Fishing in North Rhine-Westphalia

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

Species with rules: 8
Closed today: 1
Waters: 4

Fishing licence

Guest licence for non-residents

Licence without the exam for people registered in Germany for no more than a year; available online.

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

Fishing licence LFischG LFischVO Compare all states

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

In closed season today (4 Nov 2026)

Brown Trout until 15 Mar

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

45 cm

Pike-perch (Zander)

40 cm

Closed season Today (4 Nov 2026)

Minimum sizes and closed seasons in North Rhine-Westphalia

Species	Minimum size	Closed season	Notes
Brown Trout	25 cm	20 Oct – 15 Mar
Common Carp	35 cm	none
European Eel	50 cm	none	Closed 1 Oct – 1 Mar in the main Rhine channel only.
European Perch	none	none
Grayling	30 cm	1 Mar – 30 Apr	Also protected year-round in designated river sections.
Northern Pike	45 cm	15 Feb – 30 Apr
Pike-perch (Zander)	40 cm	1 Apr – 31 May
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 North Rhine-Westphalia

Other federal states

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