Fishing in Lower Saxony

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

Species with rules: 8
Closed today: 1
Waters: 5

Fishing licence

No licence required

No statutory licence: an ID card and a permit from the rights holder are enough. Many clubs still require the angling exam.

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

Fishing licence Nds. FischG BiFischO Compare all states

Values for inland waters; coastal waters have their own rules.

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

In closed season today (4 Nov 2026)

Brown Trout until 15 Feb

Closed seasons through the year

Compare all states

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

Brown Trout

25 cm

Grayling

30 cm

Northern Pike

40 cm

Pike-perch (Zander)

35 cm

Closed season Today (4 Nov 2026)

Minimum sizes and closed seasons in Lower Saxony

Species	Minimum size	Closed season	Notes
Brown Trout	25 cm	15 Oct – 15 Feb
Common Carp	none	none
European Eel	35 cm	none	28 cm in the districts of Leer, Aurich, Friesland, Wittmund, Ammerland, Wesermarsch, Cuxhaven, Stade and in Emden and Wilhelmshaven.
European Perch	none	none
Grayling	30 cm	1 Mar – 15 May
Northern Pike	40 cm	1 Feb – 15 Apr
Pike-perch (Zander)	35 cm	15 Mar – 30 Apr
Wels Catfish	50 cm	none

Listed here: 8 commonly fished species. Every species is in the ordinance: BiFischO. 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 Lower Saxony

Other federal states

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