Fishing Holiday in the Mecklenburg Lake District: Waters, Tourist Licence & Homes with Jetty

More than 1,000 lakes linked by rivers and canals, plus the Müritz, the largest lake lying entirely within Germany: the Mecklenburg Lake District is one of the country's best fishing regions. And the best part for visitors: you do not need a German fishing exam. Here you will learn which papers you need, what bites and how to find the right holiday home with a jetty.

Fishing without a German licence: the tourist fishing licence

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania offers a temporary fishing licence for anyone who has not passed the German fishing exam (state portal MV).

It comes with a brochure covering the key rules on fishing, nature and animal welfare. Read it before your first cast.

The fishing permit: nothing works without it

The licence alone is not enough. For every water you also need a permit from whoever holds the fishing rights, such as a fishing company, angling club or municipality. On many lakes around the Müritz, the Fischerei Müritz-Plau GmbH ("Müritzfischer") issues the permits, often online too. There are bank-only permits as well as boat and bank permits.

Target species and rules for 2026

Typical target species in the Lake District are pike, zander, perch, whitefish, eel and carp. On the waters managed by the Müritzfischer, these rules apply in 2026, among others (fishing rules 2026):

Per fishing day you may take no more than two fish in total from pike, zander, eel and carp. On the Kleine Müritz and adjoining lakes, artificial lures are banned from 1 April to 1 June. Always check the rules on your own permit, because other waters and clubs have their own regulations.

Holiday home with jetty and boat

The classic fishing holiday set-up in the Lake District: a holiday home right on the water, your own jetty and a rowing boat or licence-free motorboat. That way you are on the water before everyone else in the morning.

What to look for when booking:

• Own jetty or boat mooring
• Boat included in the price or available to rent on site
• Fishing permit available for the house's own water
• Freezer or cooling for your catch
• Space to dry clothes and store gear

The best waters for beginners

• Müritz: a large water around Waren, Röbel and Rechlin. Boat fishing on the open lake needs some experience and good weather.
• Small lakes around Mirow and Wesenberg: more sheltered, calmer and ideal for families with a rowing boat.
• Plauer See and the Elde: a mix of lake and river, easy to reach via the Müritz-Elde waterway.

Night fishing and boats: the key rules

On the Müritzfischer waters, night fishing is only allowed from the bank or from an anchored boat without an electric motor. You may use no more than three rods at a time. If you are out by boat after sunset, federal waterways require an all-round white light.

Conclusion

The Mecklenburg Lake District is perfect for a fishing holiday without an exam: apply for the tourist fishing licence, buy a permit for your water and book a house with a jetty. Read the rules on your permit carefully, especially minimum sizes, harvest slots and lure bans.

Frequently asked questions