Issuing a fishing license

Anyone wishing to fish in North Rhine-Westphalia must hold and carry a valid fishing license. Fishing licenses in North Rhine-Westphalia are issued for one or five consecutive calendar years.

In order for a fishing license to be issued, a fishing examination must usually be passed beforehand.

When the fishing license is issued, the fishing tax is levied at the same time.

In addition to the fishing license, there are also youth and special fishing licenses. No examination is required for these licenses.

Holders of these licenses may only fish or angling in the presence of an accompanying person with a regular fishing license. The accompanying person must ensure that the fishing is carried out in a professional manner. Persons who are unable to take a fishing test due to a physical, mental or psychological disability may apply for a special fishing license. Children and young people between the ages of ten and fifteen can apply for a youth fishing license; it is only valid for one calendar year.

Anyone who has not been registered in Germany for one year or less can also apply for a fishing license for one year without a fishing examination (e.g. tourists). However, the applicant must prove that he or she has the necessary knowledge to fish. Proof can be provided, for example, by presenting a foreign fishing license.

Valid fishing licenses from other federal states are recognized in North Rhine-Westphalia; a transfer is not required. The same applies to fishing examination certificates if the holder was not registered in North Rhine-Westphalia at the time of the examination.

Carrying a fishing license is also mandatory when fishing at commercial fishing ponds (e.g. "Forellensee").

In addition to the fishing license, a fishing permit from the fishing rights holder at the respective body of water is also required (e.g. fishing cooperative, water owner, fishing rights leaseholder). The fishing permit can often also be purchased in nearby fishing stores and online.

• Lower Fisheries Authority District of Kleve
• Federal and state fisheries portal
• German Fishing Association
• German Sport Fishing Association

§§ Sections 31 to 36 of the State Fisheries Act

• Announcement of the new version of the State Fisheries Act SGV. NRW § 31

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Fishing certificate or other proof of authorization in accordance with the requirements (e.g. proof of training, foreign fishing license for tourists from abroad, medical certificate for special fishing license). Not required for youth fishing licenses.

- Proof of identity (identity card, passport, etc.)

- Photograph

Annual and five-year fishing license

For new applications:

• Examination certificate
• ID card
• Passport photo

With extension:

• Old fishing license
• Passport photo if necessary (if a new certificate is required or the old photo is not clearly recognizable)
• Examination certificate

Youth fishing license

For new applications:

• ID card
• Passport photo

With extension:

• Old fishing license

Special fishing license

For new applications:

• Proof of a physical, mental or psychological disability
• ID card
• Passport photo

With extension:

• Old fishing license
• Passport photo if necessary (if a new certificate is required or the old photo is not clearly recognizable)

Note

Due to a software changeover, you will be asked to bring your examination certificate with you, even if you are extending your course.

Annual fishing license / tourist fishing license

• Age of at least 14 years
• Fishing exam has been passed

Five-year fishing license

• Age of at least 14 years
• Fishing exam has been passed
• German nationality

Youth fishing license

• Age between 10 and 15 years
• Fishing only when accompanied by a fishing license holder

Special fishing license

• Age of at least 14 years
• Physical, mental or psychological disability
• Fishing only when accompanied by a fishing license holder

Annual fishing license: 16,- Euro

Five-year fishing license: 48,- Euro

Youth fishing license: 8,- Euro

Special fishing license: as an annual fishing license 16,- Euro, as a 5-year fishing license 48,- Euro