Do I Need a Fishing Licence?

In England and Wales, you must have an Environment Agency rod licence to fish for freshwater fish, eels or salmon and sea trout in rivers, streams, canals, reservoirs and some lakes. Only anglers aged 13 and over need one — under-13s fish free.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules. In Scotland, you need a permit from the landowner or angling club. In Northern Ireland, licences come from DAERA, or from the Loughs Agency in the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

Sea fishing (including fishing from the shore) does not currently require a rod licence in England and Wales.

The Environment Agency offers several licence options:

• 1-day licence — around £6 for adults
• 8-day licence — around £12 for adults
• Full year licence — around £30 for adults

Cheaper concession licences are available for anglers aged 66 and over and for those who receive certain disability benefits.

Junior licences for 13–16-year-olds are free, but you still need to get one.

You can buy an Environment Agency rod licence:

• Online at gov.uk — the quickest option
• By phone — call 0344 800 5386
• At a Post Office — bring ID

Your licence is sent by email and you can display it on your phone. You must have it with you whenever you fish. Bailiffs and Environment Agency officers can ask to see it.

Fishing without a valid rod licence is an offence that can result in a fine of up to £2,500. The Environment Agency and river bailiffs carry out regular checks. It is not worth the risk — licences are affordable and easy to obtain.

A rod licence does not give you the right to fish anywhere. You also need permission from whoever controls the fishing rights. This might be:

• A day ticket from the fishery owner
• A club membership if the water is run by an angling club
• A permit from a water authority if fishing a reservoir

Fishing without permission is theft of fish, which is also a criminal offence.