Fishing in Bayern: rules & closed seasons
To fish in Bayern you need the state fishing licence and a permit for the water. Pike closed season: 15 Feb – 30 Apr. Closed today (2026-10-23): Bachforelle, Aal, Lachs. Checked 2026-10-18
Closed seasons and minimum sizes
| Species | Closed season | Minimum size | Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hecht | 15 Feb – 30 Apr | 50 cm | open |
| Zander | 15 Feb – 30 Apr | 50 cm | open |
| Bachforelle | 1 Oct – 15 Mar | 26 cm | closed |
| Aal | 1 Oct – 31 Dec (Elbe, Rhine, Weser catchments) | 50 cm | closed |
| Lachs | protected all year (Elbe, Rhine, Weser catchments) | – | closed |
Compare all states: closed season Pike · closed season Zander (pikeperch) · closed season Brown trout · closed season Eel · closed season Salmon
Licence
Pass the fishing exam (may sit from age 12; prep course required; exam fee EUR 50). Lifetime licence available from age 14 with exam. Ages 7–17 may fish without own licence when accompanied by an adult licence holder (since 2025). Fishing levy EUR 40 for five years (or a one-off amount by age).
Visitors
Adults with no residence in Germany can get a licence without exam (Jahresfischereischein) from the municipality where they want to fish; valid up to three months in total within one year. Fee not extracted.
Notes
AVBayFiG Anlage 1. Licence vs permit: the Fischereischein is a personal, state-issued licence; the Fischereierlaubnis/Angelkarte is a separate permit sold by the owner or tenant of a specific water. You normally need both. Local waters (club/lease rules, Hegeplan, local orders) may be stricter; the conditions on your water permit always apply on top of state law.