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Expat Guide

Fishing in Berlin without
a German fishing licence

New in Berlin or Brandenburg? Good news: you can legally go coarse fishing without sitting a German fishing exam. Here's exactly what you need to know – and how to get on the water fast.

1

The Legal Situation

Brandenburg Exception: Coarse Fishing Without a Licence

Under Brandenburg state law (Brandenburgisches Fischereigesetz §49), non-residents who do not hold a German state fishing licence (Fischereischein) are permitted to fish for coarse fish (Friedfische) — as long as they purchase a valid water-specific permit.

Coarse fish (Friedfische) include: Carp, Bream, Roach, Rudd, Tench, White Bream, Asp and other non-predatory species.

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Predator Fish Require a Licence

Pike, Pike-Perch (Zander), Perch, Catfish, Eel and Trout are predatory species (Raubfische / Salmoniden). Fishing for these always requires a valid Fischereischein, regardless of your origin.

✓ No Licence Needed

  • 🐟 Carp (Karpfen)
  • 🐟 Bream (Brasse)
  • 🐟 Roach (Rotauge)
  • 🐟 Tench (Schleie)
  • 🐟 Rudd (Rotfeder)
  • 🐟 White Bream (Güster)

✗ Licence Required

  • 🎣 Pike (Hecht)
  • 🎣 Pike-Perch (Zander)
  • 🎣 Perch (Barsch)
  • 🎣 Catfish (Wels)
  • 🎣 Trout (Forelle)
  • 🎣 Eel (Aal)
2

What You Need – Step by Step

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Step 1 – Fishing Conservation Tax (Fischereiabgabe)

Anyone fishing without a Fischereischein must pay the annual state fishing conservation tax — roughly €7–10 per year. This goes directly to fish stock management.

Where to pay: Local fishing tackle shops, or through the fishing club issuing your water permit.

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Step 2 – Water Permit (Angelkarte)

Each water body requires its own permit from the managing fishing club. Day permits are available from €5–15, annual permits from around €30. Many are available online.

Use the Fishing Planner below to find permits for your chosen lake.

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Step 3 – Get Your Gear

A basic float rod, hooks, sinkers and a landing net are all you need. Bait vending machines (live maggots, worms) are available 24/7 near many lakes. Tackle shops in Berlin and Brandenburg are well-stocked.

The Fishing Planner shows nearby tackle shops and bait machines on your route.

Quick Summary

€7–10

Annual tax

€5–15

Day permit

0

Exam needed

3

Get Started Now

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Fishing Planner

Find your lake, get permit info, plan your route and check the bite forecast – in 7 steps.

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Waters & Map

Interactive map of 3,000+ lakes and rivers in Berlin and Brandenburg with closed seasons and hotspots.

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Buy a Fishing Permit

Browse water-specific day and annual permits – many available instantly online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Berlin (not just Brandenburg)? expand_more

Berlin has stricter rules and requires a full Fischereischein for all fishing. The no-licence exception applies to Brandenburg state waters only. The good news: Brandenburg directly borders Berlin with thousands of lakes within 30 minutes by S-Bahn or car.

Do I need to carry any documents while fishing? expand_more

Yes — always carry your valid water permit (Angelkarte) and proof of the Fischereiabgabe payment. Fishing wardens (Fischereiaufseher) can and do check these on the bank.

How long does it take to get set up? expand_more

You can be ready to fish in under 24 hours. Pay the Fischereiabgabe at a tackle shop (or include it in the club permit fee), buy an online day permit, and you're good to go. Some clubs even sell permits at self-service machines on site.

I want to get a proper fishing licence eventually – where do I start? expand_more

Read our full guide to the German fishing licence — including exam prep tips, costs and where to book in Berlin and Brandenburg.

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