01 ·
Lake Constance
536 km² - TroutPikePike-perch
Europe · Fishing World Guide
Germany.
Fishing in Germany 2026 — Licenses, Regulations & Best Spots
37
target species
Yes
license needed
Apr–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
180 to 450 euros (depending on the federal state)
›All license details
- 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.
Fishing license by federal state
Baden-WürttembergBavariaBerlinBrandenburgBremenHamburgHesseMecklenburg-Western PomeraniaLower SaxonyNorth Rhine-WestphaliaRhineland-PalatinateSaarlandSaxonySaxony-AnhaltSchleswig-HolsteinThuringia
Exam, courses, costs and no-exam routes per state.
Fishing License Germany 2026 →When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Not explicitly mentioned in research
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Chiemsee
80 km² - PikePike-perchPerchTrout
03 ·
Moselle
544 km - Pike-perchespecially at weirs
04 ·
Rhine
through Germany - Pike-perchWels CatfishPerchCarp
05 ·
Schwielowsee
Brandenburg - Coarse fishPikeWels CatfishPike-perch
What's biting?
Your target species.
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
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
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
Prohibited methods
Not explicitly mentioned in research
Catch & release
Catch & release
Fish caught during closed seasons must be carefully released
What does it cost?
180-450 €
License
180-450 euros (one-time, depending on federal state) + 5-21 euros annual fishing levy
—
Guide per day
Not covered in research
—
Daily budget
Water permit varies by water body and provider
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best 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.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
Fishing trips in Germany
Curated tours & charters with price and click data from our partner dashboards.
FishingBookerFrom
560 €
SüdmüritzGermany
ProNature MV Fishing Guide
3 seats21 ft
View charters →
FishingBookerFrom
250 €
KielGermany
Serious Flyfishing
4 seats
View charters →
FishingBookerCharters in Germany
Pre-filtered charters on FishingBooker
1 interestedView charters →
Trip types in Germany
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Apply for a fishing license at the responsible authorities of the federal state — Each federal state has its own closed seasons and minimum sizes. Fisheries law is a state matter.
Rules in detail
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!
Freshwater
Lakes, rivers and streams in all federal states
Saltwater
Not covered in research
Equipment
Spinning rod, reel (size 2500), monofilament line, soft baits/spinners, landing net, pliers, backpack. Basic starter kit: 100-200 euros
Guides
Preparation courses available (online and in-person), fishing exam required
Getting there
Not explicitly mentioned in research
Safety
Not explicitly mentioned in research
Customs & fish export
Always carry your fishing license and water permit; observe closed seasons and minimum sizes
More Countries
Discover.
Data not correct?
Help us keep this page up to date — report outdated or incorrect information
All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: March 26, 2026
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