Fishing without a licence: where it is legal

Holiday fishing licence (Urlauberfischereischein) without exam: people without a fishing licence are exempted on application from the licence requirement for at most 28 consecutive calendar days; it can be issued up to twice per calendar year. Issued by the higher fisheries authority in an electronic procedure, application also possible at the local public order office; an information leaflet must be confirmed as read (§ 5 Abs. 1 LFischG-DVO, framework in § 26 Abs. 5 LFischG). The regulation text contains no residence requirement. Costs from 01.01.2026 according to the state portal: online 38 euros, in person 50 euros, extension online 18 euros, in person 30 euros; verwaltung.bund.de breaks the online price down as 18 euros fishing levy plus 20 euros fee. Minimum age 12 according to verwaltung.bund.de.

Law text: LFischG-DVO § 5 Abs. 1 und § 9 Abs. 1

Under 14, no fishing licence is needed when fishing with a rod and line under the supervision of an adult holding a valid fishing licence (§ 26 Abs. 2 Nr. 6 LFischG); in that case no fishing levy either (§ 29 Abs. 2). Own fishing licence from the age of 12 after passing the fishing licence exam, valid for life (§ 26 Abs. 3). From 16, also carry official photo ID (§ 26 Abs. 1). The LFischG does not provide for a separate youth fishing licence (Jugendfischereischein) (no corresponding section found).

Law text: LFischG SH § 26 Abs. 1, Abs. 2 Nr. 6, Abs. 3

No fishing licence (Fischereischein) is needed in pond farms, in special fish production facilities and in small private waters (standing waters at a house, farmyard or business, up to 0.5 ha, without connection to open waters) under § 26 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 to 3 LFischG. In addition, under § 5 Abs. 4 LFischG-DVO no licence is needed for fishing with a rod and line at an enclosed water operated commercially for recreational fishing (angling pond); the operator must provide a supervisor (licence holder or qualified fish farmer, at least 18 years old) who ensures animal welfare, closed seasons and minimum sizes. Anyone who needs no licence under § 26 Abs. 2 LFischG is also exempt from the fishing levy (Fischereiabgabe) (§ 29 Abs. 2 LFischG). A fishing permit from the operator is a separate matter.

Law text: LFischG SH § 26 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 bis 3, § 2 Abs. 4, § 29 Abs. 2

Yes. The LFischG applies to coastal and inland waters (§ 1 Abs. 1); coastal waters are the parts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea within the state borders up to the limit of the territorial sea, including mudflats, tidal channels, harbours and the river stretches listed in the annex (§ 2 Abs. 2). The licence requirement (§ 26 Abs. 1) applies there with no coastal exemption. Exception: fishing with a rod and line from a commercial angling boat with supervision (§ 5 Abs. 4 Nr. 1 LFischG-DVO). Fishing levy: required from the age of 12 per calendar year, carry proof (§ 29 Abs. 1 LFischG); from 2026 18 euros per year (§ 9 Abs. 1 LFischG-DVO), plus fees in person and online.

Law text: LFischG SH § 1 Abs. 1, § 2 Abs. 2, § 26 Abs. 1, § 29 Abs. 1

Time-limited fishing licence (tourist fishing licence, Touristenfischereischein) without exam for up to 28 consecutive days, can be issued repeatedly in the same calendar year; by applying you commit to applying the knowledge from the brochure handed out; also available electronically (FSchVO M-V § 1 Abs. 3 and 5). Cost 24 euros (8 euros fee, 10 euros fishing levy, 1 euro brochure, 5 euros special fishing levy), electronically 23 euros, repeat issue in the same year 13 euros (FSchVO § 3 Abs. 3). Refused in case of relevant convictions (§ 1 Abs. 3 FSchVO with § 7 Abs. 4 to 6 LFischG). No residence requirement in the wording. Minimum age 14 according to the FIM service description. Visiting anglers with a fishing licence from another German state or a state-issued foreign licence are treated equally as long as their main residence is not in M-V (§ 7 Abs. 8 LFischG); they pay the M-V fishing levy (FSchVO § 3 Abs. 2a).

Law text: FSchVO M-V § 1 Abs. 3 und 5, § 3 Abs. 1, 2a, 3

The fishing licence requirement only starts at the age of 14 (§ 7 Abs. 1 LFischG M-V); the act contains no supervision requirement for younger children. Under 14, no fishing levy either (§ 9 Abs. 1 Satz 2). According to the LALLF brochure, children up to 14 may fish on their own without a fishing licence but with their own fishing permit, or fish under the supervision of an adult within that adult's permit. A lifetime fishing licence after an exam is possible from the age of 10 (§ 7 Abs. 3 Nr. 1). Under 16, carry official photo ID or a student ID alongside the licence (§ 7 Abs. 1 Satz 3).

Law text: LFischG M-V § 7 Abs. 1 und 3, § 9 Abs. 1

No exception. Among others, §§ 7 to 12 LFischG M-V apply to pond farming, fish keeping and fish breeding facilities (enclosures and artificially created, drainable waters for controlled rearing), and therefore so does the fishing licence requirement from age 14 (§ 1 Abs. 1 Satz 3 and Abs. 5, § 7 Abs. 1). The act does not apply only to intensive fish farming in closed recirculation systems (§ 1 Abs. 1 Satz 2, Abs. 4). The FSchVO M-V contains no angling pond exception. A fishing permit (Fischereierlaubnis) from the rights holder is always needed as well (§ 6).

Law text: LFischG M-V § 1 Abs. 1, 4, 5

Yes. The LFischG M-V applies to coastal waters (Baltic Sea within the state borders including sounds, Bodden lagoons, Haffe lagoons, Achterwasser and Peenestrom, § 1 Abs. 2); the fishing licence requirement from 14 (§ 7 Abs. 1) has no coastal exemption. A fishing permit (Fischereierlaubnis) is also needed (§ 6); the fishing rights in coastal waters belong to the state (§ 4 Abs. 2), and KüFVO § 9 applies to these permits. According to the FIM text, the fishing permit for coastal waters is issued by LALLF as the higher fisheries authority. Fishing levy: 10 euros per calendar year or part thereof (§ 9 LFischG, FSchVO § 3 Abs. 1).

Law text: LFischG M-V § 1 Abs. 2, § 4 Abs. 2, § 6, § 7 Abs. 1, § 9

No fishing licence needed for anglers without a main residence in Germany who stay in Brandenburg only for short periods of a calendar year; the exemption applies to fishing with angling gear (not just coarse fish). They are not exempt from the fishing levy. According to the ministry, carry: proof card with fishing levy stamp, fishing permit, passport or identity card. Levy 12 euros per calendar year or 40 euros for five years. Guests from other German states: their home state's fishing licence is valid; anyone who has paid the levy there and has no main residence in Brandenburg is exempt from the Brandenburg levy.

Law text: BbgFischG § 17 Abs. 4 Nr. 5, § 17 Abs. 5, § 22 Abs. 4 Nr. 1

Anyone who has reached the age of 8 may fish. Younger children may fish with a coarse fishing rod (one single hook) under the constant, direct supervision of an adult entitled to fish, within that adult's fishing permit; using a landing net, unhooking, stunning and killing are forbidden for them. From 8, a youth fishing licence (Jugendfischereischein) is available on application (valid until 18) for the coarse fishing rod. Under 14, no fishing levy. The regular fishing licence is only available from 14.

Law text: BbgFischG § 18 Abs. 1, § 17 Abs. 6, § 22 Abs. 4 Nr. 3, § 20 Abs. 1

No fishing licence is required for people who fish in managed pond farming facilities or other fishery facilities by means other than a predator fishing rod (Raubfischhandangel). With a predator rod (e.g. spinning rod, several hooks) you therefore need a fishing licence even at a trout lake. The fishing levy (§ 22 BbgFischG) is not waived for pond facilities in § 2 Abs. 2 BbgFischG.

Law text: BbgFischO § 26a Abs. 3

No fishing licence is required for fishing with a coarse fishing rod, for all age groups. Coarse fishing rod (Friedfischhandangel): rod with only one single-shank hook, animal or plant bait (a Hegene rig in vendace waters also counts as a coarse fishing rod). Required: fishing permit and, from 14, proof of the fishing levy.

Law text: BbgFischG § 17 Abs. 4 Nr. 4, § 18 Abs. 2, § 22 Abs. 4 Nr. 3

Quarterly fishing licence (Vierteljahresfischereischein) for three months (§ 28 Satz 1 Nr. 5 ThürFischG), without the fishing exam (§ 29 Abs. 2 Nr. 3), for people from the age of 14, only for fishing with a rod and line, 'only once per calendar year per person' (§ 35 Abs. 1 and 2 ThürFischAVO). Without a photo it is only valid together with an official identity document (§ 26 Abs. 2 ThürFischG). Costs: 10 euros fee plus 15 euros fishing levy (§ 37 Abs. 1 Nr. 6 and Abs. 2 Nr. 6 ThürFischAVO). Apply to the municipality of residence, or without residence in Thuringia to the municipality where you want to fish (§ 30 ThürFischG). The licence is open to everyone, not just tourists. In addition: anyone without residence in Germany who holds a foreign fishing licence can receive an annual fishing licence (Jahresfischereischein) without exam by way of exception (§ 29 Abs. 3 ThürFischG, discretionary rule).

Law text: ThürFischG § 26 Abs. 2, § 28 Satz 1 Nr. 5, § 29 Abs. 2 Nr. 3 und Abs. 3, § 30

People from the age of 8 until their 14th birthday receive the fishing licence only as a youth fishing licence (Jugendfischereischein) (§ 27 Abs. 1, § 28 Satz 1 Nr. 4 ThürFischG), without the fishing exam (§ 29 Abs. 2 Nr. 2). Until 14 they may only fish accompanied by an adult licence holder; a holder of a quarterly licence is not sufficient as a companion; anyone who has passed the exam is exempt from the accompaniment requirement (§ 27 Abs. 2). Costs: 5 euros fee plus 7 euros fishing levy (§ 37 ThürFischAVO). From 14, the exam requirement or the quarterly fishing licence applies. Admission to the exam from the age of 10 (§ 30 Abs. 6 Nr. 1 ThürFischAVO).

Law text: ThürFischG § 27, § 28 Satz 1 Nr. 4, § 29 Abs. 2 Nr. 2

No exception found. The ThürFischG expressly also applies to all artificially created, drainable waters as well as enclosed fish ponds and fish tanks (§ 1 Abs. 1 Nr. 2). Only 'small ponds in house and garden areas not used for fishing' without connection to other waters are excluded (§ 1 Abs. 2). Anyone fishing must carry a fishing licence (§ 26 Abs. 1); the helper exemption does not apply to fishing with a rod and line (§ 26 Abs. 3 Satz 2). Angling ponds and trout lakes: fishing licence required; without an exam, the quarterly fishing licence (Vierteljahresfischereischein) is an option.

Law text: Thüringer Fischereigesetz

Confirmed: adults who are only temporarily in Germany and do not establish residence here receive a fishing licence without exam (§ 3 Satz 1 Nr. 1 AVBayFiG). The licence is valid for one year, 'limited to at most three months chosen by the applicant' (annual fishing licence, Jahresfischereischein, § 3 Satz 2 Nr. 1). Fishing levy for it 15 euros (§ 9 Abs. 3 AVBayFiG), fee 7.50 euros according to BayernPortal. Such time-limited licences from other German states issued without exam to people with residence in Germany are not valid in Bavaria (§ 2 Abs. 1 Satz 2 Nr. 2 AVBayFiG).

Law text: AVBayFiG § 3 Satz 1 Nr. 1 und Satz 2 Nr. 1, § 9 Abs. 3, § 2 Abs. 1

The youth fishing licence (Jugendfischereischein) no longer exists. Children and young people aged 7 to 17 (from their 7th birthday until their 18th birthday) may only fish 'responsibly accompanied by an adult holder of a fishing licence' (Art. 47 Abs. 2 Satz 1 BayFiG). According to BayernPortal they need no licence of their own for this and pay no fishing levy, but a fishing permit for the water is required. After passing the exam (participation from 12, Art. 48 Satz 2) a lifetime fishing licence is available from 14 (Art. 47 Abs. 3). Under 7: no rule found.

Law text: BayFiG Art. 47 Abs. 2 und 3, Art. 48 Satz 2

No exception for angling. Anyone fishing with a rod and line also needs a fishing licence in ponds, fish farms and pond facilities. Under Art. 46 Abs. 2 Nr. 2 BayFiG, only those fishing 'by means other than a rod and line' in enclosed waters under Art. 2 Nr. 1 and 2 are exempt (artificially created, drainable, enclosed fish ponds and fish tanks as well as breeding channels). For gravel pit lakes without connection (Art. 2 Nr. 3) there is no exemption at all. Angling ponds and trout lakes: fishing licence required.

Law text: Bayerisches Fischereigesetz

Proof of competence is waived for 'persons staying in the Federal Republic of Germany for no longer than one month' (§ 14 Abs. 3 Nr. 3 LFischVO). Without proof of competence the licence is issued as an annual fishing licence (Jahresfischereischein) for one calendar year (§ 31 Abs. 6 FischG). The state's FIM service description says: holidaymakers from abroad receive a fishing licence without proof of competence for four weeks within a calendar year. Costs: fishing levy 12 euros per calendar year, charged together with the fee for the annual fishing licence (§ 12 LFischVO); the fee is set by the municipality.

Law text: LFischVO § 14 Abs. 3 Nr. 3 und § 12

Youth fishing licence (Jugendfischereischein) without proficiency exam for people who have reached the age of 7 but not yet 16 (§ 32 Abs. 1 FischG). It is valid until the end of the calendar year in which you turn 16 and only entitles you to fish 'under the supervision of a person at least eighteen years old who holds a valid fishing licence' (§ 32 Abs. 2). No licence is issued under 7 (§ 33 Abs. 1 Nr. 1). Fishing exam from the age of 10 (§ 15 Abs. 2 LFischVO). For the youth fishing licence, according to service-bw/FIM, no fishing levy is charged and parental consent is required.

Law text: FischG BW § 32 Abs. 1 und 2, § 33 Abs. 1 Nr. 1

Under § 1 Abs. 2 Satz 1 FischG, only §§ 3 to 12, 14 Abs. 2, 15, 16, 38, 39, 44, 45, 50 and 51 apply to 'managed pond farming and fish breeding facilities'; § 31 (fishing licence requirement) is not among them. According to the wording, the licence requirement therefore does not apply there. Expressly different for small enclosed waters up to 0.25 ha without a connection allowing fish passage and with only one unrestricted fishing right: there '§ 31 applies' (§ 1 Abs. 2 Satz 2), so a licence is needed. Whether an angling pond or trout lake counts as a managed pond farming facility is not determined by the wording seen.

Law text: Fischereigesetz für Baden-Württemberg

The act does not distinguish by residence: holidaymakers also fish with a fishing licence or identity card plus the rights holder's fishing permit. There is no time-limited tourist licence; the fishing licence under § 59 is only issued to people with main residence in Lower Saxony. Some issuers still require proof of competence: the State Fisheries Office Bremerhaven (Staatliches Fischereiamt Bremerhaven) only issues permits for the Outer and Lower Weser against photo ID (identity card or passport) and proof of competence (German fishing licence or German angling exam).

Law text: Nds. FischG § 57 Abs. 1 und § 59 Abs. 1, abgerufen 2026-10-10

Under 14, a fishing permit may only be issued in preparation for the fishing exam and only for fishing under the supervision of suitable people. The act does not state a minimum age. The fishing licence is issued by the municipality of residence to people with main residence in Lower Saxony from the age of 14 after passing the fishing exam, without time limit. The act does not include a youth fishing licence.

Law text: Nds. FischG § 15

The Nds. FischG has no general state fishing licence requirement, and therefore no separate pond exemption either. Anyone who is not themselves the rights holder or leaseholder must carry a fishing licence OR an identity card plus the rights holder's certificate (fishing permit, Fischereierlaubnisschein). The permit is not needed if the rights holder or their representative is present. At angling ponds and trout lakes, according to the act, ID plus the operator's permit is therefore enough; whether the operator requires an exam is up to the operator.

Law text: Nds. FischG § 57 Abs. 1 und Abs. 2 Nr. 1

In coastal waters, fishing for fish and crustaceans is free. The Nds. FischG contains no fishing licence requirement or fishing levy (full text searched, no hit for Fischereiabgabe). Exceptions: mussel fishing only with a permit from the State Fisheries Office Bremerhaven; in the stretches that count as coastal waters under Annex 1 with continuing fishing rights (e.g. Outer and Lower Weser) you need a permit, which the Fisheries Office Bremerhaven only issues with proof of competence.

Law text: Nds. FischG § 16 Abs. 1 und 3

Anyone who is not registered in Germany, or has been registered for no longer than one year (as well as members of diplomatic missions), can receive an annual fishing licence (Jahresfischereischein), the foreigners' fishing licence (Ausländerfischereischein), without the fishing exam if they have the necessary knowledge in another way (§ 31 Abs. 6). According to the administrative regulation of 03.07.2026, a self-declaration on site or in the online procedure is enough; a fishing licence from the home country is not necessary. Proof of the fishing levy for the calendar year is always issued with the licence. Costs according to the City of Cologne (undated page): 20 euros online, 32 euros at the authority.

Law text: LFischG NRW § 31 Abs. 2 Satz 2 und Abs. 6, Fassung gültig ab 01.07.2026

Since 01.07.2026 there is no longer a youth fishing licence (Jugendfischereischein) (§ 32 now governs the fishing licence with accompaniment for people with disabilities). Children and young people from their 10th birthday until before their 16th birthday need no fishing licence, but may only fish accompanied by a person with a valid fishing licence; on request the companion proves the young person's age with a student ID or official photo ID (§ 31 Abs. 3 Nr. 3). They too must carry a fishing permit for the water (§ 37 Abs. 1 Satz 2). § 31 Abs. 3 contains no exception for children under 10. An own fishing licence (with exam) is possible from 12, before that it must be refused (§ 33 Abs. 1 Nr. 1).

Law text: LFischG NRW § 31 Abs. 3 Nr. 3, § 32, § 33 Abs. 1 Nr. 1, § 37 Abs. 1, Fassung gültig ab 01.

No exception for angling ponds or trout lakes. Under § 1 Abs. 3, the LFischG only does not apply to fish breeding or fish keeping facilities if they are enclosed, permanently managed, regularly drained and not used for angling; a pond where people fish is therefore covered by the act. For private waters (standing, enclosed against any fish passage, belonging to the house, residential or farmyard area or at most 0.5 hectares, § 1 Abs. 4), § 31 continues to apply to fishing with a rod and line (§ 1 Abs. 5). Under § 31 Abs. 3 Nr. 2, only the owner of the private water is exempt from the fishing licence; the administrative regulation of 03.07.2026 clarifies that other people fishing there are not exempt.

Law text: Landesfischereigesetz NRW

Yes, there is a way without an exam: people without residence in Germany (and members of the diplomatic corps) can receive a visitor's fishing licence (Besucherfischereischein) if they prove their competence, in particular with a foreign fishing licence or fishing permit (§ 33 Nr. 2). Under § 34 Abs. 1 Nr. 3 it is valid for one month in a calendar year. As a transitional measure, foreigners' fishing licences (Ausländerfischereischeine) under the old law may still be issued until 31.12.2027 (§ 56 Abs. 2 with § 28 Nr. 3 and § 29 Nr. 3 HFischG 2010: three consecutive months). The FIM portal Hesse (approved 06.07.2023) describes this old three-month licence: from 14, 12.50 euros (5 euros fee plus 7.50 euros fishing levy), application to the municipal executive board.

Law text: HFischG vom 17.11.2022, § 33 Nr. 2, § 34 Abs. 1 Nr. 3, § 36, § 56 Abs. 2

Young people from their 10th birthday until before their 16th birthday may fish with a rod and line without a fishing licence, under the supervision of an adult with a valid fishing licence; on request the supervisor proves the age with official photo ID (§ 29 Abs. 4). Anyone who normally lives in Hesse still pays the fishing levy in this case (§ 35 Abs. 1 Satz 4). Children under 10 may support an adult entitled to fish when fishing with that person's rods if they are being introduced to fishing; this applies to children from one household or two children from different households (§ 29 Abs. 3). An own fishing licence requires an exam and the age of 14 (§ 30 Abs. 1 Nr. 1). A youth fishing licence is no longer provided for in the HFischG 2022.

Law text: HFischG vom 17.11.2022, § 29 Abs. 3 und 4, § 30 Abs. 1, § 35 Abs. 1, Stand: zuletzt geände

No exception for angling ponds. The HFischG expressly also applies to artificially created or drainable fish ponds enclosed against fish passage and to aquaculture facilities (§ 2 Abs. 1 Nr. 2 and 3). Only small ponds in house and garden areas without connection to other waters and holding tanks are excluded, and only as long as they are not used for commercial fishing or angling (§ 2 Abs. 2). The fishing licence requirement in § 29 Abs. 1 has no exception for ponds.

Law text: Hessisches Fischereigesetz

Yes: people without residence in Germany can be issued a guest licence (Gästeschein) (§ 36 Abs. 2), at most twice per calendar year for up to 30 consecutive days each (§ 37 Abs. 1 Nr. 2). Anyone applying for a special fishing licence under § 36 is exempt from the fishing exam (§ 34 Abs. 4 Nr. 6). Responsible is the municipal or city administration of the place where you want to fish (§ 38 Nr. 2). It is issued digitally or on paper (§ 37 Abs. 4). Costs not officially documented.

Law text: LFischG Rheinland-Pfalz § 34 Abs. 4 Nr. 6, § 36 Abs. 2 und 4, § 37 Abs. 1 Nr. 2 und Abs. 4

No fishing licence needed for people from their 7th birthday until before their 18th birthday if they fish accompanied by a licence holder aged at least 18 who can intervene directly at any time (§ 33 Abs. 4). Under 10, baiting with live fish and stunning and killing fish are not allowed. Minors with main residence in Rhineland-Palatinate pay the annual fishing levy in this case too (§ 40 Abs. 2). An own fishing licence is possible from the age of 13 with proof of competence (exam) (§ 34 Abs. 1 Nr. 1). A youth fishing licence is no longer provided for in the current act.

Law text: LFischG Rheinland-Pfalz § 33 Abs. 4, § 34 Abs. 1 Nr. 1, § 40 Abs. 2, Fassung nach Änderung

No exception for angling ponds. Under § 1 Abs. 2, the LFischG only does not apply to waters in the immediate house and residential area and to fish breeding and other aquaculture facilities insofar as they are not used for angling. Enclosed waters (§ 2) are defined, but § 33 contains no exemption from the fishing licence requirement for them; for enclosed private waters the rules on exercising fishing rights apply accordingly (§ 4 Abs. 3). The fisheries authority can allow exceptions in special cases and for participants in fishing events (§ 33 Abs. 3 Satz 3).

Law text: Landesfischereigesetz Rheinland-Pfalz

Yes: adults who are only temporarily in Germany without establishing residence here are exempt from the fishing exam. Their annual fishing licence (Jahresfischereischein) is valid for one year, limited to at most three self-chosen months, which are noted on the licence (LFO § 35 Nr. 2). The fishing levy for the annual fishing licence is 8 euros (LFO § 46); the fee itself has not been officially checked. Responsible are the local police authority of the fishing location and the Saar Fishing Association (SFischG § 30 Abs. 1 Nr. 2).

Law text: Landesfischereiordnung Saarland

§ 27 does not provide an exemption from the fishing licence requirement for children. Under 16, the fishing licence is only issued as a youth fishing licence (Jugendfischereischein), unless the exam has been passed and the age of 14 reached (§ 28 Abs. 1). The youth fishing licence requires no exam (§ 32 Abs. 1), is valid for one calendar year (§ 29 Abs. 1 Nr. 1) and only entitles the holder to fish under the supervision of an adult licence holder (§ 28 Abs. 2). The fishing levy for the youth fishing licence is 2.50 euros (LFO § 46).

Law text: SFischG § 27, § 28, § 29 Abs. 1, § 32 Abs. 1

No exception for angling ponds. The SFischG also applies to artificially created, drainable and enclosed fish ponds (§ 1 Abs. 1 Nr. 2) and expressly to enclosed private waters where people fish with a rod (§ 4 Abs. 3). It only does not apply to enclosed private waters used exclusively for fish breeding (§ 4 Abs. 4); their owners and fishing leaseholders need no fishing licence (§ 27 Abs. 2 Nr. 1). The Saar Fishing Association (Fischereiverband Saar) can allow exceptions in special cases and for participants in fishing events (§ 27 Abs. 2 Nr. 2).

Law text: Saarländisches Fischereigesetz

Guest fishing licence (Gastfischereischein) without fishing exam for people with main residence outside the territory to which the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) applies, issued by the fisheries authority; angling associations can also hand it out (§ 22 Abs. 3 SächsFischG). Requirement: proof of competence in handling caught fish, in particular killing them humanely, 'in a suitable form' (§ 32 Abs. 1 SächsFischVO). Valid only with official photo ID and generally for one month, in justified individual cases up to six months (§ 32 Abs. 2 SächsFischVO). Fee according to LfULG (as of October 2021): 15 euros for one month, 75 euros for six months.

Law text: SächsFischG § 22 Abs. 3

Youth fishing licence (Jugendfischereischein) without fishing exam for people who have reached the age of 9 but not yet 16 (§ 22 Abs. 1 Satz 1 SächsFischG); it becomes invalid on the 16th birthday (§ 20 Abs. 2). Fishing only accompanied by an adult licence holder, 'unless they have been a member of an angling club for at least one year' (§ 22 Abs. 1 Satz 2). Under 16 entirely without a licence at angling club events under the supervision of competent club representatives (§ 20 Abs. 3 Satz 1). Fishing licence with exam from the age of 14 (§ 21 Abs. 1 Nr. 1). Fee for the youth licence 9 euros according to LfULG (as of October 2021).

Law text: SächsFischG § 20 Abs. 2 und 3, § 21 Abs. 1 Nr. 1, § 22 Abs. 1

Yes, exception with conditions: at managed facilities (fish breeding and fish keeping facilities including ditch systems, § 2 Abs. 2 SächsFischG) no fishing licence is needed for fishing with a rod and line if the facility operator instructs the people without a licence on handling caught fish and killing them properly and supervises them while fishing, or appoints a licence holder to do so (§ 3 Abs. 3 Satz 1). The operator must notify the fisheries authority at least one month in advance (§ 3 Abs. 3 Satz 3). Under § 5 SächsFischVO, posted pond rules are mandatory, and one supervisor may supervise at most two people without a licence, more only if an information sheet has been handed out.

Law text: Sächsisches Fischereigesetz

No exception for tourists and no time-limited licence without exam. Fishing licences from other German states are valid for people without main residence in Saxony-Anhalt. The higher fisheries authority can recognise foreign licences as equivalent in individual cases (only valid with a sealed certificate). People without residence in Germany or without German nationality can be issued a fishing licence without the fishing exam on proof of their ability (the exception is noted in the licence). In addition, a time-limited permit in individual cases under DVO § 4a Abs. 2. Fishing levy from 18: 6 euros per year of validity.

Law text: FischG LSA § 31 Abs. 4

From the age of 8, a coarse fishing licence (Friedfischfischereischein) can be issued after passing the coarse fishing exam; until the age of 12 only this licence may be issued. Without a licence, people (including children) may support a licence holder: carrying and watching equipment, casting and holding the rod (not spinning or fly rods), using the landing net, other help without contact with the live fish, within the holder's permitted number of rods.

Law text: FischG LSA § 29 Abs. 1 und 4

Fish breeding facilities, ponds and enclosed private waters with fish that are not ownerless are in principle excluded from the fisheries act, but the rules on the fishing licence (§§ 28, 29) continue to apply there accordingly. They only do not apply to ornamental ponds, holding tanks for food fish and ornamental fish tanks, and, for the operator themselves, to ponds of up to 0.05 hectares in total. At an angling pond or trout lake a visiting angler therefore needs a fishing licence or a coarse fishing licence (Friedfischfischereischein). The fisheries authority can permit fishing without a licence for a limited time in individual cases.

Law text: FischG LSA § 1 Abs. 1 und 2

Own coarse fishing licence (Friedfischfischereischein) from 8 after a coarse fishing exam, which is taken under simplified conditions and can be delegated to angling clubs; it only entitles the holder to fish for coarse fish. It is not possible entirely without an exam. Special fishing licence for people who cannot take an age-appropriate exam due to disability: coarse fish only and only accompanied by an adult licence holder.

Law text: FischG LSA § 29 Abs. 1, 2 und 4, § 31 Abs. 2 Satz 3 bis 5

No fishing licence needed for people without residence in Germany who are members of a foreign fishing organisation or hold a foreign fishing authorisation; in addition a fishing permit for the water. There is no time-limited tourist licence without exam. Guests from other German states fish with their home state's fishing licence and are exempt from the Berlin fishing levy with a certificate of registration.

Law text: LFischScheinG § 1 Abs. 4 Nr. 2, § 4 Abs. 4, § 8 Abs. 5

Youth fishing licence (Jugendfischereischein) for ages 12 to 17 without angling exam, valid for one year; it only entitles the holder to use a coarse fishing rod together with a fishing permit, membership of an angling club and proof of competent instruction by a holder of licence A or B. According to the Fisheries Office (Fischereiamt), children under 12 may not fish on their own, only with the rod of an adult licence holder, who remains the person fishing (only holding a coarse fishing rod, no stunning or killing). Fishing licence A and angling exam from 14.

Law text: LFischScheinG § 2 Abs. 1 und § 4 Abs. 2

No exception for ponds or angling facilities: the exhaustive list of exceptions only names helpers of professional fishers, guests without residence in Germany, diplomats, trainee fish farmers and people fishing in an official capacity. The state fisheries act expressly also applies to artificially created fish ponds; § 2 Abs. 2 only excludes certain other provisions for pond farming and fish breeding facilities. You therefore also need a fishing licence at angling ponds.

Law text: LFischScheinG § 1 Abs. 1 und 4

Only for young people: the youth fishing licence (12 to 17, without angling exam) entitles the holder to use a coarse fishing rod if they have a fishing permit, club membership and proof of competent instruction. Fee 10 euros plus fishing levy 4 euros (2026). For adults there is no coarse fishing without an exam.

Law text: LFischScheinG § 1 Abs. 1 Nr. 3, § 2 Abs. 1, § 8 Abs. 4 Nr. 2

No exam-free short-term licence. Anyone without residence in Germany who holds a fishing authorisation from their home country can receive a fishing licence valid until the end of the year (§ 10 Abs. 3 HmbFAnG); responsible is the BUKEA, costs according to hamburg.de 35 euros fee plus 10 euros fishing levy, no cash payment. Fishing licences from other German states are only valid if the main residence is not in Hamburg and an equivalent exam was required; exam-free fishing licences are expressly not recognised (§ 9 Abs. 4), so holiday or tourist licences from other states are not either. Without a licence only on guided fishing trips or at events of training clubs on their own or leased waters: up to three participants per supervising licence holder, instructor present (§ 9 Abs. 5).

Law text: HmbFAnG § 9 Abs. 4 und 5, § 10 Abs. 3

Under 15 you may fish with a rod and line without a fishing licence if an adult with a fishing licence supervises (§ 9 Abs. 2 HmbFAnG); only one rod with one hook point is then allowed (§ 4 Abs. 2 HmbFAnGDVO). Own fishing licence from the age of 12 after the angling exam, valid for life; the photo must be renewed at 18 (§ 10 Abs. 1, 2, 5). The act contains no separate youth fishing licence.

Law text: HmbFAnG § 9 Abs. 2, § 10 Abs. 1, 2, 5

No express exception found. Under § 9 Abs. 1 HmbFAnG, anyone fishing needs a fishing licence with inserted proof of the fishing levy; the act also applies to fish production in special facilities (§ 3). Pond farms and enclosed breeding facilities are only exempt from the stock management duty (§ 4 Abs. 2). Exceptions from the licence requirement only exist for children under 15, people with disabilities with permission, and guided fishing trips or training clubs (§ 9 Abs. 2, 3, 5). Note: § 2 Nr. 2 defines fishing as pursuing, catching, appropriating and killing wild fish; whether stocked ponds are covered by this has not been officially clarified.

Law text: HmbFAnG § 2 Nr. 2, § 3, § 4 Abs. 2, § 9

Yes. The HmbFAnG applies to inland and coastal waters; the Elbe and the Port of Hamburg count as inland waters (§ 3). The licence requirement under § 9 Abs. 1 has no coastal exemption. Fishing levy: all anglers in Hamburg pay 10 euros per calendar year (§ 12 Abs. 1 HmbFAnG, § 1 Abs. 1 HmbFAnGDVO), including visitors with a different main residence (issuing points or online, § 12 Abs. 3). In free waters (public waters that are not leased) no fishing permit is needed (§ 2 Nr. 13, § 6 Abs. 3, § 7 Abs. 3).

Law text: HmbFAnG § 2 Nr. 13, § 3, § 6 Abs. 3, § 7 Abs. 3, § 9 Abs. 1, § 12

No exam-free tourist or holiday licence in the BremFiG. Fishing licences from other German states and from the EU are also valid in Bremen (§ 34 Abs. 4). A Bremen licence requires main residence in Bremen, age 14 or over and an exam (§ 35 Abs. 1); exceptions only for long-standing coastal fishers, qualified fish farmers, people with fisheries science training and diplomats (§ 35 Abs. 4). The rod licence (Stockangelschein), formerly exam-free for adults, is tied to the fishing exam (§ 9 Abs. 1); old rod licences without exam lose their validity depending on the issue date on 31.12.2026 (before 2010), 31.12.2028 (2010 to 2019) or 31.12.2030 (from 2020) (§ 42 Abs. 5).

Law text: BremFiG § 9 Abs. 1, § 34 Abs. 4, § 35 Abs. 1 und 4, § 42 Abs. 5

Anyone under 14 may only fish accompanied and supervised by a fishing licence holder (§ 36 Abs. 1 BremFiG); an own licence is only possible from 14 and is then mandatory (§ 35 Abs. 1, § 36 Abs. 2). The wording states no minimum age for accompanied fishing and does not require the supervisor to be an adult.

Law text: BremFiG § 35 Abs. 1, § 36

No exception found in the BremFiG. Under § 34 Abs. 1, anyone fishing must carry a fishing licence; the only exemption is for helpers of a person entitled to fish (§ 34 Abs. 2). Artificial fish breeding or fish keeping facilities enclosed against fish passage are only exempt from the stock management duty (§ 17 Abs. 3 Nr. 1).

Law text: BremFiG § 17 Abs. 3, § 34 Abs. 1 und 2

Yes, fishing licence required: § 34 Abs. 1 applies to all fishing. Coastal waters within the meaning of the BremFiG are only the water areas of the Weser in Bremerhaven and in the overseas port area of the city of Bremen (§ 11 Abs. 1); according to § 10 fishing there is free and there is no stock management duty, port authorities can restrict angling (§ 9 Abs. 4). The FIM service description for Bremen lists the Weser, Kleine Weser, Lesum up to the Burg road bridge (Burger Straßenbrücke) and the tidal Geeste as waters in which the fishing licence entitles you to fish; other waters only with a fishing permit. A fishing levy is not regulated in the BremFiG (the term does not appear in the legal text).

Law text: BremFiG § 9, § 10, § 11 Abs. 1, § 34 Abs. 1