Fishing licence

You need a rod fishing licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line in:

  • England (except the River Tweed)
  • Wales
  • the Border Esk region of Scotland
You must always carry your rod fishing licence when you’re fishing or you could be prosecuted

You can be fined up to £2,500 for fishing without a rod fishing licence.

Children under 12 don’t need a licence.

Licences for children aged between 12 and 16 are free. You’ll still need to get a junior licence.

To purchase a licence, visit GOV.UK.