Can I fish without a permit?
No, to fish in public waters you usually need a permit — but there are exceptions. In Flanders you buy a Flemish fishing permit from the Agency for Nature and Forests: €13 for an ordinary permit (daytime, from the bank), €48 for a large permit (night fishing, from a boat, taking fish home) and €5 for the youth permit (up to 17). Free, however: young people up to 17 who fish with one rod, in daytime, from the bank, artificial bait (catch and release). In Wallonia there is the fishing permit (A: €20 from the bank, B: €45 from a boat, C: €110 for night carp fishing; under-15s free). In Brussels a separate permit (A: €6.20, B: €18.59). In a genuinely closed private water, no government permit is needed, only the owner's consent. Mind the closed season (16 April–31 May in Flanders) and the permitted methods.
📋 The rules
- In public waters a fishing permit is required; a separate permit per region
- Flanders: ordinary €13 (day, bank), large €48 (night/boat/taking fish), youth €5
- Free in Flanders: up to 17 with one rod, daytime, from the bank, artificial bait, catch and release
- Wallonia: permit A €20, B €45, C €110; under-15s free
- Brussels: permit A €6.20, B €18.59; daytime only, catch and release
- In a closed private water: no government permit, only the owner's consent
🔓 Exceptions
- Closed season in Flanders: 16 April–31 May; night fishing only in designated waters (with a large permit)
- A Flemish permit is not valid in Wallonia or Brussels, and vice versa
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Fishing without a valid permit where one is required is an offence under the fishing legislation: you risk a fine and confiscation of your gear. In Wallonia the base fine is expressed in old amounts multiplied by the surcharges; the nature inspectorate can also draw up a report. So always fish with the right permit on you.
📎 Official sources
- Natuur en Bos · types of fishing permit (Flanders) →
- permisdepeche.be (Wallonia) · permit types →
- environnement.brussels · fishing in Brussels →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need a fishing permit?
In public waters yes. In Flanders an ordinary permit costs €13, a large permit €48. In a closed private water you need no permit, only the owner's consent.
Can children fish for free?
In Flanders, young people up to 17 may fish free with one rod, in daytime, from the bank and with artificial bait (catch and release). For two rods, night or boat, they need a €5 youth permit. In Wallonia, under-15s fish free (Permit J).
How much is a fishing permit in Wallonia?
For 2026: permit A (from the bank) €20, permit B (from a boat) €45, permit C (night carp fishing) €110. Under-15s fish free with a Permit J.
Can I fish at night?
Only with a large permit and only in the waters designated for it. There is also a closed season (16 April–31 May in Flanders) when fishing is not allowed everywhere.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “fishing permit belgium price”
- “fishing without permit fine”
- “fishing permit child free”
- “fishing permit wallonia 2026”
- “night fishing permit”