Fishing Licence
Fishing Licence – Have you got yours?
If you want to go fishing then you must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales whether you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel when using a rod and line. The official website to process your Fishing Licence application is: https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences
You can buy a 1-day, 8-day or 12-month licence online. Only use the official Gov.uk site to purchase your fishing licence online.
You can also buy adult licences:
- at a Post Office
- by calling the Environment Agency
You cannot get a junior licence at the Post Office. You must apply online or over the phone.
How much does a Fishing Licence cost?
Click here for 2022 Fishing Licence Rates
Children Under 13 Years
Children under 13 are not required to have a Fishing Licence
Children 13-16 Years
Children in this age bracket are required to be in possession of a Fishing Licence, however this is FREE
16 Years +
Every body over the age of 16 must have a Fishing Licence. You can get a fine of up to £2,500 if you’re fishing and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence when asked.
Types of Fishing Licence
How many rods can I fish?
Trout, coarse fish and eel licence
This type of licence permits you to fish for non-migratory trout and all freshwater fish.
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. Please check first before fishing.
Salmon & Sea Trout
All in one Fishing Licence
Salmon and sea trout licence
The Salmon and Sea Trout licence allows you to also fish for salmon, sea trout, as well as non-migratory trout and all freshwater fish.
You are permitted to 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
One of the stipulations to this licence is that you are required to submit a catch report for the year even if you did not fish.
As with any Fishing Licence it is still best to check local rules of the the place you wish to fish as these venues may have additional rules about how many rods you can use there.
Additonal Guidelines
1. Permission Required
As well as holding a valid Fishing Licence, you are also required to attain permission from the landowner to fish on private land.
2. River Thames Locks & Weirs
It is also required to obtain an additional Fishing Licence to fish the locks or weirs on the River Thames
3. National & Local Rules
Once you have your Fishing Licence 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.
Special Offer
Get special deals on Fishing Tackle
Visit our sister site The Carp Zone for the latest deals on Fishing Tackle.
The Carp Zone
New website in development talking about anything carp related. The Carp Zone Network is the head of all our fishing related websites.
Carp Fisheries UK
Another website in development, part of the Carp Zone Network. Soon to be the goto directory for Carp Fisheries here in the UK.
www.CarpFisheries.uk
Bivvies
Comfort on the bank for short and long sessions. Links to the latest Bivvies available in the UK. Part of the Carp Zone Network.
www.bivvies.uk
Bedchairs
If your Bite Alarms keeping going off then you won’t spend much time on your bed chair. However Bedchairs are an important part of your set up on the bank.
www.BedChairs.uk