Buy a fishing rod licence
You need a valid rod licence if you are aged 13 or over and fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel in:
- Wales
- England (except the river Tweed)
- the Border Esk region of Scotland
You must always carry your rod licence when you’re fishing or you could be prosecuted and fined up to £2,500.
Get a rod licence
We do not issue rod licences. Go to GOV.UK to find all the information you need to help you buy a licence such as:
- licence types and rod limits
- licence costs
You can also get an adult rod licence:
- by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 (find out about call charges)
- at a Post Office
If you plan to visit Wales from overseas, you can buy a licence online on GOV.UK. Give the address you will be staying at and keep your confirmation email as proof that you have a licence.
Extend, replace or update your licence
Call the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506:
- to replace a licence
- to change your licence
- if you have not received your licence within 15 days of paying for it
To extend a 1 day or 8 day licence, call the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386.
Angling byelaws (fishing rules)
When freshwater fishing you must follow the angling byelaws (fishing rules).