Environment Agency · England & Wales
Rod Fishing Licences
Current prices, eligibility, and exemptions — then buy directly on GOV.UK in under 2 minutes.
Buy Your Licence on GOV.UKPrices last verified: 25 June 2026
Licence Types
1 rod
Trout & coarse
Carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, pike, non-migratory trout. Rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs in England and Wales.
2 rods
Trout & coarse
Same coverage as the 1-rod licence but permits a second rod to be used simultaneously. Short-term options not available.
all species
Salmon & sea trout
Covers Atlantic salmon and sea trout (migratory) plus all trout & coarse species. Valid for 1 or 2 rods.
Current Prices
All prices include VAT. Concessionary rates require proof of age or eligibility.
| Duration | Trout & coarse1 rod | Trout & coarse2 rods | Salmon & sea troutall species |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | £7.30 | N/A | £13.50 |
| 8 days | £14.70 | N/A | £30.50 |
| 12 months | £36.80 | £55.30 | £93.10 |
| 12 months66 or over, or disabled | £24.50 | £36.80 | £62.00 |
| 12 monthsJunior — 13 to 16 years old | Free | Free | Free |
Who Needs a Licence?
You must have a valid licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt, or eel with a rod and line in England and Wales.
Licence required
- •Age 13 and over fishing freshwater (rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs)
- •Fishing for salmon or sea trout (migratory species)
- •Using two rods at once (requires 2-rod licence)
No licence needed
- 🧒Under 13 — Children under 13 do not need a rod licence at all — no application required.
- 🎓Ages 13–16 — A free junior licence is required but costs nothing. Apply on GOV.UK.
- 🌊Tidal (saltwater) waters — No licence needed below the freshwater/tidal boundary in designated tidal waters.
Concessions & Free Licences
66 or over
Annual concessionary rates — roughly two-thirds of the full price. Short-term licences are full price.
Disabled
The same concessionary annual rates apply if you receive certain disability benefits or hold a Blue Badge.
Junior (13–16)
Free annual licence for 13 to 16 year olds. Apply on GOV.UK — no payment required.
What You’ll Need to Apply
A valid email address
Debit or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Amex, PayPal)
Your postcode
A phone number (for renewal reminders)
Your licence is issued by email — print it or save it to your phone. Carry it while fishing; Environment Agency officers may ask to inspect it.
Ready to fish?
Buy your official Environment Agency rod licence on GOV.UK. Takes under 2 minutes.
Buy on GOV.UKCarp Near Me is not affiliated with the Environment Agency or GOV.UK. Licence purchases are processed exclusively through the official GOV.UK service. Fishing without a valid licence is an offence — penalties up to £2,500.