Buy your rod licence online

PLEASE NOTE:  If you want to go fishing from now until 31 March 2010 you will need a 2009/10 rod licence

Buy your rod licence online now

Any angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England (except the River Tweed), Wales or the Border Esk and its tributaries in Scotland must have an Environment Agency rod licence.

Rod licences are available from Post Office outlets throughout England and Wales, online, by direct debit and over the telephone on 0844 800 5386. The phone line is open from 8.30am to 8.00pm daily from March to September and 8.30am to 6.00pm from October to February.

How much does it cost?

Prices for 2010/11 rod licences — valid from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011  


 Category  Non-migratory trout, char, freshwater fish (coarse fish) and eels  Salmon and migratory trout (sea trout)., non-migratory trout, char, freshwater fish (coarse fish) and eels
Full season (expires 31 March 2011)  £27.00  £72.00
Concession  £18.00  £48.00
Junior Concession

 £5.00

 £5.00
8 day  £10.00  £23.00
1 day  £3.75  £8.00

A salmon and sea trout licence covers you to fish for non-migratory trout and coarse fish as well. Failure to have a licence is an offence.

Remember, if you are fishing with 3 or 4 rods then you will need to purchase a second licence.

Concessionary licences

  • You are aged 16 or under (Junior)
  • You are aged 65 or over
  • You have a Blue Badge parking concession, or are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. You will need to provide your Blue Badge Number or National Insurance Number when buying your licence

Important information

  • Anglers under the age of 12 do not need a rod licence to go fishing
  • Full and concessionary rod licences expire on 31 March each year
  • 1-day rod licence is valid for 24 consecutive hours
  • 8-day rod licence is valid for 192 consecutive hours from the start time and date

Be warned!

If you fish without a rod licence you are cheating other anglers, it is an offence to fish for freshwater fish and eels without a valid rod licence and if you are caught you may be fined up to £2,500.

The money raised through rod licence sales is invested directly in fisheries work that benefits all anglers.