Europe
Fishing in
Germany 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Germany51.17°, 10.45°
🎣 Live catches in deutschland
1 verified catches
Not enough data (1 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Trip types in Deutschland
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Apply for a fishing license at the responsible authorities of the federal state
- Cost
- 180 to 450 euros (depending on the federal state)
- Validity
- Unlimited
- Available online?
- Yes
Each federal state has its own closed seasons and minimum sizes. Fisheries law is a state matter.
Buy fishing license for Germany online
Official authority website
Book fishing tours in Germany
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- Varies by federal state: e.g. Bavaria - brown trout Oct 1-Feb 28, pike Feb 15-Apr 30; NRW - pike Feb 15-Apr 30, zander Apr 1-May 31
- Catch limits
- Varies by federal state and fish species, e.g. brown trout 26 cm (Bavaria), pike 45-50 cm, zander 40 cm
- Prohibited methods
- Not explicitly mentioned in research
- Catch & Release
- Fish caught during closed seasons must be carefully released
Germany takes animal welfare in fishing very seriously. 'Hegebangeln' (fishing without intent to consume) can be classified as a misdemeanor or criminal offense. Always check local regulations!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Bodensee (536 km² - Forellen, Pike, Pike-perch)
- —Chiemsee (80 km² - Hecht, Pike-perch, Perch, Trout)
- —Mosel (544 km - Zander, especially at weirs)
- —Rhein (throughquert Deutschland - Zander, Wels Catfish, Perch, Carp)
- —Schwielowsee (Brandenburg - Friedfische, Pike, Wels Catfish, Pike-perch)
Target fish
Freshwater
Lakes, rivers and streams in all federal states
Saltwater
Not covered in research
Not covered in research
Best season: Not explicitly mentioned in research
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Spinning rod, reel (size 2500), monofilament line, soft baits/spinners, landing net, pliers, backpack. Basic starter kit: 100-200 euros
- Fishing guides
- Preparation courses available (online and in-person), fishing exam required
- Transport
- Not explicitly mentioned in research
- Safety
- Not explicitly mentioned in research
- Customs & taking fish home
- Always carry your fishing license and water permit; observe closed seasons and minimum sizes
05
Cost Overview
License fees
180-450 euros (one-time, depending on federal state) + 5-21 euros annual fishing levy
Guide prices
Not covered in research
Daily budget
Water permit varies by water body and provider
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Germany
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Germany →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Germany with Kiwi.com
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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Mobile Data
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