Boat licences
If you want to navigate any type of barge, boat or canoe on a navigable river or canal, you will need a licence issued by the individual waterway's owners or managers - there are currently no national licence arrangements (except for canoes issued by Canoe England). Before issuing a licence, most waterways require all boats to comply with the Boat Safety Scheme, and may require you to hold a Boat Safety Certificate to prove this.
For some major rivers, such as the Thames, the Environment Agency is the licensing authority. The majority of boaters however hold licences issued by the Canal & River Trust (formerly British Waterways) who manage most canals and a number of rivers in England and Wales.
The Basingstoke Canal and the River Wey and Godalming Navigations however are not managed by the Canal & River Trust. Separate licences are required from The Basingstoke Canal and the National Trust.
Fishing licences
Standard rod licence required for all fishing
For information about how to obtain a standard fishing licence and the costs involved view the Environment Agency Rod Licence.
Location fishing licence
Licences, permits or day tickets for fishing in a particular waterway, pond or lake can only be obtained from the holder of fishing rights for those locations. Please contact them directly.
Closed season
There is generally a "closed season" where fishing is banned to allow fish to breed. Many coarse fisheries are closed 15 March to 15 June but the precise season will vary depending on the waterway and the type of fishery.
You can find more information on fishing on the Basingstoke Canal website, see above.
