Cast with purpose: How getting a rod licence this Easter improves fisheries and nature in Wales
Anglers across Wales are being urged to get their rod licence this Easter so they can enjoy the new season and help support the waters they fish. Buying a licence is more than meeting a legal requirement; every purchase funds work that improves habitats, removes barriers and strengthens fisheries across Wales.
Through Natural Resources Wales (NRW), rod licence fees have gone to fund fishery improvements at places such as Cwmbran Boating Lake in Cwmbran. £15,000 from rod licence holders has allowed Crow Valley Angling to install fishing platforms at the lake and a solar powered aerator to help keep the fish healthy.
Improvements also include the installation of fishing platforms that are accessible and safe for wheelchair users, making fishing at the lake more inclusive and contributing to its strong community ethos.
Ben Wilson, Principal Advisor on Fisheries at Natural Resources Wales, said:
"When anglers buy rod licences, we are acting as stewards of fisheries across Wales. Licence fees fund work that makes fishing something we can all enjoy, and helps restore fisheries and the local environment. It’s something every rod licence holder can be proud of.
"So we are urging new and veteran anglers to get their rod licence this Easter. Enjoy your own fishing this spring, and help support fishing for the future.”
Another example of this impact can be seen in Llanelli, where rod licence income has supported the development of a new carp fishery in the Millennium Coastal Park.
Working alongside the local council, NRW has helped cut back invasive weeds, constructed new angling platforms, and supported the creation of a circular access path. NRW also assisted in relocating large carp from other waters within the park. The result is an accessible, affordable and high quality angling facility for the people of Llanelli.
A similar transformation has taken place at Pluck Lake in Swansea. Once a relatively derelict site, it has been brought back into use after the South Wales Fishing Society took on the lease from Swansea Council. Rod licence funding enabled NRW to work with both partners to develop the venue into a safe, good‑quality angling location for the city. The lake is now accessible, affordable, and close to where many people in Swansea live, making it a valuable community angling resource.
Rod licences can be bought online at: GOV.UK or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386. Licences are available for 12 months, 8 days or 1 day, and Welsh speakers and learners can apply online in Welsh. For information on the rules which apply to freshwater angling in Wales visit the Natural Resources Wales website.
Anyone aged 13 or over needs a valid rod licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel in Wales or England. Concessions are available for senior and disabled anglers, and junior licences for 13 to 16‑year‑olds are free, although young anglers must still register.
To report illegal fishing or an environmental or pollution incident, contact NRW’s 24/7 incident communications centre through the online “report it” form or by calling 0300 065 3000.