Permit for recreational fishing in 2026 – a new electronic purchase method

Wody Polskie have introduced a new solution that will make life easier for all anglers. A permit for recreational fishing can now be purchased online via the Virtual River Information System. Find out how to use this convenience and what else can be found in the system.

Recreational fishing permit without leaving home

Until now, obtaining a fishing permit for waters managed by Wody Polskie required completing many time-consuming formalities. An additional inconvenience for anglers was the fact that sales were handled by Regional Water Management Authorities responsible for individual reservoirs. Before one could cast a line, a fair amount of running around was required.

As part of the digitisation of services, in December 2025 Wody Polskie introduced the option to purchase a recreational fishing permit via the website https://wir.wody.gov.pl/ or the mobile application Virtual River Information System. How does this solution work?

The user selects the fishing location and the type of permit, and pays the fee via a bank transfer, either traditional or instant, or using the BLIK option. Once the payment is received, the permit is sent in the form of a QR code, and logged-in users additionally have access to it as a file on their profile. As a result, when going fishing it is enough to have a phone with you, no documents are needed anymore.

Wody Polskie assure that the entire procedure is fast and trouble-free, and that an e-permit can be purchased even when already at the water. The service can also be used without logging in, as a guest. Angling enthusiasts should familiarise themselves with the Virtual River Information System as soon as possible, as from 1 January 2026 fishing permits are sold exclusively in electronic form.

Virtual River Information System for all water users

The Virtual River Information System was created to make it easier for residents of Poland to use inland waters. In addition to the option to purchase a recreational fishing permit, the application also offers electronic tickets for lock passages or the use of boat lifts for recreational vessels, kayaks and rowing boats. In total, the database handled by the system includes over one hundred locks on all the most popular inland waterways in the country.

The aim of the Virtual River Information System is not only to make life easier for anglers and water users, but also to reduce bureaucracy and the consumption of paper needed for printing documents. Within the system, ship operators can submit electronic declarations to determine the amount of fees for using inland waterways and their sections, as well as locks and boat lifts in a given month. Representatives of Wody Polskie emphasise that this is an important step towards broad digitisation of public services.

For summer and for winter

Users of the system have access to three modules, available both in the web and mobile applications. In addition to the module for handling matters and settlements, it is possible to use a route planning option for cruises on Polish rivers and lakes, which takes into account facilities along the route, navigation notices and transit depths. The third, so-called ice module, presents up-to-date data on the occurrence of ice phenomena. Thanks to it, users can report events occurring on watercourses, enriching the interactive map with new information.

The Virtual River Information System collects real-time data from many sources and additionally presents forecasts for IMGW-PIB water gauges. We recommend the mobile application to all kayakers and anglers who plan to spend time actively on Polish rivers and lakes in 2026. Using the system is one of the basic ways to increase the level of safety during leisure activities by the water.