UK FISHING LICENCE: By law, you need to get a rod licence permit to fish for certain coarse fishes and trout.
Rod licence rules apply to migratory and non-migratory trout, freshwater fish, salmon, eel, or smelt with a rod and line:
- Around England (excluding River Tweed Water).
- In Wales.
- In the Border Esk river region of Scotland.
This guide explains how to get a rod licence to catch freshwater fish using a rod and line in England and Wales.
In some cases you may need to upgrade the standard fishing permit to a trout licence. Different rules apply when fishing for salmon, smelt, eels, on private land, and at the locks and weirs on the River Thames.
You face prosecution if the authorities catch you angling without proper documentation. So, you must have your licence to fish with you any time your rod is out, or the line is in the water.
EA Rod Licence Rules for Juniors
Young children who are under 13 years old do not need a licence to fish. But, the person supervising them needs the proper permit to take hold of the rod or to help the child fish with it.
New EA rod licence rules came into force from the 1st of April 2017. The result is that children from age 13 to 16 get a free UK fishing licence.
Even so, they would need to get the free junior fishing licence version. The angle is to encourage more youngsters into the popular hobby sport and give it a try.
Types of Environment Agency Fishing Licence
Licence for Trout, Eel, and Coarse Fishes
This EA permit allows you to fish for non-migratory trout and all freshwater fishes. But, you can only go fishing:
- With One Rod (1): For non-migratory trouts in streams, rivers, canals, and drains.
- With One or Two Rods: For non-migratory trout in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.
- With One or Two Rods: For freshwater fishes.
Anglers can choose to buy a rod fishing licence for 12 months. It is a ‘rolling rod licence‘ lasting for 365 days and allows the use of 3 rods for freshwater fishing.
Licence for Sea Trout and Salmon
This EA rod licence allows you to fish for sea trout, salmon, non-migratory trout and all freshwater fishes. But, you can only go fishing:
- With On Rod (1): For salmon, non-migratory trout, and sea trout in canals, rivers, and streams.
- With One or Two Rods: For sea trout, salmon, and non-migratory trout in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.
- With 3 Rods (maximum): For freshwater fishing.
Note: In all situations there could be extra rules imposed on rod use at the particular place where you fish. The licence limit totals exclude spod rods and marker rods if there are no hooks attached to them.
Fishing Licence Prices 2022
Current EA Rod Licence Prices (1-day to 12-month)
| Type of Fishing Rod Licence Prices and Discounts | Price: Trout and Coarse (2-rod) | Price: Trout and Coarse (3-rod) | Price: Salmon and Sea Trout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior 12-month (age 13 – 16) | Free | Free | Free |
| 1 Day Rod Fishing Licence | £6 | N/A | £12 |
| 8 Day Rod Fishing Licence | £12 | N/A | £27 |
| Full 12-month Rod Licence | £30 | £45 | £82 |
| Seniors 12-month (over 65) | £20 | £30 | £54 |
| Disabled 12-month Concession | £20 | £30 | £54 |
Note: The disabled concession applies if you have a Blue Badge, receive DLA, or get Personal Independence Payments (any rate). Use your National Insurance number for proof of benefits claim.
Where to Buy a Fishing Licence UK
Fishing licences are available only as 1-day, 8-day, or 12-month permits. But, there are several ways to buy a fishing licence online or at the Post Office:
- Post Office Fishing Licence: In person, by phone, or buy rod licence online.
- Environment Agency Fishing Licence: Buy rod licence now or set up a yearly Direct Debit (starting any time within 90 days of purchase date). It usually takes 10 working days to receive the card.
Rod Licence Phone Number
Telephone: 0344 800 5386
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Bank holidays (1 March to 31 May)
Note: You can go fishing once you have paid for your rod licence online. But you should take your Post Office till or email receipt with you as proof of payment.
Buy a UK Fishing Licence from Abroad
You can buy the Environment Agency fishing rod license 2022 online from overseas. You should use your address in the United Kingdom for the online registration. The confirmation email is proof of purchase. It is valid if you do not receive the permit in time for your visit from abroad.
How to Change or Replace Lost Rod Licence
The Environment Agency will help if you need to change or replace your permit. The cost to replace a 12-month rod licence is £5 (£1 for child rod licence). Contact them if you:
The Environment Agency will help if you need to change or replace your permit. The cost to replace a 12-month rod licence is £5 (£1 for child rod licence). Contact them if you:
National Customer Contact Centre
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY
Environment Agency (EA)
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 03708 506 506
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Note: Not all telephone calls are free.
How to Upgrade a Rod Licence 2022
You must use the correct type of Environment Agency Rod Licence when you are angling for fish. You must not fish for sea trout or salmon with a Trout, Coarse Fish and Eel licence.
Note: You can upgrade your fishing licence by paying the difference in rod licence cost at a Post Office branch.
Rod Licence Scotland and Northern Ireland
You need a fishing rod licence UK to fish the Border Esk in Scotland and its tributaries. But, providing you have consent, you can fish elsewhere in Scotland without a permit. As a rule, you will need a licence or a permit when fishing in Northern Ireland.
Lock and Weir Fishing on the River Thames
Fishing at locks or weirs on the River Thames means you need an additional permit. The annual lock and weir fishing permit costs £31.00 for adults and £20.50 for children 12 to 16.
The same price concession applies for Blue Badge holders and the fishing licence over 60 for senior citizens. The River Thames fishing permit is permission to have another person fishing with you (3 times a year).
Freshwater Rod Fishing Rules
Do you use a rod and line for freshwater fishing in England and Wales? If so, you must comply with all national and local government bylaws.
Related Help Guides
- Countryside Code rules in the United Kingdom.
- What are the rules for hunting and shooting wildlife animals?
- UK rules for protecting rural landscapes and features.
Note: The short video titled ‘I want to fish’ contains information about the Environment Agency digital team that helps anglers buy rod fishing licences online.