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:

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.