Fishing in the Netherlands | ExpatINFO Holland (2024)

Information about angling and fishing in the Netherlands – relevant permits required for inland fresh-water fishing and coastal North Sea fishing, seasonal limitations, local fishing associations and more…

Fishing in the Netherlands | ExpatINFO Holland (1)

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.

Dutch Fishing Licences & Permits

Sport fishing in the Netherlands is organized and monitored by Amateur Fishing Netherlands (Sportvisserij Nederland). A permit is 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. 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 in the Netherlands (Lijsten van Viswateren). A regular VISpas costs approximately €40

A standard VISpas allows fishing with two rods with permissible bait. Children under the age of 15 can fish without an angling licence if they are accompanied by a permit holder. If the child wishes to fish with two rods, they must obtain a Junior VISpas (JeugdVISpas).

The Small Fishing Pass (KleineVISpas) is available to people who are not members of a particular fishing club. It allows fishing in selected areas and only with one rod.

Restrictions on Fishing in the Netherlands

Permissible bait:
-Bread, potato, dough, cheese, corn and seeds
-Worms and prawns
-Insects, larvae (maggots) and imitations with maximum size of 25mm

Fishing with any other bait or multiple rods requires a fishing permit.

From beginning of April to end 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 beginning of June to end of August. During 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.

Closed Season

There are closed seasons for certain species of fish. If any such fish is caught during the closed season, it should be released, unharmed immediately in the same stretch of water in which it was caught.

CLOSED SEASONFISH SPECIES
All yearsea trout, salmon
1st Oct – 31st Marbrown trout, char, brook trout
1st Mar – 30th Junpike
1st Apr – 31st Maybarbel, chub, dace, nose carp, ide, grayling
1st Apr – last Sat in Mayperch, zander

Endangered and Protected Fish

Certain species are protected by Dutch conservation or endangered species laws. It is forbidden to fish (catch or use an angling technique that is known to specifically target) the following species:
Spotted bleak, brook lamprey, lampern, stone loach, bitterling, minnow, sheatfish, large and small gudgeon, bullhead, sturgeon, catfish and houting.

If one of these species is caught by accident, it should be released immediately in the same stretch of water in which it was caught. Likewise if the fish caught is smaller than the size limit for that species, it should be released unharmed immediately in the same stretch of water in which it was caught.

If the fish cannot be identified, it is best to release it.

Carp Restrictions

Grass carp should always be released as the species has a role in controlling under water vegetation. Stocking grass carp may only take place with permission of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Management.

Special Types of Tackle

A peur is a hookless line, usually connected to a stick, to hold a clump of worms on a length of wool. This type of tackle is used for specialised eel fishing. A peur licence is needed in addition to other permits. There is a limit on the number of peur licenses issued.

Maps & Apps

Sportvisserij Nederland offers a ‘Fishing in Holland’ map of fishing spots throughout the Netherlands. It allows you to filter by species of fish, nearby facilities, fishing method and type of VISpas required.

The VISplanner phone app offers an interactive map of fishing locations in the Netherlands and the type of fish that can be legally caught at each.

Fishing Equipment & Supplies

The following Dutch webshops sell fishing equipment and supplies…

Related information…

10 BIGGEST LAKES IN THE NETHERLANDS

Fishing in the Netherlands | ExpatINFO Holland (2024)

FAQs

Fishing in the Netherlands | ExpatINFO Holland? ›

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.

What fish do you catch in the Netherlands? ›

Rivers and Canals: - The rivers and canals of the Netherlands offer vast potential for anglers. Along the scenic shores, you'll find a wide variety of fish species, including zander, perch, pike, and carp. These calm canals and flowing rivers provide ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Is fish cheap in Netherlands? ›

The Dutch pay almost 12.5 percent less for fish, and milk, cheese, and eggs are priced 2.5 percent below the European benchmark.

Do you need a permit to fish in Amsterdam? ›

If you're keen to try your hand at fishing in Amsterdam canals, you'll need a fishing license. The most commonly used license is the VISpas, which grants access to fishing in most waters in both Amsterdam and Haarlem.

What is the famous fish dish in the Netherlands? ›

Haring 'Hollandse Nieuwe'

Haring or 'Hollandse Nieuwe' (Dutch new herring) is probably the most famous Dutch food. If you like fish you should at least try it once. The raw herring is served together with chopped raw onions and gherkins. Also the way of eating is a real Dutch tradition.

Can tourists fish in the Netherlands? ›

Dutch Fishing Licences & Permits

Sport fishing in the Netherlands is organized and monitored by Amateur Fishing Netherlands (Sportvisserij Nederland). A permit is required to fish. A standard VISpas allows fishing with two rods with permissible bait.

What fish is Amsterdam famous for? ›

Herring, or like de Dutch say: haring, is one not-to-miss local delicacy. With the herring season in full effect from mid June, these well-known Dutch foods are mega fresh and extra tasty.

What is the national fish of the Netherlands? ›

For centuries, fishing for and exporting salted herring was one of the cornerstones of the Dutch economy. This silvery, slimy fish is part of the Dutch national identity, thanks to a humble herring fisherman.

Do the Dutch eat a lot of fish? ›

The Netherlands has a lot of coastline for a little country, so it's no surprise that Dutch food culture includes a lot of seafood. Fresh fish is usually haddock, or sometimes halibut or sea bass.

Is food expensive in Holland? ›

Cost of food and drink in the Netherlands

Staple foods are not overly expensive in the Netherlands. General supermarkets such as Albert Heijn or Plus stock a good supply of everyday foods that are typically less expensive than specialist stores.

Where is the best place to fish in Amsterdam? ›

The Amsterdam waters are home to all kinds of fish. For instance, the IJ and the North Sea Canal (right behind the central station) are known as the best fishing spots when it comes to predatory fish in the Netherlands.

Can you fish in the canals in the Netherlands? ›

Zander fishing in the Netherlands is unparalleled, as most of the major rivers have great stocks. You can catch them in the city canals, or by casting a line from the groynes (a low wall built out into the sea from a beach).

Is it legal to magnet fish in Amsterdam? ›

(the law about magnet fishing)

In the Netherlands and Belgium magnet fishing is allowed at most places. Nevertheless, there are regulations for magnet fishing. For instance the age limit (some manufacturers set the age limit to 14, others to 18).

What do the Dutch eat for breakfast? ›

Dutch people who prefer not to start their day with bread often choose yogurt or cereals, such as muesli or cornflakes with milk, yogurt or cottage cheese. For an extensive breakfast, many people cook or bake an egg (with bacon) and sugar bread or currant bread with almond paste is brought into the house.

What do Dutch people say before eating? ›

Dining etiquette

If you want to say "Enjoy your meal" say "Eat smakelijk" and if you want to make a toast say "proost".

What do the Dutch eat for lunch? ›

A typical Dutch lunch is a broodje kaas or bread with cheese, also popular is to add apple syrup on top of that. Breakfast is eaten between 6 and 8 a.m. and lunch between 12 and 2 p.m..

What fish do Dutch people eat? ›

The Dutch have been consuming herring for over a thousand years. At first people fished for herring for personal use, this changed around the year 1000 when the commercial herring fishing arose.

What fish do you catch in Amsterdam? ›

Here, every angler can catch zander and perch to their heart's desire, and the same is true for the myriad canals in the city centre, which are connected to these large waterways. These canals are also swarming with bream and beautiful large specimens of roach, as well as pikes.

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