Fishing In Portugal
So, you want to go fishing in Portugal. Of course you do, what a great place to fish. Hot, peaceful and plentiful rivers and lakes for you to hone your skills.
Portugal is awash with fish, from giant Carp to Barbel, Trout, Bream, Perch, Catfish, Shad and Black Bass to name but a few, but there are rules. It’s hardly ever allowed to fish at night although there are a few places where this is allowed and obviously you need a licence or permit.
Fishing permits
A fishing licence or licença is needed for all adults or children over the age of 14, children under the age of 14 are exempt if accompanied by a parent who holds a valid fishing licence.
A sports fishing licence (licença de Pesca desportiva) is needed for sea fishing, and a licence for fishing in inland waters (licença de Pesca desportiva em águas interiores) is required for fishing in rivers and lakes.
There are 3 different types of general licences and 2 special licences that are also available:
1. National Licence (Licença Nacional): permission to fish all over the country where fishing is not restricted, including the islands.
2. Regional Licence (Licença Regional): permission to fish either in the north, south or centre of the country.
3. Local Licence (Licença de Conselho): permission only in the rivers and lakes in a given local authority district.
4. Special Licence for Restricted Areas (Licença para Zona de Pesca Reservada) required for fishing in protected or reserved zones at certain times of the year.
5. Special Licence (Licença Especial): permission for anglers without a Portuguese Residency Permit (Cartão de Residencia).
Getting a fishing licence
The easiest way to purchase a fishing licence is through a "Multibanco machine" ATM.
Simply add your card and Pin and then follow this sequence.
1 Pagamentos e Outros Serviços (Then press)
2 Estado e Sector Público (Then press)
3 Licenciamento de Pesca Lúdica
4 Then you need to select the type of licence you require.
Categories
5 Freshwater Pesca Águas Doces
6 Sea/Marsh: Pesca Águas Maritimas e Salobras
Then you need to select the area in which the fishing will take place
7 National: "Nacional"
8 Norte (On the Douro river or north of it) North
9 Centro (Between the Douro and Tejo rivers) centre
10 Sul (On the Tejo river and south of it) South
Then enter your passport number or NIF number if you have one
11 Enter the passport number again
12 Confirm the information using the Confirmar button
13 If the information is not correct, select the Cancelar button
A printed receipt will be issued; this can be photocopied and must be carried with photo identification when fishing.
For Fishing trips and inspiration, try these links.
The Portuguese Sport Fishing Federation
Portuguese Directorate-General of Agriculture and Fisheries