Fischereischein Ausstellung

§§ Sections 31 to 36 of the State Fisheries Act

Anyone wishing to fish in North Rhine-Westphalia must hold and carry a valid fishing license. Fishing licenses in North Rhine-Westphalia are issued for one or five consecutive calendar years.

In order for a fishing license to be issued, a fishing examination must usually be passed beforehand.

When the fishing license is issued, the fishing tax is levied at the same time.

In addition to the fishing license, there are also youth and special fishing licenses. No examination is required for these licenses.

Holders of these licenses may only fish or fish in the presence of an accompanying person with a regular fishing license. The accompanying person must ensure that the fishing is carried out properly. Persons who are unable to take a fishing test due to a physical, mental or psychological disability may apply for a special fishing license. Children and young people between the ages of ten and fifteen can apply for a youth fishing license; it is only valid for one calendar year.

Anyone who has not been registered in Germany for one year or less can also apply for a fishing license for one year without a fishing examination (e.g. tourists). However, the applicant must prove that he or she has the necessary knowledge to fish. Proof can be provided, for example, by presenting a foreign fishing license.

Valid fishing licenses from other federal states are recognized in North Rhine-Westphalia; a transfer is not required. The same applies to fishing examination certificates if the holder was not registered in North Rhine-Westphalia at the time of the examination.

Carrying a fishing license is also mandatory when fishing at commercial fishing ponds (e.g. "Forellensee").

In addition to the fishing license, a fishing permit from the holder of the fishing rights to the respective body of water is also required (e.g. fishing cooperative, water owner, fishing rights leaseholder). The fishing permit can often also be purchased in nearby fishing stores and online.

- Fishing certificate or other proof of authorization in accordance with the requirements (e.g. proof of training, foreign fishing license for tourists from abroad, medical certificate for special fishing license). Not required for youth fishing licenses.

- Proof of identity (identity card, passport, etc.)

- Photograph

Passed fishing examination at the lower fishing authority of the district or independent city, proven by the fishing examination certificate.

Proof of a fishing examination is not required:

1. anyone applying for a youth or special fishing license,

2. anyone who has not been registered in Germany or has been registered for less than one year and can prove the knowledge required for fishing,

3. who is scientifically or professionally trained in the field of fishing or is being professionally trained,

4. to whom a fishing license was issued in the period from January 1, 1970 to December 31, 1972,

5. who has successfully passed a fishing examination conducted by a fishing association before January 1, 1973,

6. who has acquired the qualification for catching predatory fish recognized by the local anglers' association in the former GDR,

7. whoever holds a diplomatic identity card issued by the Foreign Office or the State or Senate Chancellery of a country.

Minimum age: 14 years, 10 years for the youth fishing license.

Sole or main residence in North Rhine-Westphalia or outside the Federal Republic of Germany.

There must be no grounds for refusal in accordance with § 33 LFischG.

- Issuing a fishing license

- Responsible: Municipality

- In North Rhine-Westphalia, a fishing license is valid for one calendar year or for five consecutive calendar years

- In order to obtain a fishing license, a fishing examination must usually be passed beforehand.

- Persons who have reached the age of 14 can apply for a fishing license. Persons who have reached the age of ten but not the age of 16 can also apply for a youth fishing license without having passed a fishing test. Persons who are unable to take a fishing test due to a disability or illness may apply for a special fishing license.