How Much Is a Fishing License in the UK?

How much is a fishing license?

A fishing licence price depends on the type of rod licence you need and how long you want it to last.

In this article, we’ll explain what type of rod licences you can buy, where you can get one, and everything else you need to know about fishing licence and their UK price.

Let’s dive in.

What Type of Rod Licences Are Available?

There are two types of fishing licences you can get in the UK: a trout, coarse fish, and eel licence and a salmon and sea trout licence. 

Trout, coarse fish, and eel fishing licence

This licence lets you fish all freshwater fish and non-migratory trout. 

You can use it for fishing with:

• 1 non-migratory trout rod for rivers, streams, drains, and canals.
• 1-2 rods for non-migratory trout in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.
• 1-2 rods for freshwater fish.

Note: If you want to fish with 3 rods in freshwater, you’ll have to get a 12-months licence.

Salmon and sea trout fishing licence

This licence lets you fish sea trout, salmon, non-migratory trout, and all freshwater fish. 

You can use it for fishing with:

• 1 rod for sea trout, salmon, and non-migratory trout in canals, streams, and rivers. 
• 1-2 rods for sea trout, salmon, and non-migratory trout in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.
• 1- 3 rods for freshwater fish.

Note: There are no rod and line licence limits for spod and marker roads (unless they have attached hooks). 

What If You Don’t Have a Valid Licence?

Fishing without a licence in the UK is like driving without insurance. 

If you don’t have a valid licence and fish in places you’re not allowed, you can face a fine of up to £2,500. You could also be banned from fishing and have your fishing equipment seized. 

Keep in mind that even if you have a valid licence, the place where you fish might have additional rules about the number of rods you can use. You’ll also need permission from the owner to fish on private lands and a separate licence to fish weirs or locks on the River Thames.

Fishing Licence UK Prices: How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a fishing licence in the UK varies depending on how long the licence would be valid, what you’ll fish, and the number of rods you can use. 

When buying a licence, you can choose when the licence starts. This can be on any day within 30 days after purchase. 

Fishing rod licence prices

Licence type	Trout and coarse up to 2-rod	Trout and coarse 3-rod	Salmon and sea trout
One-day rod licence	£6	Not available	£12
8 days	£12	Not available	£27
12 months	£30	£45	£82
12-month (fishing licence for people over 60 or disabled)	£20	£30	£54
12 months (junior)	Free	Free	Free

Note: Although juniors can fish for free, those aged 13- 16 must apply for a free fishing license in the UK.

Discounts

Individuals who get Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment can get a 12-month licence at a reduced fishing rod licence cost. The same applies to those that have a Blue Badge. 

People under 16 who have a disability can choose to add a note to their licence that confirms they are disabled. This can help them prove that they are eligible for a discount or assisted access. 

Where Can You Buy a Fishing Licence?

You can buy a fishing licence from the Environment Agency in three ways:

• Online.
• At the local Post Office branch.
• Via phone (at 0344 800 5386) – only for adult fishing licences. The line is open from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To buy a fishing licence in the UK and Wales, you’ll need to provide personal information and a Blue Badge or National Insurance Number if you’re disabled and are applying for a 12-month licence. 

To get a licence online, you’ll also need a credit or debit card to complete the payment. 

How to Change, Replace and Update a Fishing Licence?

If you need to replace or change your fishing licence, you can contact the Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre via:

• Email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
• Telephone: 03708 506 506 (Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

You could also reach out to the agency to convert a 1-day or 8-day licence to a 12-month licence, but you only extend it within 14 days of purchasing the licence.

Bottom Line

A fishing rod licence price can range from £6 to £82, depending on where you want to wish and how long the licence will remain valid. Fishing licences are free for those under the age of 16 and cheaper for people with disabilities.