🎣 Can I fish without an angler's permit (licence)?

Quick answer

No — amateur fishing in Lithuanian waters usually needs an angler's permit, and fishing without one is a breach. The permit can be bought online: 3 € for two days, 10 € for a month or 30 € for a year. Fishing without a valid permit carries, under the Code of Administrative Offences, a warning or a 10–60 € fine, and — most importantly — separate compensation for damage to fish stocks, which for a few fish caught can reach hundreds or even thousands of euros. Many do not know that certain people fish free and without a permit: children and young people up to 18 (the limit was raised from 16 in 2024), state social insurance pensioners and people with a disability — they just have to carry a document proving it. On top of that, on four public holidays a year everyone may fish for free.

📋 The rules

Amateur fishing needs an angler's permit: 3 € (2 days), 10 € (month), 30 € (year)
Fishing without a permit — a warning or 10–60 € fine (Code of Administrative Offences)
On top comes compensation for damage to fish stocks — it can reach thousands of euros
Free fishing for under-18s, pensioners and people with a disability (with a document)
On four public holidays (02-16, 03-11, 07-06, 08-15) everyone fishes free

🔓 Exceptions

Children and young people up to 18 fish free — they must carry an identity document
State social insurance pensioners and people with a disability — free, with a certificate
On 16 February, 11 March, 6 July and 15 August everyone may fish free (where amateur fishing is not restricted)

⚠️ Penalties & fines

The fine for the breach itself is small, but the real cost lies in the compensation. Fishing without a valid permit brings, under the Code of Administrative Offences, a warning or a 10–60 € fine, but alongside it you must compensate the damage to fish stocks at the set rates — for more valuable or spawning fish the sum can climb to hundreds or thousands of euros. What people do not expect: the fishing gear and catch can be confiscated, and several offences are often logged at once — banned gear, fishing during spawning or in a banned place, undersized fish. Catching protected species or fishing by a banned method carries even greater liability. Selling fish caught by amateur means is banned and punished separately. Control is carried out by the Environmental Protection Department, which checks permits and catch on the spot.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

Do I really need a permit for amateur fishing?

Yes, amateur fishing in Lithuanian state waters usually needs an angler's permit or a document confirming the right to fish free. The permit can be bought online: it costs 3 euros for two days, 10 euros for a month or 30 euros for a year.

What is the fine for fishing without a permit?

Fishing without a valid permit brings a warning or a fine of 10 to 60 euros. But compensation for damage to fish stocks at the set rates is almost always added, so the final sum for a few fish caught can reach hundreds or thousands of euros.

Who can fish for free?

Fishing free and without a permit is allowed for children and young people up to 18, state social insurance pensioners and people with a disability. In every case you must carry a document proving your age or entitlement, which an officer may ask to see at the fishing spot.

Are there days when everyone fishes free?

Yes, on four public holidays a year — 16 February, 11 March, 6 July and 15 August — everyone is allowed to fish for free. This applies in state water bodies where amateur fishing is not restricted and no limited fishing is organised.

Can I sell the fish I catch?

No, selling fish caught by amateur fishing is banned and punished separately. Amateur fishing is meant only for personal needs, so selling the catch is treated as a standalone offence with considerably greater liability.

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