Fishing rod licences in the UK (2023-2025)
In most parts of the UK, you need to buy a fishing rod licence before you go fishing. Here is what you need to know.
When do you need a fishing rod licence?
You must have a fishing 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
What are the penalties for fishing without a fishing rod licence?
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.
Do you need a rod licence when fishing in Scotland?
There are different rules for fishing in the rest of Scotland Fishing in Scotland. You do not need a licence to fish with a 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.
Do you need a rod licence when fishing in Northern Ireland?
There are specific rules about fishing in Northern Ireland.
You must have a rod licence and angling permit from a Northern Irish agency to fish in Northern Ireland.
What you need to fish legally:
To fish legally in Northern Ireland, you will need the following two items:
• a rod licence, plus
• a permit or day ticket
The rod licence is for the fishing rod and the game or coarse fish you’re allowed to catch. A permit or day ticket gives you the right to fish in a particular fishery.
A Great Britain (English, Scottish, Welsh) or Republic of Ireland fishing licence does not allow you to fish in Northern Ireland.
Find out more here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/angling-rod-licences-explained
Do children need a fishing rod licence (England and Wales)?
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. Buy via link to: https://get-fishing-licence.service.gov.uk/buy/licence-for
What other fishing licences or permissions do you need to go fishing?
Other permissions and licences you may need: You also need: permission from the landowner to fish on private land; a day ticket or club membership for waters controlled by a fishing club; an additional licence to fish in locks or weirs on the River Thames
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lock-and-weir-fishing-on-the-river-thames
Fishing Rules and Local byelaws in the UK
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.
You must follow national and local rules (byelaws) when freshwater fishing with a rod and line in England and Wales.
These rules are aimed at protecting fish stocks and making fisheries sustainable.
Freshwater fish include salmon, trout, coarse fish and eels.
Find out which rules apply to your area
England and Wales are broken down into regions that each have their own rules. National rules are included in each set of local rules.
There may also be rules for privately owned bodies of water, such as private fishing lakes.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/freshwater-rod-fishing-rules
Other fishery rules
Understand the fishing rules for the place you are fishing:
The place where you fish may have additional rules about how many rods you can use there (plus other important rules). Check your club membership book or the fishery rules where you intend to fish.
What types of fishing rod licences and rod limits are there?
1) Trout, coarse fish and eel licence
- 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.
2) Salmon and sea trout licence
This lets you fish for 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
Catch returns for salmon and sea trout
You must report a catch return every year, even if you did not fish.
Salmon and Sea Trout: Report a catch return (England and Wales).
You must report your yearly fishing activity in England and Wales if you have a salmon and sea trout licence, even if you did not fish.
More details here: https://www.gov.uk/catch-return
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)
Fishing rod licences UK go digital
The Environment Agency switches to digital licences to meet changing customer demand and reduce environmental impact.
The transition to digital licences reflects changing customer demand, while going paperless will reduce environmental impact and help the Environment Agency progress its carbon net zero targets. The money saved from printing and administration costs will be reinvested back into the fisheries service.
For members of the public who do not have easy access to digital services, the Environment Agency will be boosting their phone sales service and providing digital assistance through trained customer contact centre employees. The service has been made easier for customers to buy fishing licences on behalf of family members or friends.
Anglers can buy their fishing licence via the EA’s 24/7 online rod licencing service, or by calling the EA’s phone sales service on 0344 800 5386, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except public holidays). There will still be the option to request a paper licence if desired.
How to 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
Fishing rod licence fees 2023
- You can buy a licence up to 30 days before you want it to start.
- There are no discounted prices for a 1-day or an 8-day licence.
Buying your fishing rod licence online (England and Wales)
Buy your fishing rod licence for England and Wales via this Govt. website:
https://get-fishing-licence.service.gov.uk/buy/new
Eligibility for disabled licences
You can get a 12-month disabled licence if one of the following applies:
– you have a Blue Badge (/apply-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.
Get a junior fishing licence
You can apply online for a junior licence https://get-fishing-licence.service.gov.uk/buy/licence-for or call the Environment Agency.
Extend a fishing rod 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.
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
Licence sales and extensions
Telephone: 0344 800 5386
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (except public holidays)
(call-charges apply)
Contact the Environment Agency
enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 03708 506 506
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
(call-charges apply)
National Customer Contact Centre
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY
Fishing rod licence fee increases 2024-2025
An annual two rod coarse and non-migratory trout licence will rise from £33 from to £35.80 from 1 April 2024, with a final increase to £36.60 from 1 April 2025.
Salmon, migratory trout (sea trout) full annual licence will rise from £86.10 to £90.40 from 1 April 2024, and to £93.10 from 1 April 2025.
The additional income generated will be invested directly into England’s fisheries, improving the experience for anglers. This includes:
• Maintaining a good quality environment to ensure healthy fish stocks and habitats
• Conducting enforcement activity to deter illegal fishing and protect fish stocks
• Investing in partnership working, including attracting match funding to maximise rod licence income
• Encouraging more people to get involved in angling
• Modernising systems such as our continuous payment system and digital licencing
Rod Licences Fees 2024-2025
Find out more here: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/4187012
Do you need a rod licence for sea fishing?
Do you need a rod licence for sea fishing? Sea fishing does not require a licence. Although, in many areas, the situation is more complicated, especially for sea fishing spots that are within estuaries or along riverbanks where the dividing line between sea fishing and freshwater fishing is unclear.
You can find more information here: https://britishseafishing.co.uk/do-i-need-a-fishing-licence-for-sea-fishing/
Most content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Rod Licence Artwork
For many years, UK rod licences have displayed beautiful artwork by David Miller.
You can buy David’s stunning artwork (prints and originals) via his website:
https://www.davidmillerart.co.uk/collections/rod-licence-prints/rod-licence
Want to find great, inexpensive places to fish near you?
Canals offer excellent and inexpensive fishing throughout the country. You’ve probably got access to some cracking fishing right on your doorstep. Find out more by reading our article:
Other pages that you might enjoy:
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