Environment Agency

Incident hotline

Telephone: 0800 80 70 60

When you need a licence:-

You must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales if you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line in:

  • England (except the River Tweed)

  • Wales

  • The Border Esk region including the parts of the river that are in Scotland

Children under 13 do not need a licence, children between 13 & 16 are free but still need a Junior licence.

You must always carry your rod fishing licence when you’re fishing or you could be prosecuted, with fines up to £2,500. Plus it’s a club rule!

Buy a rod fishing licence – You can obtain a 1-day, 8-day or 12-month licence online at

Buy a Licence