Fishing in Netherlands
The main fishing areas in the Netherlands are the North Sea, rivers and big lakes - there are also good fish supplies in the eastern part of the Netherlands in rivers, canals and seas. In the Amsterdam area, the Bosbaan artificial pond is worth a visit (south of the city).
Licences & Regulations
Licences and Permits
Sport fishing in the Netherlands is organised and monitored by Amateur Fishing Netherlands (Sportvisserij Nederland). Permits are required to fish.
The VISpas (fishing pass) is a credit card-sized permit which allows the holder fishing rights according to the terms of the pass they have chosen. The VISpas, introduced in 2007, replaced the previously required permits, the Sportvisakte and the Vergunningen.
Various types of VISpas are available and each acts as proof of membership of a fishing club. The holder must also have a booklet (issued with the card) which lists permissible fishing waters, the Lijsten van Viswateren.
A standard VISpas permits fishing with two rods and all permissible bait. Anglers under the age of fifteen are allowed to fish without an angling licence as long as they are accompanied by a permit holder. If a person under fifteen wishes to fish with two rods they require a Junior VISpas - the JeugdVISpas.
The Small Fishing Pass (KleineVISpas) is available to people who are not members of a fishing club and allows fishing in a limited number of waters and with one rod only.
Detailed information is available in English: Click here
The FAQ section is clear and comprehensive: Click here
Restrictions
Permissible bait is:
- Bread, potato, dough, cheese, corn and seeds
- Worms and prawns
- Insects and larvae (maggots) and imitations maximum size limit of 25mm
- Fishing with any other bait or multiple rods requires a fishing permit.
From April 1 until the last Saturday of May the use of certain types of bait is prohibited across the Netherlands:
- Worms (or imitation worms) and offal
- Live or dead bait fish, a chunk of fish (irrespective of its size)
- Any type of artificial bait or lure apart from artificial flies smaller than 25mm
Night fishing
Night fishing is allowed across the Netherlands on most stretches of water from 1 June through 31 August. For the remainder of the year, angling is not permitted from two hours after sunset until one hour before sunrise.
The LNV has exempted some waters from these regulations and night fishing is not allowed at any time on Lake IJsselmeer and the open harbours bordering it. The permit issued by the owner of the fishing rights will provide further information.
For a booklet from Sportvisserij Nederland that includes a comprehensive map of fishing spots in every area of the Netherlands: Click here (PDF, in Dutch)
To access an interactive map of fishing locations in the Netherlands and the type of fish that can be legally caught: Click here (in Dutch)
Notes
Fishing in Holland is pretty stress-free. While you can do it almost anywhere, you do need to have a license. But first, you must be a member of the Netherlands fishing club.
Being a member entitles you to a VISpas (Dutch fishing license). With it, you can fish anywhere so long as you use two rods and do not go night fishing.
Kids below 15 don’t need a license so long as they are accompanied by an adult with the VISpas.
If you do want to use a third rod or more, you can apply for a special permit. It comes in the form of a hologram seal that is attached to the VISpas. The same also applies to a night fishing permit.
When you first apply for the VISpas, you will receive a temporary proof of membership called the Voorlopig Bewijs van Lidmaatschap / Tijdelijke VISpas. The application is done either online, in a tackle shop, or a fishing club.
You will also get a booklet with all the rivers, lakes, canals, and streams where you are allowed to fish. The temporary permit is valid for one month, and once the license is given you become a member of the club until resignation.
Other Restrictions
Holland also regulates the type of bait used as a way to keep the stock of carp in public waters healthy. The regular permit allows you to fish with the following bait:
- Seeds, cheese, potato, corn, dough, and bread.
- Worms and prawns.
- Maggots.
- Imitation baits up to 25mm in size.
You can obtain a license to use different bait if the need arises. Between 1st April and the last Saturday of May, you may not use real or imitation worms, baitfish, or chunks or fish due to additional restrictions.
When it comes to night fishing, rules vary depending on the water body. You can typically engage in night fishing between 1st June and 31st August.
You should also know that fishing in Holland is strictly catch-and-release. This is especially true of endangered species that may end up on your hook such as minnow, sheatfish, bitterling, lampern, among others.
Seasons
With its European climate, the country enjoys massive popularity when it comes to carp fishing. You can catch all kinds of carp all year round, although some lakes or rivers may have different local rules.
However, while all year is open season for carp fishing in Holland, you should know that various other species are protected by law. If you catch one by accident, you are required to release it unharmed immediately into the same waters. These are:
- Grass carp – closed season all year.
- Sea trout, salmon – closed all year.
- Char, brook trout, brown trout – Closed from 1st October to 31st March
- Pike – Closed from 1st March to 30th June.
- Nose carp, barbel, chub, dace, ide, grayling – Closed from 1st April to 31st May.
- Perch, zander – Closed from 1st April to the last Saturday of May.
If you catch any species that you cannot immediately identify, release it back immediately. Some types of bait are also prohibited during some seasons, as explained above.
Resources
Check List
- Fishing Permits (see above)
- Photo ID
- Travel Insurance - we recommend these providers
If you are driving:
- Green Card (Insurance) - contact your insurer
- Driving licence
- Vehicle Log Book
- GB Sticker (unless GB identifier is on your number plate)
- Be aware of road tolls & charges - see here for details
Recommended Waters
Recommended Service Partners
For the best deals and for Carp Circle assurance use our recommended partners:
Car Hire
Have a car waiting for you upon arrival. Great rates guaranteed.
Travel Insurance
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Flights
Daily budget flights in and out of all main European airports.
-
Licences & Regulations
Licences and Permits
Sport fishing in the Netherlands is organised and monitored by Amateur Fishing Netherlands (Sportvisserij Nederland). Permits are required to fish.
The VISpas (fishing pass) is a credit card-sized permit which allows the holder fishing rights according to the terms of the pass they have chosen. The VISpas, introduced in 2007, replaced the previously required permits, the Sportvisakte and the Vergunningen.
Various types of VISpas are available and each acts as proof of membership of a fishing club. The holder must also have a booklet (issued with the card) which lists permissible fishing waters, the Lijsten van Viswateren.
A standard VISpas permits fishing with two rods and all permissible bait. Anglers under the age of fifteen are allowed to fish without an angling licence as long as they are accompanied by a permit holder. If a person under fifteen wishes to fish with two rods they require a Junior VISpas - the JeugdVISpas.
The Small Fishing Pass (KleineVISpas) is available to people who are not members of a fishing club and allows fishing in a limited number of waters and with one rod only.
Detailed information is available in English: Click here
The FAQ section is clear and comprehensive: Click here
Restrictions
Permissible bait is:
- Bread, potato, dough, cheese, corn and seeds
- Worms and prawns
- Insects and larvae (maggots) and imitations maximum size limit of 25mm
- Fishing with any other bait or multiple rods requires a fishing permit.
From April 1 until the last Saturday of May the use of certain types of bait is prohibited across the Netherlands:
- Worms (or imitation worms) and offal
- Live or dead bait fish, a chunk of fish (irrespective of its size)
- Any type of artificial bait or lure apart from artificial flies smaller than 25mm
Night fishing
Night fishing is allowed across the Netherlands on most stretches of water from 1 June through 31 August. For the remainder of the year, angling is not permitted from two hours after sunset until one hour before sunrise.
The LNV has exempted some waters from these regulations and night fishing is not allowed at any time on Lake IJsselmeer and the open harbours bordering it. The permit issued by the owner of the fishing rights will provide further information.
For a booklet from Sportvisserij Nederland that includes a comprehensive map of fishing spots in every area of the Netherlands: Click here (PDF, in Dutch)
To access an interactive map of fishing locations in the Netherlands and the type of fish that can be legally caught: Click here (in Dutch)
Notes
Fishing in Holland is pretty stress-free. While you can do it almost anywhere, you do need to have a license. But first, you must be a member of the Netherlands fishing club.
Being a member entitles you to a VISpas (Dutch fishing license). With it, you can fish anywhere so long as you use two rods and do not go night fishing.
Kids below 15 don’t need a license so long as they are accompanied by an adult with the VISpas.
If you do want to use a third rod or more, you can apply for a special permit. It comes in the form of a hologram seal that is attached to the VISpas. The same also applies to a night fishing permit.
When you first apply for the VISpas, you will receive a temporary proof of membership called the Voorlopig Bewijs van Lidmaatschap / Tijdelijke VISpas. The application is done either online, in a tackle shop, or a fishing club.
You will also get a booklet with all the rivers, lakes, canals, and streams where you are allowed to fish. The temporary permit is valid for one month, and once the license is given you become a member of the club until resignation.
Other Restrictions
Holland also regulates the type of bait used as a way to keep the stock of carp in public waters healthy. The regular permit allows you to fish with the following bait:
- Seeds, cheese, potato, corn, dough, and bread.
- Worms and prawns.
- Maggots.
- Imitation baits up to 25mm in size.
You can obtain a license to use different bait if the need arises. Between 1st April and the last Saturday of May, you may not use real or imitation worms, baitfish, or chunks or fish due to additional restrictions.
When it comes to night fishing, rules vary depending on the water body. You can typically engage in night fishing between 1st June and 31st August.
You should also know that fishing in Holland is strictly catch-and-release. This is especially true of endangered species that may end up on your hook such as minnow, sheatfish, bitterling, lampern, among others.
-
Seasons
With its European climate, the country enjoys massive popularity when it comes to carp fishing. You can catch all kinds of carp all year round, although some lakes or rivers may have different local rules.
However, while all year is open season for carp fishing in Holland, you should know that various other species are protected by law. If you catch one by accident, you are required to release it unharmed immediately into the same waters. These are:
- Grass carp – closed season all year.
- Sea trout, salmon – closed all year.
- Char, brook trout, brown trout – Closed from 1st October to 31st March
- Pike – Closed from 1st March to 30th June.
- Nose carp, barbel, chub, dace, ide, grayling – Closed from 1st April to 31st May.
- Perch, zander – Closed from 1st April to the last Saturday of May.
If you catch any species that you cannot immediately identify, release it back immediately. Some types of bait are also prohibited during some seasons, as explained above.
-
Resources
-
Check List
-
Recommended Waters
Getting There
Flights
Daily budget flights in and out of all main European airports.
Insurance
Travel Insurance
Stay safe & stay covered. Best rates for European travel.
Driving
Car Hire
Have a car waiting for you upon arrival. Great rates guaranteed.
Fishing Netherlands
The main fishing areas in the Netherlands are the North Sea, rivers and big lakes - there are also good fish supplies in the eastern part of the Netherlands in rivers, canals and seas. In the Amsterdam area, the Bosbaan artificial pond is worth a visit (south of the city).