Fishing in Baden-Württemberg

Statewide rules for anglers in Baden-Württemberg: when each species is protected, how big it must be, and which licence you need.

Species with rules: 8
Closed today: 2
Waters: 5

Fishing licence

Guest licence for non-residents

Without the exam for people staying in Germany for up to one month; issued by the municipality.

Besides a fishing licence (Fischereischein) you need a permit (Angelkarte) from whoever holds the fishing rights for the water.

Fishing licence FischG LFischVO Compare all states

Does not apply to Lake Constance, which has its own rules.

Map: Natural Earth (public domain); © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)

In closed season today (4 Nov 2026)

Closed seasons through the year

Compare all states

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Brown Trout

25 cm

European Eel

50 cm

Grayling

30 cm

Northern Pike

50 cm

Pike-perch (Zander)

45 cm

Closed season Today (4 Nov 2026)

Minimum sizes and closed seasons in Baden-Württemberg

Species	Minimum size	Closed season	Notes
Brown Trout	25 cm	1 Oct – 28 Feb	35 cm in the High Rhine, 20 cm in streams above 800 m.
Common Carp	35 cm	none
European Eel	50 cm	15 Sep – 1 Mar	Applies only to the Rhine and its catchment.
European Perch	none	none
Grayling	30 cm	1 Feb – 30 Apr
Northern Pike	50 cm	15 Feb – 15 May	In the Main: 50 cm, closed 1 Feb – 30 Apr.
Pike-perch (Zander)	45 cm	1 Apr – 15 May	In the Main: 50 cm, closed 1 Feb – 30 Apr.
Wels Catfish	none	none

Listed here: 8 commonly fished species. Every species is in the ordinance: LFischVO. Statewide rules for anglers as of 24 Oct 2026, without guarantee. Clubs and waters can set stricter rules; the ordinance text is binding.

Waters in Baden-Württemberg

Other federal states

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