Question 1

Do I need a fishing license in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Fishing license (Fischereischein) required nationwide.

Question 2

Where can I buy a fishing permit for Germany?

Accepted Answer

You can buy permits via: Fishing license (Fischereischein) (Local fishing authority (Bezirksamt) — exam required); Tourist license (no exam) (Brandenburg); Tourist license (no exam) (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern); Water permit (Angelerlaubnis) (Local fishing clubs / online shops); Online fishing permits (Hejfish (multiple states)); Online fishing permits (Fiskado).

Question 3

What fish species are common in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Popular target species in Germany include Pike, Zander, Perch, Brown trout, Rainbow trout. See the species table on this page for sizes, closed seasons and key waters.

Question 4

What are the main fishing rules in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Catch-and-release is controversial and restricted in many states (animal welfare law). Closed seasons, minimum sizes and bag limits vary by species and water — see the rules tables above.

Question 5

Is catch and release allowed in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Catch and release is generally allowed but rules differ per water and species. Always verify with Each Bundesland (federal state) manages independently.

English	Tyska	Scientific	FAO	Min size	Closed season	Methods	Key waters
Pike	Hecht	Esox lucius	FPI	45–60 cm	Feb 1–Apr 30	Spin, fly, dead bait	Lake Constance, Chiemsee, rivers
Zander	Zander	Sander lucioperca	FPP	45–50 cm	Mar 1–May 31	Jig, vertical, trolling	Moselle, Rhine, Chiemsee
Perch	Barsch / Flussbarsch	Perca fluviatilis	FPE	15–20 cm	—	Spin, drop-shot, jig	All lakes & rivers
Brown trout	Bachforelle	Salmo trutta fario	TRS	25–30 cm	Oct 1–Mar 15	Fly, spin	Black Forest, Bavaria streams
Rainbow trout	Regenbogenforelle	Oncorhynchus mykiss	TRR	25–30 cm	—	Fly, spin	Stocked waters
Wels catfish	Wels	Silurus glanis	SOM	70 cm	—	Bottom, spin (live bait banned)	Rhine, Danube, Elbe
Common carp	Karpfen	Cyprinus carpio	CYP	35–40 cm	—	Bottom, boilies, particles	Bavaria ponds, all lakes
Tench	Schleie	Tinca tinca	TEN	25–30 cm	—	Float, bottom	Ponds, shallow lakes
European eel	Aal	Anguilla anguilla	ELE	45–50 cm	Restricted/banned many waters	Bottom, dead bait	Declining, restricted
Asp	Rapfen	Leuciscus aspius	—	40–50 cm	Varies	Spin, fly	Rhine, Danube
Sea trout	Meerforelle	Salmo trutta (sea-run)	TRS	45 cm	Oct–Feb (varies)	Spin, fly	Baltic coast
Cod	Dorsch	Gadus morhua	COD	35–38 cm	Feb 1–Mar 31 (some areas)	Pirk, bottom	Baltic, North Sea

Fishing in Germany

Licenses & permits

Where to buy

General rules

Species-specific rules

Common species in Germany

Frequently asked questions about fishing in Germany

Species	Water	Min size	Bag limit	Closed season	Notes
Pike (Hecht)	—	45–60 cm	—	Feb 1 – Apr 30	—
Zander	—	45–50 cm	—	Mar 1 – May 31	—
Trout (Forelle)	—	25–30 cm	—	Oct 1 – Mar 15	—
Perch (Barsch)	—	15–20 cm	—	None (most states)	—
Carp (Karpfen)	—	35–40 cm	—	None (most states)	—
Eel (Aal)	—	45–50 cm	—	—	Restricted/banned in many waters
Wels catfish	—	70 cm	—	None (most states)	—