If you’re fishing in England or Wales this year, you’ll need a valid fishing licence. Whether you’re float fishing a canal, targeting carp on a commercial lake, or casting a feeder into a river, the law is the same. If you’re aged 13 or over, you must have one.

Fishing without a licence can lead to fines of up to £2,500. A quick check online could save you a lot of hassle. Licences also fund restocking, habitat improvements, and anti-poaching efforts, so by getting a licence, you’re helping protect the sport’s future.

This article explains everything you need to know about fishing licences in 2025. It covers:

• Who needs a rod licence
• How much a UK fishing licence costs in 2025
• What species they cover
• How long a fishing licence is valid for
• How to buy a rod licence (including discounts)
• Closed season rules
• What can happen if you’re caught fishing without a licence
• How licence money is spent

If you’re new to angling or just want to check you’re up to date, this guide has you covered.

Who Needs a UK Fishing Licence?

You’ll need a fishing licence if:

• You are aged 13 or older
• You are fishing for coarse fish, trout, salmon, sea trout or eels
• You are fishing in England (except the River Tweed)
• You are fishing in Wales
• You are fishing the Border Esk, including stretches in Scotland
• You are fishing rivers, canals, drains, lakes, or stillwaters (excluding the Tweed)

✅ Under 13s: No licence needed
✅ Aged 13–16: Must apply for a free junior licence
✅ Aged 17+: Must purchase a licence

This applies to day ticket venues, club waters, and private lakes.

Fishing Licences in Scotland

You do not need an Environment Agency licence to fish in Scotland. Rules are completely separate from those in England and Wales.

However:

• You do need permission from the landowner or fishery
• Most salmon and trout fishing in Scotland is on private or club-controlled waters
• Day permits or club memberships are common and often required
• The closed season and legal fishing methods vary depending on the region

🎯 Always check local byelaws and obtain permission before fishing in Scotland.

Licence Types and Prices (2025)

🔄 You can upgrade your licence at any time by paying the difference.

What Does Each Licence Cover?

Trout, coarse and eel licence covers:

• Freshwater fish such as roach, rudd, perch, carp, and bream
• Non-migratory trout
• Smelt
• Eels

Salmon and sea trout licence includes:

• All of the above
• Salmon
• Sea trout

How Long Is a Licence Valid?

If you buy a 1-day or 8-day rod licence, it will expire exactly one or eight days after the selected start date. You can start your licence within 30 minutes of purchase, or select a future start date up to one month ahead.

📅 Example: Buy a 1-day licence on 1st July 2025 and set it to start on 15th July — valid until the end of 15th July 2025.

Annual rod licences used to run from 1st April to 31st March, but this is no longer the case. A 12-month licence is now valid for a full year from the time and date of purchase.

📅 Example: Buy a 12-month licence on 15th June 2025, and it remains valid until 14th June 2026.

How to Buy Your Fishing Licence

You can buy a licence online in minutes. You’ll need:

• Your full name and address
• Date of birth
• Payment details
• National Insurance or Blue Badge number (for discounts)

👉 Buy your fishing licence from GOV.UK

You can receive a digital copy via email or choose a printed version. Both are valid.

Licence Discounts and Concessions

You can get a reduced-price 12-month rod licence if:

• You are aged 66 or older
• You have a Blue Badge
• You receive PIP or DLA

🧒 Junior anglers aged 13 to 16 must still apply, but the licence is free.

To claim a discount, provide your NI number or badge details during checkout.

Closed Season Rules

The closed season applies from 15th March to 15th June inclusive on:

• Rivers
• Streams
• Drains and natural flowing waters

Fishing for coarse fish on rivers is not allowed during this time.

✅ Most stillwaters and canals remain open year-round.
✅ Always check local rules and bylaws to avoid fines.

What Rods Are Not Affected by Fishing Licence Limits?

Some rods don’t count towards your licence rod limit as long as they do not have hooks attached. These rods can be used legally without impacting your licence allowance.

The following rods are exempt from your licence rod count:

• Spod rods
• Marker rods

If you attach a hook to either of these rods (e.g. for zig fishing), they will count as a rod under your licence. Keep them rig-free, and you’re in the clear.

Fines and Licence Checks

Fishing without a licence is a criminal offence. You could face:

• A fine of up to £2,500
• Confiscation of tackle
• A court appearance

Bailiffs from the Environment Agency carry out regular checks, as do many club officials and fishery managers.

Where Does the Money Go?

Your licence fee helps fund:

• Fish restocking programmes
• River clean-ups and habitat restoration
• Enforcement against poaching
• Community and youth fishing events
• Research and fish health monitoring

You can find a report of how resources have been spent on the Gov.UK website. Buying a licence supports the sport you enjoy. It keeps waters stocked and well managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A UK fishing licence is a simple thing. It goes a long way. It protects our fisheries, funds improvements, and keeps the sport thriving. It’s also a legal requirement for anyone aged 13 or over. Getting one is easy, affordable, and smart.

👉 Get your fishing licence now