Fishing
Fishing on the waterways of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is a popular pastime enjoyed by thousands of people each year.
Angling requirements
If you want to fish the rivers and open areas of water found in the Broads network of waterways you will require a trout, coarse fish and eel license which is available from the Environment Agency or post office branches nationwide.
Children under 13 do not need a licence. Licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free however you’ll still need to get a junior licence.
You must always carry your rod fishing licence when you’re fishing or you could be prosecuted and fined up to £2,500.
Where To Fish
There are several publicly accessible fishing platforms in the Broads area, and angling is also permitted from most Broads Authority 24 hour moorings unless stated otherwise.
If angling on a Broads Authority mooring please remember:
- At moorings, anglers must always give way to boats wishing to moor.
- If fishing close to boats, be considerate and don’t scatter bait over their decks. Try using a pole cup to place your bait, rather than a catapult.
- Keep the pathway and any mooring equipment clear of fishing tackle as it may create a trip hazard.
- You are permitted to fish from your boat whilst it is stationary but please be considerate of other river users. It is not permitted to fish from a moving boat (also known as trolling) unless the boat is being rowed.
- Follow any local signage present, for example around restrictions or safety notices (such as overhead wires).
- Please take all tackle and litter with you including fishing line as it can be very harmful to wildlife.
- Retain fish only for the shortest time possible and avoid the use of keepnets.
Coarse fishing season
As the Broads is a freshwater river system, the coarse fishing close season applies from 15 March to 15 June inclusive each year and between these dates fishing is not permitted on the waterways. The close season aims to protect fish whilst they are spawning, leading to healthier fish and helping to improve fish stocks.
The close season for brown trout and rainbow trout in rivers, and for brown trout in unenclosed stillwaters, is 30 October to 31 March inclusive.