Any angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England (except the River Tweed), Wales or the Border Esk and its tributaries in Scotland must have an Environment Agency rod licence.
Money from the sale of licences helps to fund our work managing fisheries. If you are caught fishing without one, you are cheating other anglers and could be fined up to £2,500.
Remember, if you're coarse fishing with 3 or 4 rods, you need 2 licences
These licences are also available from The Environment Agency Telesales Service on 0870 1662 662, or from any Post Office in England and Wales.
What other types of licence are available?
- Concessionary licences for Blue Badge holders and people in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.
- Concessionary licences for people aged 65 or over
- Welsh/English bilingual licences
Important notice
- Children under 12 years of age do not require a rod fishing licence
- Full and Concessionary rod licences expire on 31st March
- Failure to provide a valid Environment Agency rod licence could result in prosecution (maximum fine £2,500)