In this article, you'll find out exactly what rules apply to the fishing licence in Saxony-Anhalt. We'll cover all the requirements, the documents you'll need, and break down what it's going to cost you.
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Summary Table – Full Details in the Text Below!
For a quick, clear overview, here are the most important facts about the fishing licence in Saxony-Anhalt as a summary table. The full text below then goes into greater depth on all the questions and the information that goes with them.
The most important information about the fishing licence in Saxony-Anhalt
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Responsible regional association |
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Is there a difference between the fishing licence and the fishing permit? |
The fishing licence (Fischereischein) is proof of your personal competence under state law and is normally obtained by passing the fishing exam. A fishing permit (Fischereierlaubnisschein), on the other hand, is the authorisation to fish a specific body of water or stretch of water. The fishing licence is generally a prerequisite for obtaining a fishing permit. So to fish legally in Germany, you need both the fishing licence and the fishing permit at almost every venue. |
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What are the requirements to sit the fishing exam in Saxony-Anhalt? |
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Is there a special provision for people with disabilities? |
People who are unable to sit a standard fishing exam due to a disability may obtain a special fishing licence. This entitles them to fish for non-predatory species when accompanied by an adult who holds a valid fishing licence. |
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Is there a junior fishing licence in Saxony-Anhalt? |
Yes, but children and young people between the ages of 8 and 18 must pass a simplified, age-appropriate fishing exam to obtain it. Once they do, they are entitled to fish for non-predatory species without a supervising adult. |
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Where do you register for the fishing exam? |
You register for the fishing exam at the Lower Fisheries Authority (Untere Fischereibehörde). |
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Is it possible to sit the fishing exam somewhere other than where you live? |
Sitting the fishing exam somewhere other than your place of residence requires a special exemption. |
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Where and when does the exam take place? What do you need on the day? |
Find out where and when exams are taking place HERE! You need to bring your national ID card or passport (with proof of registration), your preparatory course certificate, your practical day certificate, your application for admission to the state fishing exam in Saxony-Anhalt, and a blue or black ballpoint pen. |
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How often does the fishing exam take place? |
As a rule, there are 2 exam dates per location per year. |
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Are preparatory courses compulsory for the fishing exam in Saxony-Anhalt? |
Yes, you must complete either a 30-hour in-person course or a comparable, accredited online course. You also need to attend a practical day lasting 6–8 hours. |
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How long is the fishing licence valid in Saxony-Anhalt? |
There are several options: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years, or a lifetime licence, each with correspondingly variable costs:
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Is it possible to fish in Saxony-Anhalt without a fishing licence? |
No — both a fishing licence and a fishing permit are required at every venue. There is one exception, however: enclosed bodies of water smaller than 500 square metres located within a fenced private property may be fished without a licence, but only by the owner or with the owner's explicit consent. |
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How is the fishing exam in Saxony-Anhalt structured? What topics does it cover? |
The fishing exam in Saxony-Anhalt consists of a written and a practical section. The written section uses a multiple-choice format. You receive 60 questions drawn from a pool of 612, divided into four blocks of 15 questions from four subject areas. To pass, you need to answer at least 45 questions correctly. The four subject areas are:
In the practical or oral section, you will be asked questions on the following topics:
The content of the oral section closely mirrors that of the written exam. All topics and subject matter are covered during the course and on the practical day. |
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What costs should you expect for the fishing licence in Saxony-Anhalt? |
Preparatory course prices range between 80 and 140 euros. An online preparatory course with Anglerschmiede currently costs 129 €, though there are regularly attractive discount codes or lure packages on offer that let you pick up your starter tackle and claw back a large chunk of the cost. The practical day costs 60 €, payable to the organiser of the day. The exam fee is 60 € for adults and 30 € for under-18s. Once you have your pass certificate, you take it to the Lower Fisheries Authority at your local council and apply for your fishing licence. The fee and fisheries levy combined come to between 16 and 275 €, depending on how long you want the licence to run. |
Table of Contents:
I.) Fishing in Saxony-Anhalt
a.) Great Waters in Beautiful Countryside
b.) Fishing Licence and Fishing Permit
II.) The Fishing Licence in Saxony-Anhalt
a.) Requirements for the Fishing Exam
b.) Registering for the Fishing Exam
c.) Structure and Content of the Fishing Exam
(1) How the Fishing Exam Works
(2) What Exactly Is Required in the Written Exam?
(3) What Exactly Is Required in the Practical Exam?
d.) Exam Preparation
(1) What Is the Best Way to Prepare?
(2) Online Angling School: Get Your Licence from the Sofa?
(3) What Do Preparatory Courses for the Fishing Exam Cost?
(4) What Do You Learn at (Online) Angling Schools?
e.) How Do You Get Your Fishing Licence After Passing the Exam?
f.) Special Case: Non-Predatory Species Fishing Licence
III.) Obtaining Fishing Permits
IV.) Fishing Without a Licence – Fines
The Elbe at Magdeburg during high water
I.) Fishing in Saxony-Anhalt
a.) Great Waters in Beautiful Countryside
Saxony-Anhalt offers a wide variety of rivers and still waters. The Elbe is probably the most well-known, but rivers such as the Saale and the Mulde also hold excellent fish stocks and offer fantastic fishing. If you prefer still waters, there are larger lakes such as the Goitzschesee, the Arendsee, and the Mansfelder Seen. Smaller venues are well worth exploring too — more often than not you'll stumble across a hidden gem. If the natural surroundings matter as much as the fishing itself, you'll love the Harz National Park, and the sparsely populated north of the state has its own quiet appeal. You'll find beautiful, peaceful spots with a real sense of being out in unspoilt nature.
One special feature that very few federal states can offer is winter burbot fishing. This freshwater cod can be caught in good numbers in the rivers Unstrut, Mulde, and Saale. It's not for the faint-hearted, though — the colder it gets, the better the burbot bite.
A real bonus for anglers is the Angelatlas Sachsen-Anhalt. This site from the LAV Saxony-Anhalt is a highly practical interactive map showing all the fishing venues in the state, along with a wealth of useful information for anglers. It's perfect if you enjoy seeking out and trying new waters.
As in most federal states, you need 2 documents in Saxony-Anhalt to fish legally:
- the fishing licence (Fischereischein), for which you must pass a state exam, and
- a fishing permit (Erlaubnisschein) for the venue where you want to fish (usually available to purchase)
b.) Fishing Licence and Fishing Permit
To fish legally in Saxony-Anhalt, you need a valid fishing permit for the specific venue you want to fish. To obtain that permit, you first need your fishing licence — and to get that, you must pass an exam after completing a preparatory course and a practical day. It might seem like a lot of hoops to jump through, but it makes good sense.
Reasons why a licence tied to an exam makes sense:
- Minimum size limits, closed seasons, and year-round protection for rare species only work if anglers can actually recognise and distinguish the fish in question.
- A solid grounding in waterway ecology helps anglers spot ecological problems more quickly — things like the risk of fish kills, fish diseases, and other threats to the environment — and report them promptly.
- A basic level of knowledge makes it easier to get started as an angler and helps you put fish on the bank sooner.
- You learn how to handle caught fish in a responsible and humane manner.
Fishing Licence vs Fishing Permit
Although the terms sound similar, the distinction between the fishing licence and the fishing permit is significant and important.
- The fishing licence (also known as the 'Angelschein') is proof of your personal competence and is normally obtained by passing a fishing exam. In that exam, you have to demonstrate that you can fish in compliance with specific legal requirements and codes of conduct.
- The fishing permit (also known as a fisheries licence, fishing permission, angling card, or water permit) is the authorisation for a specific individual to fish a particular body of water or stretch of water.
To obtain a fishing permit, you generally need to hold a fishing licence — proof that you have the necessary knowledge to fish responsibly. Only then can you get a permit, whether you approach the leaseholder directly, pick one up at a tackle shop, or use an online platform such as Hejfish.
Important! There is a significant legal distinction between fishing without a fishing licence and fishing without a fishing permit. Fishing without a fishing licence is treated as an administrative offence and can be punished in some federal states — including Saxony-Anhalt — with fines of up to 5,000 €. Fishing a venue without a fishing permit — that is, without the permission of the owner or leaseholder — constitutes the criminal offence of poaching (§ 293 StGB) and can be punished with a fine or even a custodial sentence of up to 2 years.
The Elbe's zander authority: Veit Wilde
II.) The Fishing Licence in Saxony-Anhalt
(Exam requirements, exam registration, the fishing exam, exam preparation, applying for your fishing licence, obtaining fishing permits, special case: non-predatory species fishing licence)
In almost every federal state*, state law requires you to hold a fishing licence ('Angelschein') to fish. So wherever in Germany you want to cast a line, you simply cannot do it without one.
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*Lower Saxony is technically an exception, but in practice the situation is the same: fisheries rights holders (owners and leaseholders) only issue fishing permits to people who already hold a fishing licence. |
In Saxony-Anhalt, you have to demonstrate in an exam that you know your native fish species, understand the local waterways, have a working knowledge of tackle and equipment, and are familiar with fishing law. To be admitted to that exam, you need to meet a number of requirements.
a.) Requirements for the Fishing Exam
- The minimum age for the fishing exam is 14 years.
- Registration no later than 4 weeks before the exam date
- Application for admission to the state fishing exam in Saxony-Anhalt
- Certificate confirming completion of a preparatory course, including confirmation of attendance at the practical day
- Copy of your national ID card or passport; if using a passport, also include a copy of your proof of registration
- Exam fee: 30 € for under-18s, 60 € for those aged 18 and over
- Your place of residence must be in Saxony-Anhalt.
b.) Registering for the Fishing Exam
You can register for the exam online through the fisheries authority. If you've completed the Anglerschmiede online course, you can also register through their online portal, where you'll also find available exam dates and practical day dates.
Registration must be completed no later than 4 weeks before the exam date. It's essential that you have both completed your preparatory course and attended a practical day before you register — without both of these, you will not be permitted to sit the exam.
Once you've registered, you need to transfer the exam fee: 60 € for adults aged 18 and over, and 30 € for young people between 14 and 18 years of age.
c.) Structure and Content of the Fishing Exam
(1) How the Fishing Exam Works
You choose the location and date of your exam when you register. Make sure you transfer the registration fee in good time so your place is confirmed.
Important! You will need to show ID before the exam, so you must bring your national ID card or passport. If you bring a passport, you'll also need a copy of your proof of registration. Bring a blue or black ballpoint pen as well.
The fishing exam in Saxony-Anhalt has two parts:
- The written exam with 60 questions across 4 subject areas
- The practical exam with oral questions
The written exam uses a multiple-choice format. There are always 3 possible answers per question, exactly one of which is correct and must be selected. 15 questions from each of the 4 subject areas are drawn from a pool of 612.
In the practical exam, you'll be asked questions on various topics that closely follow the content of the written exam.
Once you've passed, you receive your pass certificate, which you then take to your local council to apply for your fishing licence.
(2) What Exactly Is Required in the Written Exam?
The written exam draws from a fixed pool of 612 questions across 4 subject areas:
- Fish biology: primarily questions on anatomy, organ functions, diseases and similar in fish, crustaceans, and lampreys, as well as the specific characteristics of individual fish families and species regarding reproduction, preferred habitat, physiology, and so on.
- Tackle and equipment: primarily questions about the tackle and accessories used in fishing, as well as knots.
- Waterways and ecology: primarily questions about types of water and their characteristics.
- Fishing law: primarily questions about the Saxony-Anhalt state fisheries act, protected species found at the waterside, and the rights and obligations of anglers.
For the exam, 15 questions are selected from each of the 4 subject areas, giving a total of 60 questions from the pool of 612. You need to answer at least 45 correctly to pass. The multiple-choice format means each question comes with 3 possible answers, one of which is correct and must be ticked.
(3) What Exactly Is Required in the Practical Exam?
The practical exam builds on the content of the written exam. The focus falls specifically on behaviour at the water, handling tackle and equipment, fishing law and related legal areas, and the responsible handling of caught fish. Particular emphasis is placed on the Saxony-Anhalt fisheries regulations. This topic and all the other areas covered in the oral-practical exam are taught during the online course at www.anglerschmiede.de.
Exam preparation: how long do I need to study?
There's no single answer — it depends on your existing knowledge, how quickly you learn, and of course how much time you have available. That said, setting aside around 4–6 weeks is generally a sensible plan. Don't worry though: the exam scope is clearly defined, and the following sections explain how best to go about preparing for it.
d.) Exam Preparation
(1) What Is the Best Way to Prepare?
The preparatory courses available for the fishing exam are also the most effective way to get ready for it — they give you all the knowledge you need. You have the choice between in-person courses, such as those run by angling clubs, and online courses like the one at www.anglerschmiede.de. In-person courses have fixed sessions you must attend and the content is delivered to a group, whereas online courses give you far more flexibility over when you study and let you make the most of whatever free time you have. It can also be an advantage that you can focus on specific subject areas and tailor the course to your own needs. With in-person courses, questions get answered on the spot; with online courses, you can contact the instructor at any time with your individual questions. Ultimately, only you can decide which format suits you better — and which fits more easily around your work and family life.
(2) Online Angling School: Get Your Licence from the Sofa?
Not everyone can free up several weekends in a row for in-person courses, and that's exactly where the flexibility of online courses comes into its own. Whether it's work, family commitments, or anything else eating into your free time, online courses make effective use of whatever windows you have available. It's no surprise, then, that this modern, convenient, family-friendly, and efficient alternative is growing in popularity.
(3) What Do Preparatory Courses for the Fishing Exam Cost?
In Saxony-Anhalt, you can choose between in-person courses run by angling clubs, for example, and online courses. Prices range from around 80 to 140 euros. In-person courses tend to be slightly cheaper, but they're inflexible in terms of timing and are delivered to a group, meaning the pace is set for everyone regardless of individual knowledge. Online courses cost a little more, but the flexibility is enormous and you can adjust how much time you spend on each subject area to match your own needs. Things get particularly attractive when you take advantage of bundle deals that include starter tackle — at that point, the online course can actually turn out to be the cheaper option.
On top of the course itself, you also need to complete a practical day in Saxony-Anhalt. This usually lasts 6–8 hours and is typically organised by an angling club. The cost is 60 €, and attendance is compulsory if you want to sit the exam.
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MONEY-SAVING TIP! Anglerschmiede offers the preparatory course for the fishing exam in Saxony-Anhalt for 129 €. The big extra: every course — whether preparatory or expert level — comes with a free exclusive LMAB lure package worth 80 €! |
(4) What Do You Learn at (Online) Angling Schools?
So what can you expect from each type of course?
Preparatory courses cover all the topics relevant to the exam. The theoretical section must be at least 22 hours in length. In-person courses typically use textbooks prepared by the instructor, supplemented by diagrams, short video clips, and other learning aids.
In-Person Courses
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pros |
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- Company while studying - Questions answered immediately - Lower cost |
- Linear structure - Fixed class times - Group learning |
Most online courses follow a similar but far more flexible structure. Because the learning units are self-contained, you can decide for yourself what order to work through them in. You can also revisit individual units as many times as you like. The course content is updated regularly, so it's always current — and the same applies to the learning videos.
To help you keep track of where you stand, many online angling schools record your individual progress with statistics. This also helps you identify which subject areas still need work.
The mock exams are just as flexible as the learning itself. You can take them whenever you like and choose the moment that feels right for you. Once you've completed the course and passed the mock exam, you can usually register for the official fishing exam directly through the provider's online portal.
Online Courses
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pros |
cons |
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- Highly flexible study schedule - Pause and repeat individual sections at any time - High-quality learning videos - Automatically generated progress statistics - Questions can be submitted by email or within the course at any time |
- No immediate answers to questions - Studying alone |
Since the practical day is compulsory for the fishing exam, this particular difference between in-person and online courses is irrelevant.
e.) How Do You Get Your Fishing Licence After Passing the Exam?
Having prepared with the Anglerschmiede online course, the exam should be well within your reach. Once you've passed, you'll receive your pass certificate. Take that to the fisheries authority at your local council and apply for your fishing licence. In addition to the certificate, you'll need an official form of ID (national ID card or passport) and a passport photo. There's also a fee to pay, which depends on how long you want the licence to run and whether you are under 18. The total amount is made up of a standard fee and a fisheries levy.
Between 14 and 18 years of age:
- 4 euros fee and 6 euros fisheries levy per year
Aged 18 and over:
- 1, 2, 3, and 4-year terms: 10 euros fee and 6 euros fisheries levy per year
- 5-year term: 40 euros fee and 30 euros fisheries levy
- Lifetime: 150 euros fee and 125 euros fisheries levy
After that, the only thing you need is a fishing permit for whichever venue or venues you want to fish.
f.) Special Case: Non-Predatory Species Fishing Licence
Saxony-Anhalt also has a special licence for fishing non-predatory species only. To obtain it, you need to pass a short oral examination of around 20 minutes, demonstrating that you have a sufficient level of basic knowledge. One important caveat: this licence is only valid in Saxony-Anhalt and will not be recognised in other federal states. Fishing for predators is also not permitted under this licence.
III.) Obtaining Fishing Permits
The final piece of the puzzle before you can fish legally is the fishing permit. By passing the fishing exam and receiving your fishing licence, you've shown that you're competent to fish responsibly. You can now approach the leaseholders or owners of a venue and, where permits are available, purchase one for the specific water you want to fish against the appropriate fee. A great source of information on the various fishing venues in Saxony-Anhalt is the Angelatlas, where you'll find details on the different waters across the state.
IV.) Fishing Without a Licence – Fines
Fishing without private legal permission — that is, without a fishing permit — is treated as a criminal offence (§ 293 StGB, poaching) and can be punished not just with a fine but with a custodial sentence of up to 2 years.
Beyond that, there are other violations which, while not criminal offences, constitute an administrative offence and are punishable by fines of up to 5,000 €. Any tackle you're carrying can also be confiscated as a result of the violation.
Administrative offences (source: https://www.bussgeldkatalog.org/angeln-ohne-angelschein/thueringen/)
The following are among the administrative offences listed, all of which can be punished with fines of up to 5,000 €:
- negligently or deliberately fishing without carrying both a fishing licence and a fishing permit, or failing to produce them on request
- negligently or deliberately fishing using artificial light as an attractant, electric current, or other means harmful or toxic to fish
- negligently or deliberately carrying fishing-ready tackle at a venue for which no fishing authorisation is held
- negligently or deliberately releasing fish suspected of carrying disease or infection
- negligently or deliberately fishing in or immediately above or below fish passes
- fishing using eel rakes, barriers, harpoons, snares, gaffs, snatching rigs, or firearms
- fishing with more than 3 single-, double-, or treble-hooked hooks per rod
- deliberately catching or killing year-round protected species such as minnow, salmon, sea trout, and sturgeon, including any attempt to do so
- pursuing, catching, or killing specially protected crustaceans, molluscs, or fish food organisms
- deliberately targeting fish during their closed season
- failing to return fish immediately and with care during their closed season, or returning undersized fish without care
- feeding wild fish (exception: ground baiting for the purpose of fishing)
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as an example and a rough overview.
