooth-hound

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026 (art. 3º) and nº 1.667/2026 (Annex I)

Other threatened freshwater fish (catching prohibited)

Brazil

Freshwater species on the national list with catching prohibited that may take the sport angler's bait. Common curimbatá (Prochilodus lineatus) is NOT on the list.

Surubim-do-iguaçu

Source: Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.666/2026 (art. 3º) and nº 1.667/2026

Mato Grosso: Zero Transport for 12 species

MTParaguay (Pantanal)AmazonTocantins-Araguaiauntil 31/12/2028

Transport, storage and sale are fully prohibited for 5 years from Jan 1, 2024 for: cachara, caparari, dorado, jaú, matrinchã (Brycon spp.), pintado/surubim (Pseudoplatystoma spp.), piraíba, piraputanga, pirarara, arapaima (pirarucu), trairão and peacock bass (tucunaré, Cichla spp.). For recreational anglers: catch and release only. These 12 species may not even be eaten on site, since the 2 kg or 1 fish limit excludes the art. 19-B list. The law cites jaú as Zungaro zungaro; we also include the Pantanal jaú (Z. jahu) out of caution. The list may still change: § 2 (exotic and predatory species), § 3 (review through study) and the 3-year assessment planned for 2027. A TJMT news report of Jun 2, 2026 confirms the 12 prohibited species. The STF denied a preliminary injunction in the ADIs against the law in 2024; we found no merits ruling.

Cachara Tiger shovelnose catfish Golden dorado Gilded catfish (jaú)Jaú Matrinxã Piraputanga Spotted sorubim Surubim-amazônico Kumakuma Redtail catfish Arapaima Trairão Speckled pavon Blue peacock bass Yellow pavon One-spot peacock bass Butterfly pavon Pinima pavon

Source: Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, arts. 19-A, 19-B and 19-C, as amended by Leis nº 12.197/2023 and 12.434/2024

Mato Grosso: catching dorado and piraíba prohibited

Catching, sale and transport of dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) and piraíba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum) are prohibited in Mato Grosso. The rule is permanent, added by Law 9.794/2012, and independent of Zero Transport.

Golden dorado Kumakuma

Source: Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, art. 17-A (Lei nº 9.794/2012)

Mato Grosso: fishing for threatened species absolutely prohibited

Section 10 of art. 19-A of Law 9.096/2009 absolutely prohibits fishing for any species that is, or comes to be, on official lists of threatened or overexploited species. This covers pintado (VU) and, from about Oct 25, 2026, tambaqui.

Spotted sorubim Black pacu Piabanha-do-araguaia

Source: Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, art. 19-A, §10 (Lei nº 12.434/2024) · confirm with the agency

Mato Grosso do Sul: dorado banned until Mar 31, 2027

MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paranáuntil 31/03/2027

Catching, boarding, transport, sale, processing and industrial handling of dorado in MS are prohibited until Mar 31, 2027. Exceptions: catch and release, consumption by professional and riverside fishers, and farmed fish. Studies to support a new extension must be submitted by Feb 28, 2027, with a public hearing.

Golden dorado

Source: Lei estadual MS nº 5.321/2019, amended by Leis nº 6.190/2024 and nº 6.390/2025 (DOE-MS Mar 28, 2025)

Paraná: jaú, pintado, cachara, dorado and piracanjuba catch and release only

PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic

Possession, killing and transport of these species are prohibited in Paraná's inland waters (Paraná and Atlantic Southeast basins, except the Iguaçu River and the coast). Catch and release only, with immediate release at the same spot.

Jaú Spotted sorubim Cachara Golden dorado Piracanjuba Catfish (suruvi)

Source: Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, art. 8º, V

Goiás: threatened species excluded from catching

IN Semad 17/2026 excludes threatened species on the national list from catching; the list updates automatically with each new MMA list. In Goiás, pintado, piracanjuba, matrinchã B. gouldingi and, after about Oct 25, 2026, new species on the list may not be killed.

Spotted sorubim Piracanjuba Piabanha-do-araguaia

Source: IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, art. 2º, §2º

Tocantins: dourada and other species with fishing prohibited

TOTocantins-Araguaia

Annex III of Portaria Naturatins 47/2026 (wording from Portaria 105/2026) prohibits, at any size, dourada (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii), coroatá/surubim-chicote (Platynematichthys notatus), apple stingray (arraia-maçã, Paratrygon aiereba), rubinho (Aguarunichthys tocantinsensis), aracu-boca-pra-cima (Sartor tucuruiense), pacu-dente-seco (Mylesinus paucisquamatus) and piabanha (Brycon gouldingi).

Gilded catfish (dourada)Piabanha-do-araguaia Coroatá

Source: Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex III, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026

Amazonas: tucunaré-açu, pinima and vazzoleri catch and release only

AMAmazon

In Amazonas it is prohibited for recreational and sport anglers to kill tucunaré-açu (Cichla temensis), tucunaré-vazzoleri (Cichla vazzoleri) and tucunaré-pinima (Cichla pinima): the fish must be released alive. Commercial fishing for these three species is also prohibited. The original law (6.647/2023) banned killing all peacock bass; Law 7.208/2024 narrowed the rule to these three. The same law prohibits live bait when fishing for peacock bass (art. 17) and provides for a peacock bass closed season, still to be regulated, without preventing catch and release.

Speckled pavon Pinima pavon

Source: Lei estadual AM nº 6.647/2023, arts. 7º, 8º and 17, as amended by Lei nº 7.208/2024

Roraima: peacock bass in rivers of the lower Rio Branco

RRAmazon

Commercial and recreational peacock bass fishing is prohibited in the Água Boa do Univini, Itapará, Xeruini, Jufari and Jauaperi rivers and their tributaries. Only sport fishing, by companies licensed by Femarh with a maximum of 2 barbless hooks per bait, and subsistence fishing by riverside residents, are allowed.

Speckled pavon Blue peacock bass Yellow pavon One-spot peacock bass Butterfly pavon Pinima pavon

Source: Lei estadual RR nº 1.540/2021, amended by Lei nº 2.112/2025

Arapaima (pirarucu) in Amazonas: only in managed areas

AMAmazon

In Amazonas, arapaima (pirarucu) fishing is allowed only in authorized managed areas, with a quota. Outside them, it is prohibited year-round. Minimum size: 150 cm.

Arapaima

Source: IN IBAMA nº 34/2004; IN Ibama-AM nº 01/2005

Rio Grande do Sul: dorado, pintado and piracanjuba on the state threatened list

RSUruguaySouth Atlantic

State Decree 51.797/2014 declares as threatened in RS: dorado (EN in the Patos Lagoon basin, VU in the Uruguay basin), pintado (EN) and piracanjuba (CR). The decree itself does not set catching rules: confirm with Sema-RS whether there is a retention restriction. Good practice is to release.

Golden dorado Spotted sorubim Piracanjuba

Source: Decreto estadual RS nº 51.797/2014 · confirm with the agency

Strictly protected conservation units

Brazil

In Ecological Stations, Biological Reserves, Parks (national, state or municipal), Natural Monuments and Wildlife Refuges, only indirect use is allowed: use that involves no consumption, collection, damage or destruction. Fishing with fish retention is incompatible. Any fishing, including catch and release, depends on the management plan and the unit's authorization. In Ecological Stations and Biological Reserves, visitation is prohibited except for educational purposes. In sustainable-use units (APA, Resex, RDS), each unit's rules apply.

Source: Lei nº 9.985/2000 (SNUC), arts. 2º, IX, 7º, §1º, and 8º to 13

Guaiamum (VU): catching only in areas with a local management plan

North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast

Guaiamum (Cardisoma guanhumi) is Vulnerable (VU) on the 2026 list. Since Nov 1, 2019, catching is allowed only in sustainable-use conservation units or in areas with a formally established local management plan; outside them, it is prohibited year-round. Where allowed: carapace of 7 cm or more; only trap-type traps (ratoeira, in apicum and restinga, never in mangroves) or hand capture with grass bait; females always prohibited; no loose parts; and nothing during the andadas (7 days starting on the 3rd day after the new and full moon, from December to May in the North and Northeast, and in April and May in the Southeast). Local plans may adjust these rules. The national plan remains in force during the review (Portaria GM/MMA 1.666/2026, art. 11).

Source: Portaria Interministerial SG-PR/MMA nº 38/2018 (arts. 3º, 4º and 6º); Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.667/2026 (VU)

Lobster: only pots (covo) and cangalha; diving prohibited year-round

APPAMAPICERNPBPEALSEBAESNorth CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast Coast

Red, green and painted lobster fishing is allowed only from the French Guiana border to the ES/RJ border, only with pots (manzuá) and cangalha (square mesh of 5 cm or more), and never less than 4 nautical miles from the coast. Banned: caçoeira net, marambaia and diving of any kind; the boat must be over 4 m and may not carry compressed air. Egg-bearing lobster may not be retained and goes back alive. Minimum sizes: red lobster 13 cm tail (7.5 cm cephalothorax); green lobster 11 cm tail (6.5 cm cephalothorax). In 2026 the MPA set up a working group to propose rules for diving for lobster (Portaria MPA 621/2026); until a rule exists, it remains prohibited.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 221/2021 (arts. 4º to 7º); Portaria Interministerial MPA/MMA nº 56/2026 (arts. 12 and 13)

how much you can take

bag limits

Federal bag limit: inland and estuarine waters

Brazil · freshwater10 kg + 1 fish

Transport limit per fisher in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and estuaries. It is prohibited to transport fish cut into steaks, fillets or without the head, and the catch may not be sold. State and closed-season rules may be stricter and take precedence (e.g., MT, MS, GO, TO, PR, PA).

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022, art. 7º

Federal bag limit: marine waters

Brazil · sea15 kg + 1 fish

Transport limit per fisher for sea fishing. The same ban on steaks, fillets or fish without the head applies. Threatened species do not count toward the bag limit: they must be released.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022, art. 8º

Federal bag limit: ornamental and aquarium fish

Brazil10 individuals (freshwater) / 5 individuals (sea)

Catching and transporting ornamental species by the recreational angler, respecting prohibited species lists. It is prohibited to use an ornamental species as bait. Live fish may only be transported for ornamental purposes, as bait, or in catch-and-release competitions.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022, arts. 9º to 13

Mato Grosso do Sul: catch and release with 1 fish

MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná1 native fish (within size limits) + 5 piranhas; exotic species unlimited

Recreational fishing in MS is catch and release. You may eat at the fishing site (houseboat, lodge, inn, bank, campsite) and transport 1 native fish within the minimum and maximum sizes, plus 5 piranhas. Listed exotic and allochthonous species may be added with no limit: peacock bass, tambaqui, tilapia, black bass, carp, African catfish, corvina/pescada-do-piauí, apaiari, peixe-rei, freshwater sardine (sardinha-de-água-doce) and zoiudo. Dorado does not count toward the limit while the ban lasts (until Mar 31, 2027).

Source: Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, arts. 4º, 6º and 7º, as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020

Mato Grosso: catch and release and on-site consumption (Zero Transport)

MTParaguay (Pantanal)AmazonTocantins-AraguaiaZero transport; on-site consumption of up to 2 kg or 1 fish per angler

From Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2028, recreational fishing in MT rivers is catch and release. You may catch, kill and carry up to 2 kg or 1 fish to the place of consumption (houseboat, lodge, hotel, inn, bank, or campsite no more than 500 m from the riverbank), provided it is not one of the 12 species in art. 19-B and sizes are respected. Taking fish home and selling them is prohibited. After the deadline, the bag limit will be set by Cepesca.

Source: Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, arts. 19-A to 19-C, as amended by Lei nº 12.434/2024

Goiás: zero transport bag limit

GOParanáTocantins-AraguaiaSão FranciscoZero transport; on-site consumption up to 5 kg per angler; exotic species unlimited

For 4 years from May 28, 2026, road transport of fish caught in recreational, guided and spearfishing is prohibited in all of Goiás's basins. You may catch and consume at the fishing site (boat, campsite, rancho, bank, houseboat, riverside town) up to 5 kg per angler, respecting the minimum and maximum sizes in Annex I. Threatened species may not be caught. Exotic, allochthonous and hybrid species in Annex II (tilapia, tambaqui, tambacu, black bass, carp, African catfish, etc.) may be caught and transported with no size or quantity limit.

Source: IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026 (DOE May 28, 2026), arts. 2º and 5º

Tocantins: transport banned for 3 years

TOTocantins-AraguaiaOn-site consumption up to 3 kg; transport of only 1 native fish per angler

From Mar 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2029, it is prohibited to transport fish caught in recreational and sport fishing in the Tocantins and Araguaia river basins. Exceptions: catching and keeping for on-site consumption up to 3 kg per licensed angler, and transporting 1 single native fish. Tilapia and African catfish may be caught in any size.

Source: Portaria Naturatins nº 44/2026 (DOE-TO Mar 6, 2026); Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026

Pará: recreational angler bag limit in inland and estuarine waters

PA5 kg + 1 fish

Transport only for personal consumption, except protected species. The sport angler practices catch and release and may only eat on site. Tournaments are catch and release only. Semas may create zero-bag-limit areas.

Source: Decreto estadual PA nº 5.271/2026, arts. 7º, 12, 14 and 17

Pará: recreational angler bag limit in marine waters

PANorth Coast10 kg + 1 fish

Transport only for personal consumption, except protected species. Tournament trophies may not be transported.

Source: Decreto estadual PA nº 5.271/2026, art. 13

Minas Gerais: recreational angler bag limit

MG10 kg + 1 fish (outside the spawning closure); 3 kg + 1 fish during the spawning closure (exotic and hybrid species only)

Outside the spawning closure (piracema): 10 kg plus 1 fish above the minimum size. During the piracema (Nov 1 to Feb 28), in permitted places, only exotic or hybrid species: 3 kg plus 1 fish. The government page cites Law 14.181/2002 and IEF decrees and portarias without giving the exact article.

Source: MG government/IEF: Lei estadual 14.181/2002, Decretos 43.713/2004 and 43.854/2004, Portaria IEF 37/2003 · confirm with the agency

Paraná: bag limit in the inland basins (except Iguaçu and the coast)

PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic5 kg + 1 fish

Maximum bag limit of 5 kg plus 1 fish of permitted size, native or not. It counts everything the angler has with them at any time: at the river, at the campsite, in the vehicle or at home. The total can exceed 5 kg only if a single fish weighs more than that and is not the same species as the extra fish. Jaú, pintado, surubim or monjolo (Steindachneridion scriptum), cachara, dorado and piracanjuba: catch and release only. In federal waters (e.g., the Paraná River), federal rules apply.

Source: Portaria IAT nº 650/2025 (DOE-PR Oct 28, 2025), art. 8º

ruler in hand

minimum and maximum sizes

search species

species	minimum	maximum	where	source
Common snook Centropomus undecimalis	50 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005 (coast from ES to RS; total length)
Fat snook Centropomus parallelus	30 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005 (coast from ES to RS; total length)
Lebranche mullet Mugil liza (M. platanus)	35 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005 (coast from ES to RS; total length)
White mullet Mugil curema	20 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005 (coast from ES to RS; total length)
Whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri	25 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005 (coast from ES to RS; total length)
Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix	35 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005 (coast from ES to RS; total length)
Largehead hairtail Trichiurus lepturus	70 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005 (coast from ES to RS; total length)
Linguado Paralichthys patagonicus e P. brasiliensis (a IN não cita P. orbignyanus)	35 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005 (coast from ES to RS; total length)
Southern kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis (a IN não cita M. americanus)	20 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005 (coast from ES to RS; total length)
Dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus	47 cm	73 cm	North CoastNortheast CoastSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	Portaria Interministerial SG-PR/MMA nº 41/2018, art. 3º (replaces the 47 cm limit of IN 53/2005; closed season Nov 1 to Feb 28)
Black grouper Mycteroperca bonaci	45 cm	—	ESRJSPPRSCRSSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	IN MMA nº 53/2005, Annex I. The species has been EN since 2026 and follows the rules of PI 59-C/2018, under review: confirm before keeping
White sea catfish Genidens barbus	45 cm	—	SPPRSoutheast CoastSouth Coast	PI SEAP-PR/MMA nº 39/2018 (catch only in SP and PR; EN species)
Spotted sorubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans	85 cm	—	Paraguay (Pantanal)	PI MPA/MMA nº 15/2024, art. 4º (upper Paraguay)
Spotted sorubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans	90 cm	—	Paraná	PI MPA/MMA nº 15/2024, art. 4º (Paraná basin)
Spotted sorubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans	80 cm	—	São Francisco	PI MPA/MMA nº 15/2024, art. 4º (São Francisco)
Spotted sorubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans	80 cm	—	Uruguay	PI MPA/MMA nº 15/2024, art. 4º (Uruguay)
Jaú Zungaro jahu	95 cm	130 cm	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Cachara Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum	80 cm	120 cm	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Spotted sorubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans	85 cm	125 cm	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus	45 cm	65 cm	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Piraputanga Brycon hilarii	30 cm	—	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Flatwhiskered catfish Pinirampus pirinampu	60 cm	—	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Porthole shovelnose catfish Hemisorubim platyrhynchos	40 cm	—	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Streaked prochilod Prochilodus lineatus	38 cm	—	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Piavuçu Megaleporinus macrocephalus	38 cm	—	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Granulated catfish Pterodoras granulosus	35 cm	—	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Mandi-amarelo Pimelodus maculatus	25 cm	—	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Threespot leporinus Leporinus friderici	25 cm	—	MSParaguay (Pantanal)Paraná	Decreto estadual MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 9º (as amended by Decreto nº 15.375/2020)
Flatwhiskered catfish Pinirampus pirinampu	60 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Cachara Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (a lei cita P. fasciatum)	80 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Streaked prochilod Prochilodus lineatus	38 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Jaú Zungaro jahu (a lei cita Z. zungaro)	95 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Porthole shovelnose catfish Hemisorubim platyrhynchos	40 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus	45 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Threespot leporinus Leporinus spp.	25 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Piavuçu Megaleporinus macrocephalus	38 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Spotted sorubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans	85 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Piraputanga Brycon hilarii	30 cm	—	MTParaguay (Pantanal)	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex I, Paraguay basin (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013). Several of these species are under Zero Transport: the measure applies to catch and release and to on-site consumption
Bicuda Boulengerella cuvieri	60 cm	—	MTAmazonTocantins-Araguaia	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex II, Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013)
Payara Hydrolycus armatus	60 cm	—	MTAmazonTocantins-Araguaia	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex II, Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013)
Tiger shovelnose catfish Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum	85 cm	—	MTAmazonTocantins-Araguaia	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex II, Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013)
Gilded catfish (dourada) Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (a lei cita B. flavicans)	80 cm	—	MTAmazonTocantins-Araguaia	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex II, Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013)
Matrinxã Brycon spp.	35 cm	—	MTAmazonTocantins-Araguaia	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex II, Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013)
Surubim-amazônico Pseudoplatystoma sp.	80 cm	—	MTAmazonTocantins-Araguaia	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex II, Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013)
Red-bellied pacu Piaractus brachypomus	45 cm	—	MTAmazonTocantins-Araguaia	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex II, Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013)
Redtail catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus	90 cm	—	MTAmazonTocantins-Araguaia	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex II, Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013)
Trairão Hoplias spp.	60 cm	—	MTAmazonTocantins-Araguaia	Lei estadual MT nº 9.096/2009, Annex II, Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins (as amended by Lei nº 9.895/2013)
Golden dorado Salminus brasiliensis	60 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Spotted sorubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans	90 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Cachara Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (a IN cita P. fasciatum)	70 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Jaú Zungaro jahu (a IN cita Z. zungaro)	90 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus	45 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Piapara Megaleporinus obtusidens (L. aff. obtusidens e elongatus)	40 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Piavuçu a IN lista 'piavuçu' junto com Leporinus aff. obtusidens e elongatus	40 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Streaked prochilod Prochilodus lineatus	38 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Flatwhiskered catfish Pinirampus pirinampu	50 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Granulated catfish Pterodoras granulosus	40 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Trahira Hoplias malabaricus	25 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Threespot leporinus Leporinus friderici	25 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Mandi-amarelo Pimelodus maculatus	25 cm	—	SPPRMGGOMSDFParaná	IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, Annex (Paraná River basin; stricter state rules prevail)
Piapara Megaleporinus obtusidens	40 cm	60 cm	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
Pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus	45 cm	62 cm	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
Flatwhiskered catfish Pinirampus pirinampu	50 cm	75 cm	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
Streaked prochilod Prochilodus lineatus	38 cm	70 cm	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
Granulated catfish Pterodoras granulosus	40 cm	—	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
South American catfish Rhamdia quelen	30 cm	—	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
Trahira Hoplias aff. malabaricus	25 cm	—	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
Threespot leporinus Leporinus friderici	25 cm	—	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
Mandi-amarelo Pimelodus maculatus	25 cm	—	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
Porthole shovelnose catfish Hemisorubim platyrhynchos	25 cm	—	PRParanáSoutheast Atlantic	Portaria IAT nº 650/2025, Annex I (interior basins of PR, except Iguazu and coastal)
Golden dorado Salminus brasiliensis	60 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Dourado-do-São-Francisco Salminus franciscanus	60 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Spotted sorubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans	80 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Cachara Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (a tabela cita P. fasciatum)	80 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Piapara Megaleporinus obtusidens (L. elongatus)	40 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Streaked prochilod Prochilodus lineatus	30 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Threespot leporinus Leporinus friderici	25 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Mandi-amarelo Pimelodus maculatus	25 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Trahira Hoplias malabaricus	30 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Tabarana Salminus hilarii	35 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Flatwhiskered catfish Pinirampus pirinampu	50 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus	30 cm	—	MG	Portaria IEF-MG nº 111/2003 (IEF table)
Silver arowana Osteoglossum bicirrhosum	50 cm	65 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Flatwhiskered catfish Pinirampus pirinampu	50 cm	65 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Bicuda Boulengerella cuvieri	40 cm	55 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Payara Hydrolycus armatus	40 cm	55 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Cachara Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum (como citado)	60 cm	80 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
South American silver croaker Plagioscion squamosissimus	30 cm	40 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Threespot leporinus Leporinus friderici	25 cm	30 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Red-bellied pacu Piaractus brachypomus	40 cm	55 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Tabarana Salminus hilarii	30 cm	40 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Trahira Hoplias aff. malabaricus	30 cm	35 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Yellow pavon Cichla kelberi	30 cm	40 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Blue peacock bass Cichla piquiti	30 cm	50 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Amazon pellona Pellona castelnaeana	40 cm	55 cm	GOTocantins-Araguaia	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Araguaia-Tocantins basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Flatwhiskered catfish Pinirampus pirinampu	50 cm	65 cm	GOParaná	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Paranaíba basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus	35 cm	45 cm	GOParaná	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Paranaíba basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Piapara Megaleporinus obtusidens (L. elongatus)	35 cm	45 cm	GOParaná	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Paranaíba basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Threespot leporinus Leporinus friderici	25 cm	30 cm	GOParaná	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Paranaíba basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Tabarana Salminus hilarii	30 cm	40 cm	GOParaná	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Paranaíba basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Trahira Hoplias aff. malabaricus	30 cm	35 cm	GOParaná	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Paranaíba basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Mandi-amarelo Pimelodus aff. maculatus	20 cm	25 cm	GOParaná	IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, Annex I, Paranaíba basin (on-site consumption only; zero transport)
Arapaima Arapaima gigas	120 cm	180 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Silver arowana Osteoglossum bicirrhosum	50 cm	—	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Amazon pellona Pellona castelnaeana	30 cm	—	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Kumakuma Brachyplatystoma filamentosum	100 cm	180 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Redtail catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus	80 cm	120 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Surubim-amazônico Pseudoplatystoma punctifer	60 cm	90 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Gilded catfish (jaú) Zungaro zungaro	80 cm	120 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Oscar Astronotus ocellatus	12 cm	40 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Yellow pavon Cichla kelberi	30 cm	50 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Blue peacock bass Cichla piquiti	30 cm	50 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
South American silver croaker Plagioscion squamosissimus	20 cm	45 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Bicuda Boulengerella cuvieri	20 cm	50 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Payara Hydrolycus armatus	40 cm	—	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Trairão Hoplias curupira	50 cm	—	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Red-bellied pacu Piaractus brachypomus	50 cm	—	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Flatwhiskered catfish Pinirampus pirinampu	40 cm	60 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Porthole shovelnose catfish Hemisorubim platyrhynchos	30 cm	55 cm	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Trahira Hoplias aff. malabaricus	15 cm	—	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
South American catfish Rhamdia spp.	15 cm	—	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Tabarana Salminus hilarii	25 cm	—	TOTocantins-Araguaia	Portaria Naturatins nº 47/2026, Annex I, as amended by Portaria nº 105/2026
Silver arowana Osteoglossum bicirrhosum	50 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Flatwhiskered catfish Pinirampus pirinampu	50 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Payara Hydrolycus spp.	50 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Red-bellied pacu Piaractus brachypomus	40 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Amazon pellona Pellona castelnaeana	50 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Kumakuma Brachyplatystoma filamentosum	100 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Gilded catfish (jaú) Zungaro zungaro	80 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
South American silver croaker Plagioscion squamosissimus	32 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Redtail catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus	80 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Arapaima Arapaima gigas	150 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Surubim-amazônico Pseudoplatystoma sp. (a norma cita P. fasciatum)	80 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Blue peacock bass Cichla spp.	35 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Yellow pavon Cichla spp.	35 cm	—	GOTOPAMAMTTocantins-Araguaia	INIs MPA/MMA nº 12/2011 (Araguaia) and 13/2011 (Tocantins), minimum size annexes
Arapaima Arapaima gigas	150 cm	—	Amazon	Portaria IBAMA nº 8/1996, art. 5º (Amazon basin, except Araguaia-Tocantins)
Surubim-amazônico Pseudoplatystoma punctifer (a portaria cita P. fasciatum)	80 cm	—	Amazon	Portaria IBAMA nº 8/1996, art. 5º (Amazon basin, except Araguaia-Tocantins)
Tiger shovelnose catfish Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum	80 cm	—	Amazon	Portaria IBAMA nº 8/1996, art. 5º (Amazon basin, except Araguaia-Tocantins)

Total length (snout to tip of tail) unless the regulation says otherwise. A fish outside the size limits goes back in the water alive.

what you can use

tackle

Gear allowed for recreational anglers (federal rule)

Handline; simple pole; rod with spinning or baitcasting reel; speargun or crossbow (any propulsion and bolt); manual suction pump for bait; crab landing net (puçá-de-siri); slingshot only in floodplain lakes; natural and artificial bait. Gaff (bicheiro), landing net (puçá) and pliers only to hold the fish, not to catch it. Net or sieve up to 50 cm mouth circumference, only for ornamental species. Anything not on this list is prohibited for recreational anglers.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022, arts. 4º and 5º

Nets, cast nets (tarrafa), longlines, pots (covo) and traps: prohibited for recreational anglers

Nets of any kind, cast nets (tarrafa), longlines, pots (covo), corrals (cercado), pari and other fixed devices are not part of the recreational angler's gear. Some states expressly prohibit them, such as MS (cast nets, longlines, harpoons, arrows and any gillnet gear) and PR (unlisted gear is seized without return). Bait cast nets are for professional fishers, where the rule allows them.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022, art. 4º; Decreto MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 12, §2º; Portaria IAT-PR nº 650/2025, art. 7º

Explosives, toxic substances and electric shock

Fishing with explosives, or with substances that produce a similar effect in water, and with toxic or chemical substances is prohibited. Electrical, sound or light devices used to attract or catch fish are also prohibited (e.g., MS). Fishing with explosives or poison is an environmental crime.

Source: Lei nº 11.959/2009, art. 6º, §1º; Lei nº 9.605/1998, arts. 34 and 35; Decreto MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 12

Spearfishing: breath-hold only

Using artificial breathing apparatus (tank, hookah, compressor) for spearfishing is prohibited. The support boat may not carry compressed air, unless required by the maritime authority. On the federal license, spearfishing requires the from-a-boat category. In the Paraná basin, crossbows are allowed only for exotic and allochthonous species, and artificial lighting is prohibited. In MS, spearfishing is allowed only for exotic species.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022, art. 4º, §§3º and 4º; IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, arts. 2º and 7º; Decreto MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 4º, §5º-A

Snagging (lambada), batida and garatéia

Hooking fish on the body with garatéia (treble hook), barb or hook by jerking (lambada, batida, rela) is prohibited in the Paraná basin, in MS and in PR. In PR (Portaria IAT 650/2025): only a simple hook with a single barb, garatéia only if factory-mounted on an artificial lure, loose garatéia prohibited, no more than 3 rigs in the water per angler, and corrico prohibited. In MS, the "cavalo de pau" (spinning the boat with the motor running) is also prohibited.

Source: IN IBAMA nº 26/2009, art. 2º; Decreto MS nº 15.166/2019, arts. 4º, §7º, and 12; Portaria IAT-PR nº 650/2025, art. 6º

Minimum distances from dams, waterfalls and confluences

Paraná basin (IN IBAMA 26/2009): fishing is prohibited in floodplain lakes, within 200 m of waterfalls and rapids, within 500 m of effluent outlets, confluences and river mouths, within 1,000 m of hydroelectric dams, and within 1,500 m of fish ladders and fish-passage mechanisms. MS: 200 m from waterfalls, rapids and springs; 1,000 m from dams and heronries (ninhais). PR: 1,000 m from dams, plus bridges and culverts. Amazon basin: 200 m from waterfalls, rapids and confluences (Portaria IBAMA 8/1996). During the piracema, distances increase in several basins (e.g., 1,500 m in the Paraná and Parnaíba, 1,000 m in the São Francisco).

Source: IN IBAMA nº 26/2009; Decreto MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 10; Portaria IAT-PR nº 650/2025, art. 5º; Portaria IBAMA nº 8/1996, art. 4º; spawning closure (piracema) rules by basin

Transporting fish

Fish must be transported whole, with head and tail fin, to allow measurement and identification: steaks, fillets or headless fish are prohibited. Live fish may only be transported for ornamental purposes, as bait, or in catch-and-release competitions. Recreational anglers' catch may not be sold. Carry the license: it serves as proof of origin. MT, GO and TO have zero-transport rules (see "bag limits").

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022, arts. 6º, 12 and 13

Live bait and chum

Using ornamental species as bait is banned (federal). In Goiás (GO) it is illegal to use chum (feed, broken corn) and to use live exotic or non-native species from the basin as bait; in Araguaia-Tocantins, INI 12/2011 bans bait of exotic or non-native origin. In Paraná (PR) it is prohibited to use live non-native organisms from the basin as bait, and native fish below the minimum size. In Amazonas, live bait is banned for peacock bass fishing.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022, art. 11; IN Semad-GO nº 17/2026, art. 7º; INI MPA/MMA nº 12/2011; Portaria IAT-PR nº 650/2025, art. 6º, §4º; Lei AM nº 6.647/2023, art. 17

Boat and documents

For recreational fishing, the boat must be in the sport and recreation category and registered with the maritime authority. The operator needs a boating license (Arrais-Amador or higher). Carry photo ID and a valid fishing license.

Source: Portaria SAP/MAPA nº 616/2022, art. 17; Decreto MS nº 15.166/2019, art. 4º, §2º; Portaria IAT-PR nº 650/2025, art. 5º

good conduct

best practices

Before you go, check the basin's closed season and the state rules: when they conflict, the stricter rule applies (state or federal).
Carry your federal license and, where required, the state license (MS, GO, TO, MG), along with an official photo ID.
Measure the fish by total length, from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. If it is below the minimum or above the maximum, release it right away.
Keep retained fish whole, with head, fins and scales. Steaks and fillets during transport are subject to a fine.
Threatened species caught by accident (goliath grouper, tarpon, grouper out of size, blue marlin, sharks and rays on the list, tambaqui from October 25, 2026 on): release alive immediately.
In catch and release: use a barbless hook or crimp the barb, wet your hands before touching the fish, support the belly of large fish, don't hold them by the gills, and release them facing the current until they swim off.
Use long-nose pliers and cut the line close when the hook is swallowed deep: pulling it out kills more fish.
Deep-water fish (grouper, goliath grouper, badejo) suffer barotrauma when they come up: avoid fishing deep for fish you plan to release.
Don't use live bait from exotic species (tilapia, peacock bass outside the Amazon, etc.), and don't carry exotic fish from one place to release in another river, lake or reservoir.
Pick up lines, hooks, sinkers and packaging. Abandoned nylon line kills birds, turtles and fish for years.
Keep your distance from dams, waterfalls and fish ladders, and stay out of strictly protected conservation units.
Wear a life jacket, hold a boating license to operate the boat, and get off the water when there is lightning.
Fill out the MPA Monitoring Form by the 5th business day of the month after the fishing trip: this data helps set bag limits and closed seasons.
If you're unsure about the species, size or season, release the native fish right there, where you caught it. Exotic fish (tilapia, carp, black bass, peacock bass outside the Amazon) may be kept; in some states, such as Paraná (PR), there is a specific rule for returning them: check it.

who enforces the rules

state environmental agencies

ACInstituto de Meio Ambiente do Acre (IMAC)ALInstituto do Meio Ambiente de Alagoas (IMA-AL)APSecretaria de Estado do Meio Ambiente do Amapá (Sema-AP)AMInstituto de Proteção Ambiental do Amazonas (Ipaam)BAInstituto do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos (Inema)CESuperintendência Estadual do Meio Ambiente (Semace)DFBrasília Ambiental (Ibram-DF)ESInstituto Estadual de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos (Iema)GOSecretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente e Desenvolvimento Sustentável (Semad-GO)MASecretaria de Estado do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais (Sema-MA)MTSecretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente (Sema-MT)MSInstituto de Meio Ambiente de Mato Grosso do Sul (Imasul)MGInstituto Estadual de Florestas (IEF-MG)PASecretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente, Clima e Sustentabilidade (Semas-PA)PBSuperintendência de Administração do Meio Ambiente (Sudema)PRInstituto Água e Terra (IAT)PEAgência Estadual de Meio Ambiente (CPRH)PISecretaria do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos (Semarh-PI)RJInstituto Estadual do Ambiente (Inea)RNInstituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável e Meio Ambiente (Idema)ROSecretaria de Estado do Desenvolvimento Ambiental (Sedam)RRFundação Estadual do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos (Femarh)RSSecretaria do Meio Ambiente e Infraestrutura (Sema-RS)SCInstituto do Meio Ambiente de Santa Catarina (IMA-SC)SPSecretaria de Meio Ambiente, Infraestrutura e Logística (Semil-SP)SEAdministração Estadual do Meio Ambiente (Adema)TOInstituto Natureza do Tocantins (Naturatins)

recreational fishing license

from shore

from a boat

how to get it

exemptions and waivers

state licenses

MS · Recreational Fishing Environmental License (Imasul)

MT · Recreational Fishing Card (Sema-MT)

GO · State fishing license (Semad-GO)

TO · Recreational Fishing License (Naturatins)

MG · Recreational Fishing License (IEF-MG)

AM · State license for recreational and sport fishing for peacock bass

PA · National card accepted in Pará

PR · License required in Paraná's inland basins

closed-season calendar closed season Period when the law bans or restricts fishing, usually during spawning. Piracema is the closed season for river fish that migrate upstream to spawn. See what remains allowed in each rule.

protected species and prohibitions

Tambaqui becomes a threatened species: catching prohibited

Pintado (VU): catching only within the recovery plan

Piracanjuba: Critically Endangered, catching prohibited

Pirá: Endangered, catching prohibited

Matrinchã/piabanha from the Araguaia-Tocantins (Brycon gouldingi): catching prohibited

Goliath grouper (mero): catching prohibited

Tarpon (camurupim): threatened species, catch and release only

Miraguaia: Critically Endangered, catching prohibited

White catfish (bagre-branco): Endangered, catching only in SP and PR at 45 cm or more

Black grouper (badejo-quadrado, EN) and caranha (VU): use only under the reef fish plan

Snapper (pargo): fishing reserved for the licensed fleet

Blue marlin: threatened species, always release

Threatened sharks and rays: catching prohibited

Other threatened freshwater fish (catching prohibited)

Mato Grosso: Zero Transport for 12 species

Mato Grosso: catching dorado and piraíba prohibited

Mato Grosso: fishing for threatened species absolutely prohibited

Mato Grosso do Sul: dorado banned until Mar 31, 2027

Paraná: jaú, pintado, cachara, dorado and piracanjuba catch and release only

Goiás: threatened species excluded from catching

Tocantins: dourada and other species with fishing prohibited

Amazonas: tucunaré-açu, pinima and vazzoleri catch and release only

Roraima: peacock bass in rivers of the lower Rio Branco

Arapaima (pirarucu) in Amazonas: only in managed areas

Rio Grande do Sul: dorado, pintado and piracanjuba on the state threatened list

Strictly protected conservation units

Guaiamum (VU): catching only in areas with a local management plan

Lobster: only pots (covo) and cangalha; diving prohibited year-round

bag limits

Federal bag limit: inland and estuarine waters

Federal bag limit: marine waters

Federal bag limit: ornamental and aquarium fish

Mato Grosso do Sul: catch and release with 1 fish

Mato Grosso: catch and release and on-site consumption (Zero Transport)

Goiás: zero transport bag limit

Tocantins: transport banned for 3 years

Pará: recreational angler bag limit in inland and estuarine waters

Pará: recreational angler bag limit in marine waters

Minas Gerais: recreational angler bag limit

Paraná: bag limit in the inland basins (except Iguaçu and the coast)

minimum and maximum sizes

tackle

Gear allowed for recreational anglers (federal rule)

Nets, cast nets (tarrafa), longlines, pots (covo) and traps: prohibited for recreational anglers

Explosives, toxic substances and electric shock

Spearfishing: breath-hold only

Snagging (lambada), batida and garatéia

Minimum distances from dams, waterfalls and confluences

Transporting fish

Live bait and chum

Boat and documents

best practices

state environmental agencies

closed-season calendar
closed season Period when the law bans or restricts fishing, usually during spawning. Piracema is the closed season for river fish that migrate upstream to spawn. See what remains allowed in each rule.