Types of licences and rod limits

Trout, coarse fish and eel licence This lets you fish non-migratory trout and all freshwater fish. You must use your licence in one of the following ways. You can choose to fish with: 1 rod for non-migratory trout in rivers, streams, drains and canals up to 2 rods for non-migratory trout in reservoirs, lakes and ponds up to 2 rods for freshwater fish You can also buy a 12-month licence that lets you use 3 rods for freshwater fish. The place where you fish may have additional rules about how many rods you can use there. Salmon and sea trout licence This lets you fish salmon, sea trout, non-migratory trout and all freshwater fish. You must use your licence in one of 3 ways. You can choose to fish with: 1 rod for salmon, sea trout and non-migratory trout in rivers, streams and canals up to 2 rods for salmon, sea trout and non-migratory trout in reservoirs, lakes and ponds up to 3 rods for freshwater fish You must report a catch return every year even if you did not fish. The place where you fish may have additional rules about how many rods you can use there. Rods that are not affected by licence limits The following rods are not affected by licence limits unless they have hooks attached: spod rods (used to propel bait into water) marker rods (used to mark out lines)

Buy a rod fishing licence for England and Wales

You can buy a 1-day, 8-day or 12-month licence online. You’ll need: a debit or credit card your Blue Badge or National Insurance number, if you have a disability and you’re applying for a 12-month licence the other person’s details (such as date of birth), if you’re buying for someone else Your licence can start on any date within 30 days of the day you buy it. Licence prices depend on the type of fish you are fishing for and the number of rods you use. Licence type Trout and coarse up to 2-rod Trout and coarse 3-rod Salmon and sea trout 1-day £6 Not available £12 8-day £12 Not available £27 12-month £30 £45 £82 12-month - over 65 or disabled £20 £30 £54 12-month - junior (13 to 16) Free Free Free There are no discounted prices for a 1-day or an 8-day licence. You need different permissions or licences to fish in most of Scotland and Northern Ireland . Buy now Eligibility for disabled licences You can get a 12-month disabled licence if one of the following applies: you have a Blue Badge you get Personal Independence Payment (any rate) you get Disability Living Allowance Give your Blue Badge or National Insurance number (or child reference number if you’re under 16) when you apply. Other ways to buy a licence You can also buy adult licences: at a Post Office until 15 January 2023 by calling the Environment Agency You cannot get a junior licence at the Post Office. You must apply online or over the phone. Licence sales and extensions Telephone: 0344 800 5386 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (except public holidays) Find out about call charges If you have not received your 12-month licence Contact the Environment Agency if you do not get your licence within 15 working days. Environment Agency enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk Telephone: 03708 506 506 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Find out about call charges Extend a licence To change a 1-day or 8-day licence to a 12-month licence, call the Environment Agency within 14 days of buying it. You’ll need to buy a new licence but you’ll get a refund for the first one you bought. Licence sales and extensions Telephone: 0344 800 5386 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (except public holidays) Find out about call charges Replace a licence or update your details Contact the Environment Agency: if you have questions about your licence to replace a licence to update your details if you’ve changed your name or address Environment Agency enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk Telephone: 03708 506 506 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Find out about call charges National Customer Contact Centre PO Box 544 Rotherham S60 1BY

Fishing in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Fishing in Scotland You do not need a licence to fish with rod and line anywhere in Scotland apart from in the Border Esk region. You only need permission from the landowner or an angling club. As the Border Esk flows into England you need to buy a rod fishing licence for England and Wales to fish any part of it. This includes the parts of the river and its tributaries that are in Scotland. Fishing in Northern Ireland You must have a rod licence and angling permit from a Northern Irish agency to fish in Northern Ireland.

Buy a rod fishing licence

When you need a licence

You must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales if you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line in:

England (except the River Tweed)
Wales
the Border Esk region, including the parts of the river that are in Scotland

You can get a fine of up to £2,500 if you’re fishing in these areas and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence when asked.

There are different rules for fishing in the rest of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Children under 13 do not need a licence.

Licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free. You’ll still need to get a junior licence.

Other permissions and licences you may need

You also need:

permission from the landowner to fish on private land
an additional licence to fish in locks or weirs on the River Thames

You must follow national and local rules (byelaws) when freshwater fishing with a rod and line in England and Wales. There may be more rules on private land.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Buy a rod fishing licence

When you need a licence

Other permissions and licences you may need

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Buy a rod fishing licence

When you need a licence

Other permissions and licences you may need

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