Switzerland, a landlocked country renowned for its pristine lakes and rivers, has a modest but culturally significant fishing industry centered on freshwater species. The top fish catches include perch (Perca fluviatilis), whitefish (Coregonus spp.), trout (Salmo trutta and Oncorhynchus mykiss), pike (Esox lucius), and zander (Sander lucioperca). Fishing in Switzerland has deep historical roots, with evidence of organized fisheries dating back to the Middle Ages, particularly around major lakes such as Lake Geneva, Lake Constance, and Lake Zurich. While commercial fishing has declined due to stricter regulations and environmental concerns, recreational angling remains popular. Today, the Swiss fishing industry focuses on sustainable practices, with catches mostly supplying local markets and restaurants, and the preservation of native fish populations is a key priority.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whitefishes nei | 527 |
| 2 | European perch | 427 |
| 3 | Northern pike | 142 |
| 4 | Roach | 103 |
| 5 | Sea trout | 78 |
| 6 | Pike-perch | 29 |
| 7 | Wels(=Som) catfish | 24 |
| 9 | Freshwater gobies nei | 22 |
| 9 | Shads nei | 22 |
| 9 | Arctic char | 22 |
| 11 | Rudd | 21 |
| 12 | Rainbow trout | 19 |
| 13 | Freshwater bream | 14 |
| 15 | Common carp | 7 |
| 15 | Burbot | 7 |
| 15 | Tench | 7 |
| 17 | Barbel | 4 |
| 18 | Salmonoids nei | 3 |
| 19 | European eel | 2 |
| 19 | Grayling | 2 |
| 22 | Freshwater fishes nei | 1 |
| 22 | Cyprinids nei | 1 |
| 22 | Brook trout | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.