Fishing in Hesse

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

Species with rules: 8
Closed today: 2
Waters: 4

Fishing licence

Guest licence for non-residents

Visitor licence without the exam for people not resident in Germany, one month per year.

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

Fishing licence HFischG HFischV Compare all states

Harvest slots: only fish between the minimum and maximum size may be kept.

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

25–60 cm

Common Carp

45–60 cm

European Eel

50–70 cm

Grayling

30–45 cm

Northern Pike

50–90 cm

Closed season Today (4 Nov 2026)

Minimum sizes and closed seasons in Hesse

Species	Minimum size	Closed season
Brown Trout	25–60 cm	1 Oct – 31 Mar
Common Carp	45–60 cm	15 Mar – 31 May
European Eel	50–70 cm	15 Sep – 1 Mar
European Perch	none	none
Grayling	30–45 cm	1 Mar – 15 May
Northern Pike	50–90 cm	1 Feb – 15 Apr
Pike-perch (Zander)	50 cm	none
Wels Catfish	none	none

Listed here: 8 commonly fished species. Every species is in the ordinance: HFischV. 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 Hesse

Other federal states

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