Anyone aged 12 years or over who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales must have an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence. Money from the sale of licences helps to fund the management of fisheries. If you are caught fishing without one you could be fined up to £2,500.
A rod licence is required by law and entitles the licensee to use a rod and line to fish. Rod licences are issued by the Environment Agency. They differ from permits (often referred to as tickets or day tickets) which give permission to fish a particular water or waters and are issued by fishery owners, angling clubs and so on.
Rod licences can be purchased from any Post Office or online from the Environment Agency.
Where to fish
If you wish to fish in the borough, the council has two ponds at Keston Common for which there is no charge although a licence will still be needed. Please note that fishing is still not allowed at these locations in the close period between 15 March and 15 June, with the Environment Agency website outlining the importance of this and that anglers breaking these rules face substantial fines if caught.
There are also private lakes at:
- Crystal Palace Park (not in the lake with the dinosaurs)
- Rookery Lake, Rookery Lane, Bromley Common
- Ruxley Gravel Pits, near Crittalls Corner
- Water Meadows, St Paul's Cray
See the websites listed for more locations and your local tackle shop may be able to advise you as well.
Costs
The cost of a rod licence depends on the age of the angler, the duration of the licence and the type of fish. The cost to use the private lakes will vary according to each fishing club.