Put simply, there are three ways to go fishing in the UK. You can fish on public waters, go to privately owned waters, or fish on the sea – and needing a licence depends on what you fish and where.
Where are you allowed to fish in UK?
You are allowed to fish for coarse fish, eel, rainbow trout and brown trout on most enclosed stillwaters and canals all year. Note: Read the local byelaws to check your area. You cannot fish for coarse fish and eels on rivers from 15 March to 15 June, but you can fish for eels in some areas.
Is it legal to fish in rivers UK?
In the strict legal sense, the public only has a right to fish for free in the officially recognised fully tidal parts of rivers and in the sea, except where an individual owns a private right of fishery.
Can I fish anywhere with a license UK?
You’ll need a licence before you fish on any inland waters. This licence, however, does not give you permission to fish anywhere. You still need to get permission to fish from the owner of the fishing rights or the angling club that controls the fishing on that water.
Do you need a permit to fish in the UK?
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)
Can I fish on the beach UK?
The vast majority of beaches around the UK offer safe fishing as long as anglers are aware of the tidal conditions of the beach prior to going fishing.
What is illegal fishing in UK?
Illegal fishing: is the targeting, catching, retaining on board, landing, sale or possession of fish which contravenes international, EU, UK or local fisheries law. Unreported fishing: includes all landings and sales that do not get reported as either catches, landings, sales, or purchases.
What are the rules on fishing UK?
Fishing without a rod fishing licence is illegal and you can be fined up to £2,500. Licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free but you still need to get one from www.GOV.UK/fishing-licences or by calling 0344 800 5386. As well as a rod fishing licence, you must also have permission from the fishery owner.
What is the UK fishing limit?
Technically, while the UK has control over 12 nautical miles of its inland territorial waters, in recognition of ‘historical fishing rights’ French fishermen are allowed to fish in certain areas within the UK’s 6‐ to 12-nautical-mile limit.
Can you fish in a national park UK?
Much of the fishing within the National Park is controlled by local Angling Associations. These welcome visitors and offer a range of day or weekly permits. Visitors can also enjoy fishing for free on Windermere, Ullswater and Coniston Water.
Can you fish off a pier without a license in UK?
Despite anglers not needing a licence there are still restrictions on where anglers can fish from. All piers around the UK are private property and on many piers anglers need to purchase a ticket to fish from them and must observe opening hours and other restrictions – for example some ban overhead casting.
What happens if you get caught without a fishing license UK?
You must produce your licence if asked to do so by an Environment Agency Bailiff or by any other authorised person. You will be on the hook for a criminal record and/or net yourself a fine of up to £2,500 for fishing without a valid rod fishing licence.
How much is a UK rod licence?
Buy a rod fishing licence for England and Wales
| Licence type | Trout and coarse up to 2-rod | Salmon and sea trout |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day | £6 | £12 |
| 8-day | £12 | £27 |
| 12-month | £30 | £82 |
| 12-month – over 65 or disabled | £20 | £54 |
How many rods can you fish with UK?
You can choose to fish with: 1 rod for salmon, sea trout and non-migratory trout in rivers, streams and canals. up to 2 rods for salmon, sea trout and non-migratory trout in reservoirs, lakes and ponds. up to 3 rods for freshwater fish.
Is sea fishing free in the UK?
Shore fishing is by far the most widely practiced type of fishing due to it being relatively cheap to get started, free and accessible around the vast majority of the coastline of the UK.
Who is allowed to fish in UK waters?
You must have a rod licence to fish in England and Wales if you’re aged 13 or older.
Do you need permission to magnet fish UK?
So our take on the magnet fishing laws in the UK is that it is only legal if the activity is done on private property and with authorisation. It is not allowed on property controlled by the Canal & River Trust.
Is night fishing legal UK?
Outdoor recreational activities and exercise may take place at night so you may fish into or through the night.
Why is it illegal to hold a salmon suspiciously in the UK?
Handling Salmon in Suspicious Circumstances
Essentially, this is a provision aimed at reducing salmon poaching by making the handling of poached salmon a criminal offence.
Is it illegal to walk with a fish suspiciously in the UK?
Section 23 of the Salmon Act 1986 makes it an offence to handle a fish while looking suspicious.
Are you allowed to fish in canals?
Fishing is allowed year-round in most canals and stillwaters, although you should still check the rules for the specific venue you’re visiting. If you’re fishing in a river, regulations are more strict, and vary with the fish you’re targeting.