Fishing in Germany: the Fischereischein and permits, state by state

In Germany, fishing is a matter for the states. No federal law governs freshwater angling: each state has its own fishing law, and the rules on exams, licences and exceptions differ markedly. We read the laws of eight states in their current versions, from Baden-Württemberg to Schleswig-Holstein. Here is what they require, and what they allow children, holidaymakers and visitors from abroad.

Three documents: licence, levy and permit

The first is the FischereischeinFishing licence issued by the state authorities, usually after an exam: it shows you know the fish, the tackle and the rules.. ‘Anyone who fishes must hold a valid fishing licence and carry it with them’, says Baden-Württemberg’s fishing law, for example, and the licence is only valid there once the fishing levy has been paid [1]. Brandenburg’s law lists what to carry when fishing: the licence, where one is required, proof of payment of the fishing levy, unless exempt, and the permit for the water or a club membership document [3].

The licence alone does not let you fish anywhere. You also need permission from the holder of the fishing rights, whether owner, tenant or club: in Baden-Württemberg, this is called the Erlaubnisschein, and it states, among other things, the water, the tackle allowed and any catch limits [1]. In Berlin, only licence holders can take out a permit, valid for a year at most [4]; Schleswig-Holstein only issues permits to licence holders or to people exempt from the licence [7].

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The fishing levy, the Fischereiabgabe, is paid to the state and funds fish conservation and management. In Schleswig-Holstein, everyone aged 12 or over pays it per calendar year, and up to four years in advance [7]. In Thuringia and Brandenburg, it may not exceed five times the licence fee [3, 8]. The exact amounts are set by regulations, and clubs and fishing rights holders set the price of their permits themselves.

The exam and the licence

In most states, you only get the licence after passing an exam, the Fischerprüfung. Thuringia and Schleswig-Holstein describe its content in almost the same words: fish species, stock management and care of waters, tackle and its use, handling of caught fish, and the rules on fishing, animal welfare and nature conservation [7, 8]. In Schleswig-Holstein, you can only sit the exam after attending a recognised in-person practical course [7]. Depending on the state, the exam is run by the authorities or by the angling federations under state supervision [1, 7].

Validity varies widely. Schleswig-Holstein issues the licence for life, Baden-Württemberg usually does too, and Brandenburg without a time limit [1, 3, 7]. Saarland issues one-year or five-year licences [5], Saxony-Anhalt licences for one to five years or for life [6], and Thuringia for one, five or ten years, for three months or for life [8].

Holidaymakers and visitors from abroad

Several states make exceptions for visitors without a home in Germany. In Bavaria, adults who are only staying in Germany temporarily, without taking up residence, can get the licence without an exam; it is valid for one year, limited to a maximum of three months chosen by the applicant [2]. It is issued by the municipality [2]. In Brandenburg, anglers without a main residence in Germany who are only staying for a short time need no licence at all; the permit for the water is still required [3].

Thuringia issues a three-month licence, the Vierteljahresfischereischein, for which no exam is needed; without a photo, it is only valid with official identification [8]. People without a home in Germany who hold a foreign licence can also be exempted from the exam there, and then receive a one-year licence [8]. Schleswig-Holstein provides for holiday licences, limited to 28 consecutive days, with details set by regulation [7]. In Baden-Württemberg, a regulation can waive the proof of knowledge, in which case the licence is issued for one year [1].

Coarse fishing and children

Brandenburg goes furthest: anyone fishing with a coarse fishing rodIn German Friedfischangel: a rod for non-predatory fish such as carp, roach or bream; state law sets out which baits and tackle count. needs no licence there; the fishing levy is still due from age 14, and the permit for the water is still required [3]. Children may fish there from age 8; younger children only under the constant supervision of an adult entitled to fish, with a coarse fishing rod, and without netting, unhooking, stunning or killing the fish themselves [3]. In Saxony-Anhalt, a coarse fishing licence is available from age 8, after a dedicated exam; until age 12, it is the only licence issued [6].

Almost everywhere, young people have their own licence. Baden-Württemberg issues a youth licence from 7 to 16 [1], Thuringia from 8 to 14, with an adult licence holder accompanying them until they pass the exam [8]. In Saarland, the youth licence only allows under-16s to fish under the supervision of an adult licence holder [5]. In Schleswig-Holstein, children under 14 need no licence if they fish with a rod and line under the supervision of an adult with a valid licence [7].

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Is my licence valid in other states?

Usually, yes. Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein, Brandenburg and Thuringia recognise licences from other states; Thuringia also those from other European countries, if they are based on a proven qualification [1, 3, 5, 7, 8]. The limit is generally residence: if you move your main home to Baden-Württemberg, you need a state licence after a transition period [1]. Bavaria accepts other states’ licences, but not those issued without an exam, nor temporary licences without an exam granted to people living in Germany [2].

Before the first cast: the checklist

1. The state: check whether you need a licence or can use a visitor exception [2, 3, 7, 8].
2. The licence: apply to the office in charge, the municipality in Bavaria [2].
3. The fishing levy: pay it and carry proof, unless exempt [3, 7].
4. The permit for the water: buy it from the club or fishing rights holder, and read its conditions [1, 4].
5. Local rules: close seasons, minimum sizes and catch limits are set out in the permit and in state law [1].

If you already fish in France, the principle will sound familiar: there too, the carte de pêche links membership of a club with the right to fish particular waters. For your tackle, our guide to fishing knots shows the five knots worth knowing. For England, see our guide to the English rod licence.

Arnaud Couderc

Fact-checking, regulations and safety

Arnaud Couderc reviews our contributors’ articles and writes for Outfarer about regulations, safety, fishing, the sea and outdoor pursuits. He traces every rule back to its official text and every figure to its source, so that you set off with sound benchmarks.

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