How to Get a Fishing License in Spain
If you’re gonna fish in Spain, you need a license. No way around it. Doesn’t matter if you’re here for a week or moving in for good—you can’t just show up, cast a line, and hope for the best. Spain’s got rules, and if you ignore them, you’ll get fined. Or worse, they’ll take your gear. And nobody wants to explain to their mates why they had to walk back to the car empty-handed.
The catch? There’s no single “Spanish fishing license.” Every region does its own thing. Some places make it easy, others? Not so much.
Why you need a fishing license
This isn’t just about paying a fee. It’s about keeping fish stocks under control, making sure people aren’t overfishing, and protecting local species. Some lakes and reservoirs need extra permits on top of the standard license, especially if they’re in protected areas. Skip that part, and you’ll pay for it—literally.
Types of licenses
Spain splits fishing licenses by where and what you’re fishing for.
- freshwater license – for lakes, reservoirs, and rivers
- sea fishing license – for fishing off the coast, from shore or a boat (includes spearfishing)
- special permits – required for some national parks, private waters, and high-pressure fishing areas
- tournament license – extra paperwork if you’re fishing in official competitions
how to get one
A few ways to do it, depending on where you are.
- online – some regions let you apply through government websites. If your Spanish is decent, this is the easiest way
- local government offices – town halls, regional fisheries offices, environmental agencies—depends on the region
- tackle shops & fishing clubs – some can help sort out licenses, especially in areas with a lot of visiting anglers
What you’ll need:
- passport or ID
- proof of address (sometimes)
- application form
- payment
Most licenses last one to five years, but some places offer short-term tourist licenses too.
Cost
Anywhere from €5 to €50, depending on the region and type of license. Extra permits for special areas? That’s more. Some places give discounts (or even free licenses) for seniors, kids, or people with disabilities.
Rules that get people fined
Every region has different fishing laws, and fines can get steep if you don’t follow them.
- catch limits – some species have daily bag limits. Go over, and you’ll get fined
- closed seasons – certain fish are off-limits at specific times of the year
- banned gear – treble hooks, live bait, multiple rods—some places allow them, some don’t
- protected waters – some lakes and national parks are strictly off-limits for fishing
License rules by region
Because licenses are handled regionally, rules change depending on where you’re fishing.
- Extremadura – famous for bass and pike, licenses issued by the Junta de Extremadura, some reservoirs need extra permits
- Andalusia – general license required, plus special permits for some lakes, strict bait rules in some areas
- Catalonia – digital licenses available, catch-and-release encouraged in some lakes
- Castile and león – short-term tourist licenses available, trout and barbel heavily regulated
- Aragon – home to the Ebro River’s legendary catfish, extra permits needed for some areas
- Madrid – fishing allowed in certain reservoirs, but strict catch limits and bait rules
What happens if you fish without a license?
- fines from €100 to €3,000
- fishing gear confiscated
- possible future bans on getting a license
Final thoughts
Spain’s got some of the best fishing in Europe, but don’t assume the rules are the same everywhere. Sort your paperwork before you get here. Find out what licenses and permits you need for the spot you’re fishing. Because the only thing worse than getting a fine? Standing there watching someone else reel in a fish while your rod sits uselessly in the car.
Plan ahead, follow the rules, and enjoy it.
Tight lines.
