Fishing in Germany
Your English-language guide to fishing licences, tourist permits, regulations, and the best waters across all 16 states.
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Everything you need to know about fishing in Germany — in English.
Quick Facts
Two Documents Required
To fish legally, you need both a Fischereischein (fishing licence) and an Angelkarte (water permit) for your chosen water.
4 States — No Exam
Brandenburg, MV, Schleswig-Holstein & Thuringia offer tourist fishing licences without an exam — from just €12.
Catch & Release Is Illegal
German law requires you to keep and humanely dispatch every legal-sized fish you catch. No catch & release.
Costs: €12 – €500
Tourist permit: €12–€50. Full licence (with exam): €150–€500 depending on the state. Annual water permits extra.