You need a rod fishing licence to fish freshwater fish species (salmon, trout, eels, smelt and any freshwater fish with a rod and line), in England and Wales if you are 13 years old or more. Fishing without a licence attracts a fine up to £2,500.
The license is issued by the Environment Agency, and is available on the GOV.UK website. The license covers both England and Wales as well as the Border Esk (including the sections of that river that are in Scotland) and all other rivers in England (except the River Tweed).
Who needs one?
Anyone 13 and older. Under 13s don’t require a license at all. Licenses for 13-16 year olds (juniors) are free but still required and catch a lot of families off guard.
While fishing, if the carer is with the person being cared for, and the carer is not fishing themselves, then the carer will not require a licence.
It does not matter where you fish
Each time you fish freshwater in England and Wales, including private water, club water, and fisheries requiring a day ticket, you will require a rod licence in addition to your day ticket or club membership. The day ticket gives you the right to fish a particular water, the licence is separate. You will require both to fish legally.
The same is true in the other direction. A rod licence doesn’t let you fish wherever you want. You still require the permission of the land or water owner/controller.
Which licence do you need?
There are two main types.
Most anglers will buy a coarse licence. This covers non-migratory trout and coarse fish including eels. As with all rod licences, the default number of rods is 2. However, a 3-rod licence for coarse fish is available and is more popular among carp anglers.
The salmon and sea trout licence covers salmon and sea trout and also everything covered by the trout and coarse licence.
You can buy either ticket for a single day, 8-day period, or 12 month period. Prices are reviewed each April, so check GOV.UK for the most up to date cost. Discounts are available to anglers 65 years or older, and to the disabled.
Where you do not need one
No rod licence is required to fish at sea. This includes shore and boat fishing. You don’t need a licence for sea fishing. Freshwater species in the tidal part of a river are covered by licensing laws, so check before you go.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own set of rules. As such, the Environment Agency licence does not apply there, apart from the Border Esk.
Carry it with you
Licenses are sent digitally now by the Environment Agency. You can still request a card, but keep it in your phone or tackle box. Environment Agency Officers do check licences on the bank, and not having your license on you can result in a prosecution.
Freshwater fishing also has close seasons and local byelaws that the licence does not tell you about. See our guide to close seasons.