Fishing in Germany
With a few exceptions, fishing is allowed throughout Germany. However, a fishing licence and a fishing permit are required to fish.
Germany has a variety of fishing areas, from mountainous springs and rivers in the south of the country to deep sea fishing in the Baltic Sea to the north. Many of Germany's major cities have lakes nearby, for example Berlin is surrounded by over100 lakes, rivers and water-filled open mines.
Fishing is regulated and monitored by regional fishing associations (Landesfischereiverbände). Each federal state has one or more Landesfischereiverband and regulations differ between states.
Licences & Regulations
Most places in Germany require that you have both a fishing rod license (Fischereischein) and a fishing permit.
Tourist and temporary licences
Tourists and visitors may apply for a tourist fishing licence from a fishing club (list here). This should be arranged before travelling to Germany so that time is allowed to arrange dates and instructors for the tourist fishing exam. The process is similar, but the licence is issued directly on completion of the exam and is valid for a limited time period only. Tourist fishing licences are valid for one week, two weeks or one month.
Recently, due to the large number of tourists wanting to fish in Germany, several federal states have abolished the licence requirements altogether. At present, in the former Eastern German states, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, anglers need only buy a fishing permit to fish.
Note: When fishing, failure to produce a fishing licence to the respective authorities (marine police, forest officials and so on) may lead to huge fines. The reason is that more than one law is being broken (nature protection, theft, animal cruelty, and others).
Fishing Permits
To get a fishing permit (needed in most areas) anglers must present their fishing licence to the local fishing shop or club. Fishing permits can be bought for daily fishing tours as well as weekly and monthly periods. The permits are specific to the respective waters, therefore, it is wise to choose the area to fish in before finding a fishing shop selling a permit. A proportion of the cost of the permit goes to the lake, sea and river authorities, who are responsible for keeping the waters clean and stocked with fish.
Local angling stores have a selection of permits for their waters, which indicate:
- Which fish can be found in the waters
- Any seasonal fish protection periods (for example Berlin/Brandenburg – Pike: 1 January–30 April)
- Minimum allowed size of catch for each species
- Validation date of fishing permit (if there is no date filled out on the form, anglers are liable to fines)
- Stamp and signature of the issuing fishing shop or club
- Information on the authorities in charge of the waters and regional legislation for fishing
Sometimes more than one lake or river can be fished using the same permit and this is also indicated. Normally, a list of all regional waters can be found on the back of the permit. Fishing shop staff will then highlight the waters chosen. Prices vary depending on season and region.
For information on fishing licences and permits in the different federal states click here (in German)
Seasons
Peak season is usually during the Summer when the fish are most active although you can fish for carp in other seasons. Various federal states have different laws regarding freshwater fishing seasons. Night fishing is usually allowed here.
Historically, catch-and-release was not permitted in most states due to animal cruelty laws, which stipulate that you should not cause any animal pain without reasonable cause howver, most states are doing away with such regulations. The best way to get accurate information is to contact a fishing club. Just make sure you understand the regulations for the area you are travelling to before you leave to avoid issues when you arrive.
Resources
Check List
- Fishing Permits (see above)
- Photo ID
- Travel Insurance - we recommend these providers
If you are driving:
- Green Card (Insurance) - contact your insurer
- Driving licence
- Vehicle Log Book
- GB Sticker (unless GB identifier is on your number plate)
- Be aware of road tolls & charges - see here for details
If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the German Embassy.
Recommended Waters
Recommended Service Partners
For the best deals and for Carp Circle assurance use our recommended partners:
Car Hire
Have a car waiting for you upon arrival. Great rates guaranteed.
Travel Insurance
Stay safe & stay covered. Best rates for European travel.
Flights
Daily budget flights in and out of all main European airports.
-
Licences & Regulations
Most places in Germany require that you have both a fishing rod license (Fischereischein) and a fishing permit.
Tourist and temporary licences
Tourists and visitors may apply for a tourist fishing licence from a fishing club (list here). This should be arranged before travelling to Germany so that time is allowed to arrange dates and instructors for the tourist fishing exam. The process is similar, but the licence is issued directly on completion of the exam and is valid for a limited time period only. Tourist fishing licences are valid for one week, two weeks or one month.
Recently, due to the large number of tourists wanting to fish in Germany, several federal states have abolished the licence requirements altogether. At present, in the former Eastern German states, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, anglers need only buy a fishing permit to fish.
Note: When fishing, failure to produce a fishing licence to the respective authorities (marine police, forest officials and so on) may lead to huge fines. The reason is that more than one law is being broken (nature protection, theft, animal cruelty, and others).
Fishing Permits
To get a fishing permit (needed in most areas) anglers must present their fishing licence to the local fishing shop or club. Fishing permits can be bought for daily fishing tours as well as weekly and monthly periods. The permits are specific to the respective waters, therefore, it is wise to choose the area to fish in before finding a fishing shop selling a permit. A proportion of the cost of the permit goes to the lake, sea and river authorities, who are responsible for keeping the waters clean and stocked with fish.
Local angling stores have a selection of permits for their waters, which indicate:
- Which fish can be found in the waters
- Any seasonal fish protection periods (for example Berlin/Brandenburg – Pike: 1 January–30 April)
- Minimum allowed size of catch for each species
- Validation date of fishing permit (if there is no date filled out on the form, anglers are liable to fines)
- Stamp and signature of the issuing fishing shop or club
- Information on the authorities in charge of the waters and regional legislation for fishing
Sometimes more than one lake or river can be fished using the same permit and this is also indicated. Normally, a list of all regional waters can be found on the back of the permit. Fishing shop staff will then highlight the waters chosen. Prices vary depending on season and region.
For information on fishing licences and permits in the different federal states click here (in German)
-
Seasons
Peak season is usually during the Summer when the fish are most active although you can fish for carp in other seasons. Various federal states have different laws regarding freshwater fishing seasons. Night fishing is usually allowed here.
Historically, catch-and-release was not permitted in most states due to animal cruelty laws, which stipulate that you should not cause any animal pain without reasonable cause howver, most states are doing away with such regulations. The best way to get accurate information is to contact a fishing club. Just make sure you understand the regulations for the area you are travelling to before you leave to avoid issues when you arrive.
-
Resources
-
Check List
- Fishing Permits (see above)
- Photo ID
- Travel Insurance - we recommend these providers
If you are driving:
- Green Card (Insurance) - contact your insurer
- Driving licence
- Vehicle Log Book
- GB Sticker (unless GB identifier is on your number plate)
- Be aware of road tolls & charges - see here for details
If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the German Embassy.
-
Recommended Waters
Getting There
Flights
Daily budget flights in and out of all main European airports.
Insurance
Travel Insurance
Stay safe & stay covered. Best rates for European travel.
Driving
Car Hire
Have a car waiting for you upon arrival. Great rates guaranteed.
Fishing Germany
With a few exceptions, fishing is allowed throughout Germany. However, a fishing licence and a fishing permit are required to fish.
Germany has a variety of fishing areas, from mountainous springs and rivers in the south of the country to deep sea fishing in the Baltic Sea to the north. Many of Germany's major cities have lakes nearby, for example Berlin is surrounded by over100 lakes, rivers and water-filled open mines.
Fishing is regulated and monitored by regional fishing associations (Landesfischereiverbände). Each federal state has one or more Landesfischereiverband and regulations differ between states.