Fishing with children in Saxony-Anhalt: Licenses, age & rules
Fishing with children in Saxony-Anhalt: Licenses, age & rules
Saxony-Anhalt is peppered with fantastic fishing waters – the Elbe, the Saale, Arendsee, and countless lakes from former mining operations lure families to the water. And honestly: There is hardly a better moment than when your child sees the float (that’s the name for the little bobber on the line that indicates a bite) disappear for the first time and cheers with joy. To ensure this moment goes smoothly without any nasty surprises, it is worth taking a quick look at the rules in Saxony-Anhalt. Don’t worry – we’ll make it easy to understand, even if you’ve never held a fishing rod yourself.
We explain exactly what the fishing license, youth fishing license, and permit mean on our overview page Fishing with children in Germany.
The most important rules in Saxony-Anhalt for children
Saxony-Anhalt changed its fisheries act in March 2026. The youth fishing license has been discontinued in the process:
- New: the coarse fishing license from age 8. "Persons who have reached the age of eight may be issued a coarse fishing license, provided they have passed the coarse fishing examination" (§ 29 Para. 1 Sentence 1 FischG LSA, valid since March 31, 2026). It replaces the former youth fishing license.
- Coarse fish fishing only: The coarse fishing license entitles the holder exclusively to fish for coarse fish (§ 29 Para. 4 FischG LSA). Coarse fish are fish that feed on plants and small animals – such as roach or bream, not predatory fish.
- No statutory requirement for accompaniment: This is new and is often portrayed incorrectly. § 29 Para. 4 FischG LSA expressly links the requirement for accompaniment only to the special fishing license (for people with disabilities), not to the coarse fishing license. Therefore, the law does not stipulate that an adult must accompany your child if they hold a coarse fishing license. Of course, an adult should still be there at the water anyway.
- Examination under simplified conditions: "A coarse fishing examination must be provided for to obtain a coarse fishing license. The coarse fishing examination is taken under simplified conditions" (§ 31 FischG LSA). A ministerial decree regulates the exact procedure – ask the state angling association or the lower fisheries authority for details.
- Regular fishing license from age 12: "Until the age of twelve, exclusively a coarse fishing license may be issued" (§ 29 Para. 1 Sentence 2 FischG LSA). Conversely, the regular fishing license according to § 28 FischG LSA is possible from the age of 12 – provided the fishing examination has been passed. § 28 itself does not state a specific age limit.
- Grandfathering for old licenses and examinations: "Youth fishing licenses issued before the date of entry into force [...] shall remain valid for the duration for which they were issued" (§ 57 Para. 2 FischG LSA). And anyone who has passed the old youth fishing examination is exempt from the coarse fishing examination (§ 57 Para. 3) – you must provide the proof yourself.
- Children as helpers: No fishing license is required for persons "who assist a fishing license holder authorized to fish according to paragraph 1 in the exercise of fishing" (§ 28 Para. 2 No. 1 FischG LSA). Younger children are therefore allowed to help out. Tasks relevant to animal welfare – unhooking live fish, stunning, killing – remain the responsibility of the adult person; this follows from the federal Animal Welfare Act, not from fisheries law.
- Permit / Fishing card: In addition to the license, you always need a permit for the specific water. It regulates where, when, and what may be fished. It is mandatory.
Special features in Saxony-Anhalt
Saxony-Anhalt remains child-friendly, but restructured the path to get there in March 2026. Instead of the youth fishing license, there is now the coarse fishing license from age 8, for which an examination is taken "under simplified conditions" (§ 31 FischG LSA). The second major difference: Unlike in most federal states, the law does not require an adult companion for children with this license – the accompaniment requirement in § 29 Para. 4 FischG LSA applies only to the special fishing license.
An honest note: The amendment is fresh, and many association and district websites still list the old youth fishing license. Old licenses remain valid, and a previously passed youth fishing examination will be credited (§ 57 Para. 2 and 3 FischG LSA). If an office tells you otherwise, referencing the act from March 21, 2026, will help.
How to get started
Start small: A simple float, a light leader (that is the thin piece of line directly at the hook), and a quiet spot by the water are perfectly sufficient for the first attempts. Since the focus in Saxony-Anhalt with the coarse fishing license is on coarse fishing anyway, this fits perfectly – a small school of roach provides plenty of bites and bright children's eyes. It is better to plan short sessions than a whole day, as the attention span is limited and a good finish creates desire for the next time. You can find an overview of which rod, reel, and accessories are suitable for which age on our page Fishing equipment for children by age.
And because it is often windy by the water and damp early on, suitable clothing is worth it: Robust, weatherproof, and naturally cool fishing clothing for children and teenagers ensures that your offspring won't want to go to the car shivering after half an hour.
Angler T-shirts for children & teenagers
Robust, comfortable, and with the fish motif that little anglers love.
Where can you get the right license in Saxony-Anhalt?
In Saxony-Anhalt – unlike the usual local government rule – the lower fisheries authority of the district or independent city is responsible (often the district's public order office). The coarse fishing license is available from the age of 8 after passing the coarse fishing examination. Bring along: Identity card/proof of age, a passport photo, parental consent, and proof of examination. Anyone who still has the old youth fishing examination certificate should present this and is exempt from the new exam. Districts may charge lower fees for minors (§ 30 FischG LSA); the amounts vary by district.
Angler Hoodies for children & teenagers
Robust, comfortable, and with the fish motif that little anglers love.
Always additional: the rules of your water
Very important, no matter where you fish: Beyond the general rules described here, the specific provisions of the concrete water body always apply. Every lake, river, and coastal section has its own water regulations with its own requirements – for example, regarding permitted fishing methods and bait, the number of rods, closed seasons and minimum sizes, night fishing and keepnet use, harvest limits, or restricted shoreline areas. These water-specific rules are usually printed directly on the permit (the fishing card) or can be obtained from the issuing authority (angling club, water manager, authority). Check and observe them before every fishing day – in case of doubt, the rules of the respective water take precedence over the general information on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
From what age can my child fish in Saxony-Anhalt?
From the age of 8 with a coarse fishing license, for which the coarse fishing examination is taken under simplified conditions (§ 29 Para. 1, § 31 FischG LSA). The youth fishing license has not existed since March 31, 2026; however, licenses already issued remain valid until expiration.
What does the coarse fish restriction mean?
With a coarse fishing license, you may only fish for coarse fish in Saxony-Anhalt (§ 29 Para. 4 FischG LSA). Coarse fish are fish that feed on plants and small animals, such as roach or bream – in contrast to predatory fish. For starters, this is perfectly sufficient, as coarse fish often bite quite regularly.
Can my eight-year-old child already take an exam in Saxony-Anhalt?
Yes. The coarse fishing examination is possible from the age of 8 and, according to the law, is taken "under simplified conditions" (§ 31 FischG LSA). A ministerial decree regulates the exact procedure – whether it takes place orally is not stated in the law; it is best to ask the state angling association. The regular fishing license is possible from the age of 12.
Can my child under 8 years old come to the water in Saxony-Anhalt?
Yes, as support. § 28 Para. 2 No. 1 FischG LSA exempts persons from the license requirement who "assist a fishing license holder authorized to fish in the exercise of fishing." The accompanying adult needs a fishing license and a permit. Please leave unhooking live fish, stunning, and killing to them – this follows from the federal Animal Welfare Act, not from the state's fisheries law.
Do I need a fishing card in addition to the license in Saxony-Anhalt?
Yes. In addition to the fishing license, you always need a permit (fishing card) for the respective water body. The fishing card specifies where and under what conditions fishing is allowed.
We strive to inform you accurately and update our pages regularly. The information is provided without guarantee. Please point out any inconsistencies to us so that we can update the information.
Tight Lines – your Fin-Buddies team 🎣
As of: September 2026