The Two-Document System Explained
Germany's fishing regulation is unique in Europe: you need two separate documents to fish legally. Think of it like driving — you need both a driving licence (personal qualification) and car insurance (permission for the specific vehicle).
| Document | German Name | Purpose | How to Get | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing Licence | Fischereischein | Personal qualification — proves you know fishing laws, fish species, and animal welfare | Pass fishing exam (in German) OR obtain tourist licence in 4 states | 1 year to lifetime (depends on state) |
| Water Permit | Angelkarte / Fischereierlaubnisschein | Permission to fish at a specific water body — bought from the water rights holder | Buy from fishing club, water owner, local shops, or online (e.g. hejfish.com) | Day, week, month, or year |
Important: Missing either document is an offence. Even with a tourist licence, you still need the Angelkarte for your chosen water. The only exception: ocean fishing (Baltic/North Sea) does not require a water permit.
Fishing Licences by State: 16-State Overview
Each of Germany's 16 federal states (Bundesländer) manages its own fishing regulations independently. Here's a quick reference:
| State | Exam Required? | Tourist Licence? | Total Cost (Exam Path) | Max Fine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baden-Württemberg | Yes + Praxistag | No | €349–€400 | €5,000 |
| Bavaria (Bayern) | Yes (30h course) | No | €300–€500 | €5,000 |
| Berlin | Yes (30h course) | No | €173–€192 | €10,000 |
| Brandenburg | Yes (for Raubfische) | €12/year | €200–€215 | €50,000 |
| Bremen | Yes | No | €245–€310 | €5,000 |
| Hamburg | Yes (in-person only) | No | ~€156 | €10,000 |
| Hessen | Yes + Praxistag | No | €310–€337 | €5,000 |
| Lower Saxony | Yes | No | ~€294 | €25,000 |
| Meck.-Vorpommern | Yes | €28/28 days | ~€175 | €75,000 |
| NRW | Yes | No | €215–€250 | €5,000 |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | Yes + Praxistag | No | €340–€359 | €5,000 |
| Saarland | Yes + Praktikum | No | €340–€362 | €5,000 |
| Saxony | Yes + Praxistag | No | ~€291 | €5,000 |
| Saxony-Anhalt | Yes | No | €180–€200 | €5,000 |
| Schleswig-Holstein | Yes | €38/28 days | ~€165 | €25,000 |
| Thuringia | Yes | €25/3 months | ~€185 | €5,000 |
→ Detailed guide: 4 states with tourist licences (no exam)
Tourist Fishing Licences — No Exam Required
Four German states offer tourist fishing licences (Touristenfischereischein) — no exam, no course, no prior knowledge required. This is the easiest way for visitors to fish legally in Germany.
| State | Cost | Duration | Min. Age | Fish Species | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandenburg | €12 | 1 year | 8 years | Coarse fish only (tourists: all species) | Local authority (Bürgeramt) |
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | €28 | 28 days | 14 years | All species | Tourist info offices, fishing shops |
| Schleswig-Holstein | €38 online / €50 office | 28 days (extendable once) | 12 years | All species | Online: urlaubs-angelschein.de |
| Thuringia | €25 | 3 months | 14 years | All species | Local authority (Bürgeramt) |
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Choose your state — based on where you want to fish and what species you're targeting
- Bring your passport/ID — and a passport photo (not needed for SH online)
- Visit the issuing office — or apply online in Schleswig-Holstein
- Pay the fee — cash or card depending on location
- Receive your licence — usually issued immediately or within 1 business day
- Buy a water permit (Angelkarte) — from the water rights holder for your chosen fishing spot
For Expats: Getting the Full Fishing Licence
If you live in Germany long-term, the full Fischereischein gives you fishing rights in all 16 states. Here's the process:
- Preparatory course (Vorbereitungslehrgang) — 30 hours in most states. Available online (€100–€300) or in-person. Covers: fish identification (~50 species), laws & regulations, equipment & techniques, ecology & water conservation, animal welfare
- Fishing exam (Fischerprüfung) — Written test: 60 multiple-choice questions from a pool of ~1,000. Some states add practical components (knot tying, rod assembly). Available in German only. Pass mark: typically 45/60 correct
- Apply for your licence — Visit your local authority (Ordnungsamt) with exam certificate, ID, passport photo. Costs: €10–€300 depending on state and validity period
- Pay the fishing levy (Fischereiabgabe) — Annual or one-time fee (€6–€300 depending on state)
Tip for expats: Hamburg has the cheapest path (~€156 total) but requires in-person attendance. Berlin (€173–€192) and Brandenburg (€200–€215) offer online courses.
Baltic Sea & Coastal Fishing
The Baltic Sea (Ostsee) and North Sea (Nordsee) coastlines are Germany's most popular fishing destinations for tourists. Key advantages: no water permit needed for sea fishing — you only need the Fischereischein or tourist licence.
Baltic Sea Highlights
- Herring season (March–May): Massive shoals arrive at harbours like Kiel, Rostock, and Stralsund. Shore fishing from piers is popular. No boat needed
- Sea trout (September–March): Fly fishing from the beach in Schleswig-Holstein (Fehmarn, Eckernförde). World-class wade fishing
- Cod fishing: Total ban in 2026! EU regulations prohibit all recreational cod fishing in the Baltic Sea (0 fish per day, ICES areas 22–32). Any cod caught accidentally must be released immediately
- Garfish / Hornhecht (May–June): Fun, easy-to-catch species perfect for beginners. Available from piers and beaches
- Flatfish (year-round): Flounder, plaice — bottom fishing from beaches or boats
North Sea Fishing
- Shore angling: Popular from dykes and harbours in Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein
- Crab fishing: Try the traditional Krabbenfischerei — family-friendly activity on the Wadden Sea islands
- Deep sea charters: Available from Büsum, Cuxhaven, and the Frisian Islands
Tourist licence tip: Get the Schleswig-Holstein tourist licence (€38 online) or Mecklenburg-Vorpommern tourist licence (€28) for Baltic Sea access without any exam.
Equipment & Tackle: What You Can Bring
If you're traveling to Germany specifically for fishing, here's what to know about bringing your own gear:
- Rods & reels: No restrictions. Pack in checked luggage for flights. Rod tubes recommended
- Hooks & lures: Allowed, but note: barbed hooks are discouraged or banned in some waters. Check local rules
- Live bait: Using live fish as bait is illegal in Germany (animal welfare law). Worms, maggots, and corn are fine
- Landing nets: Mandatory in most states — you must be able to land your fish safely
- Unhooking tools: Required: pliers/disgorger, ruler for measuring, and a sharp knife for dispatching (Herzstich)
- Keep net (Setzkescher): Banned in most states. Fish must be dispatched immediately after catching
- Rental equipment: Available at fishing shops, holiday parks, and some tourist accommodations. Typical cost: €15–€25/day
Essential German Fishing Vocabulary
These terms will help you navigate regulations, buy permits, and communicate at the water:
| German | English | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Fischereischein | Fishing licence | Personal qualification document |
| Angelkarte | Water permit (day/year) | Permission for a specific water body |
| Fischerprüfung | Fishing exam | Prerequisite for the Fischereischein |
| Touristenfischereischein | Tourist fishing licence | Available without exam in 4 states |
| Schonzeit | Closed season | Period when catching a species is prohibited |
| Mindestmaß | Minimum size | Fish below this size must be returned |
| Tagesfangbegrenzung | Daily catch limit | Maximum number of fish per day |
| Angelverein | Fishing club | Local clubs that manage water rights |
| Forellenteich | Trout pond (commercial) | Pay-per-day fishing facility |
| Schwarzangeln | Poaching / fishing illegally | Criminal offence under §293 StGB |
| Petri Heil! | "Tight lines!" (greeting) | Traditional angler greeting — reply: "Petri Dank!" |
| Raubfisch | Predatory fish (pike, zander) | Requires full licence in Brandenburg |
| Friedfisch | Coarse fish (carp, bream) | Can be caught with tourist licence in BB |
| Nachtangeln | Night fishing | Allowed in most states, but check locally |
| Gewässerordnung | Water body rules | Specific regulations for each lake/river |
Penalties for Illegal Fishing
Germany takes fishing regulations seriously. Enforcement varies by state, but consequences are steep:
| Offence | Penalty | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing without Fischereischein | Fine: €50–€75,000 (varies by state) | State fishing laws (Fischereigesetz) |
| Fishing without Angelkarte (poaching) | Criminal offence — up to 2 years imprisonment | §293 StGB (Fischwilderei) |
| Violating closed seasons | Fine: up to €5,000 | State fishing regulations |
| Keeping undersized fish | Fine: €50–€500 per fish | State fishing regulations |
| Using live bait fish | Fine + animal welfare prosecution | Tierschutzgesetz §17 |
In all cases: fishing equipment can be confiscated, and you may be banned from obtaining a fishing licence.
Highest Fines by State
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: up to €75,000 — the highest in Germany
- Brandenburg: up to €50,000
- Schleswig-Holstein & Lower Saxony: up to €25,000
- Berlin & Hamburg: up to €10,000
- Most other states: up to €5,000
What to Expect at the Waterside
Fishing culture in Germany is more regulated than in most countries. Here's what to expect when you arrive at the water:
Before You Start Fishing
- Check the Gewässerordnung: Every water body has its own rules — posted on signs or available from the permit issuer. Rules cover bait restrictions, fishing times, and special regulations
- Carry all documents: Fischereischein (or tourist licence) + Angelkarte must be on your person at all times. Fishery wardens (Fischereiaufseher) can check without notice
- Set up your landing gear: Have your landing net, unhooking mat, and fish dispatch tools ready before casting your first line
While You Fish
- Maximum 2 rods: Most states and waters limit you to 2 rods at a time
- Stay at your rods: You must be within reach of your rods at all times — leaving rods unattended is prohibited
- Fish dispatch: Every legal-sized fish you catch must be killed immediately and humanely — stun first (Betäubungsschlag), then heart cut (Herzstich). This is legally required
- Record your catch: Many waters require filling out a catch record (Fangbuch). In MV, digital reporting via RecFishing app is mandatory since 2026
- Respect closed seasons: Schonzeiten vary by species and state — check before fishing. Common: pike Feb–April, zander March–May
Etiquette & Unwritten Rules
- Greet other anglers: "Petri Heil!" — the response is "Petri Dank!"
- Keep distance: maintain at least 50 metres from other anglers (varies by regulation)
- Leave no trace: take all litter, old line, and bait packaging with you
- Respect nature quiet hours: avoid excessive noise, especially near nesting areas
Key Differences: Fishing in Germany vs. Other Countries
| Topic | Germany | UK / USA / Scandinavia |
|---|---|---|
| Catch & Release | Generally illegal — must keep or return immediately | Widely practiced and encouraged |
| Fish dispatch | Mandatory immediate kill (animal welfare law) | Usually optional |
| Live bait fish | Prohibited | Allowed in most countries |
| Qualification | Mandatory exam + course (30h+) | Rod licence (no exam) or free |
| Two-document system | Personal licence + water permit | Usually only rod licence |
| Keep nets | Mostly banned | Commonly used |
| Night fishing | Allowed but regulated per water body | Generally unrestricted |
Useful Links & Resources
- Tourist licence online (SH): urlaubs-angelschein.de
- Water permits online: hejfish.com — buy Angelkarten for many German waters digitally
- Online fishing course: Fishing-King — Germany's largest online prep course (in German)
- MV catch reporting (since 2026): RecFishing App — mandatory catch reporting for tourist licences
- Fishing weather & conditions: Windy.com — wind, waves, and weather for coastal fishing
Explore More Guides
→ Fishing Without a Licence: 4 States (No Exam)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing licence to fish in Germany?
Yes. Germany requires two documents: a Fischereischein (fishing licence proving you passed an exam) AND a Fischereierlaubnisschein/Angelkarte (permit for the specific water body). However, 4 states offer tourist licences without an exam: Brandenburg (€12/year), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (€28/28 days), Schleswig-Holstein (€38/28 days), and Thuringia (€25/3 months).
Can tourists fish in Germany?
Yes! Four states offer tourist fishing licences (Touristenfischereischein) without an exam: Brandenburg (€12/year), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (€28/28 days), Schleswig-Holstein (€38/28 days), and Thuringia (€25/3 months). You still need a water permit (Angelkarte) for specific waters.
What happens if I fish without a licence?
Fishing without a licence (Fischereischein) is an administrative offence with fines up to €75,000 depending on the state. Fishing without a water permit (Angelkarte) can constitute poaching — a criminal offence under §293 StGB with up to 2 years imprisonment. All equipment can be confiscated.
Can I use my foreign fishing licence in Germany?
Generally no. Foreign fishing licences are not recognized in Germany. You need either a German Fischereischein (requires passing the fishing exam in German) or a tourist licence in one of the 4 eligible states. Some guided fishing tours include all necessary permits.
Where can I fish without any licence in Germany?
Nowhere legally without at least a Fischereischein or tourist licence. At commercial trout ponds (Forellenteiche) in some states like NRW and Lower Saxony, the entrance fee replaces the water permit, but you still need a fishing licence — except for very few exceptions.
Is catch and release allowed in Germany?
No. Catch and release is generally illegal in Germany under animal welfare law (Tierschutzgesetz). You must have a valid reason to fish (food procurement), and every legal-sized fish you catch must be killed humanely — first stunned, then dispatched with a heart cut (Herzstich). Undersized fish must be returned immediately.
How long does it take to get a fishing licence?
For the full Fischereischein: 4-8 weeks (online course ~30 hours, exam, then application). Tourist licences can be obtained same-day: Brandenburg at the local authority, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern at tourist offices, Schleswig-Holstein online in minutes, Thuringia at the citizen office.
Can children fish in Germany?
Yes, with restrictions. Children under 10 can fish alongside a licensed adult in most states. Youth fishing licences (Jugendfischereischein) are available from age 10-14 depending on the state. In Brandenburg, children from age 8 can get the tourist licence.