A national rod licence is required for fishing in salt water in Danish territorial waters or in fresh water streams, rivers and lakes, including canals, ditches and other man-made waterways which supplement or replace natural watercourses.

In fresh water, besides purchasing a national rod licence, the person who owns the fishing rights to the water concerned must also give you permission to fish or you must acquire a fishing permit.

The national rod licence is not required:

- by people who are under 18 years of age
- by people who are over 65 years of age
- for fishing in many Put & Take fisheries
- by recreational fishermen who have purchased a national licence for fishing with passive tackle (such a licence costs DKK 250 per year)
- by the owner (and family) of the land adjoining the fishery

National rod licence anno 2005
Because of simplified rules on proof of payment, a licence is no longer physically issued to those who pay via Betalingsservice (a Danish direct debit payment scheme). Since 1 January 2005, it has been sufficient to show proof of identity and state your licence number when requested. Your licence number is quoted on the payment notification you receive from Betalingsservice.

A national rod licence can be purchased at www.fisketegn.dk - or from tourist information offices and campsites. National rod licences are also available from post offices and sub-post offices. The latter are usually located in supermarkets, grocery shops or similar retail outlets.

A 12-month national rod licence costs DKK 125. One-day and one-week licences are also available, costing DKK 30 and DKK 90 respectively.

Revenues from the national rod licence and recreational fishing licence are used to maintain stocks and for other fishery improvement measures.

The scheme aims to improve catches for anglers, recreational and commercial fishermen.

Fishery improvement measures are implemented by the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries in close cooperation with various angling and fishing organisations.