The Netherlands is the ideal holiday spot for anglers! Let yourself be surprised by the great fishing adventures you can have here!
A large part of the Netherlands is situated below sea level, making it one of the most watery countries in the world. From mighty rivers and the river delta to vast areas of wetland. From the characteristic polders to the canals of Amsterdam; the Netherlands has it all, and all these waters are great for angling. Go on big fishing adventures with monstrous pikes, huge perch, beautiful carps and strong sea bass. Or take it easy, angling for bream, tench or the common roach from your lazy chair.
Would you rather go catch some marine fish? That’s also possible in the Netherlands. There are plenty of hotspots along our 523 kilometres long coastline. Beaches, ports, piers, the famous Zeeland Delta and the Wadden Islands. All these spots offer an opportunity to catch a wide variety of tasty marine fish.
In the Netherlands we like to make you, the angler, comfortable and we like to keep things as affordable as possible. Here it is possible to catch fish all year through in lots of waters throughout the whole country with only one document – the VISpas – for about just 40 euros per calendar year! The Netherlands is the angling country par excellence, it’s only a few hours from belgium, Germany, Great Britain or France, see you soon!
Going fishing? Bring your VISpas!
The VISpas allows you to fish in all waters stated in the accompanying booklet entitled Lists of Fishing Waters (Gezamenlijke Lijst van Nederlandse Viswateren). That's more than 90% of the surfacewater in Holland.
The average amount you pay for a VISpas is around 40 euros. When you become a member of a fishing club, you receive the VISpas automatically. Every VISpas is valid until December 31st.
Order your VISpas easy online at www.vispas.nl. After payment by VISA or Mastercard you'll receive an automatic e-mail with a temporary permit that allows you to go fishing immediately.
-> Read more about the VISpas, the legislation and where to fish
VISpas Hotspots: het Twiske (Noord-Holland)
Het Twiske is a nature reserve and recreational area to the north of Amsterdam. It comprises a large, deep lake combined with many shallow ponds, creeks and ditches. With such diversity, this area has something for everyone: coarse fishing, fishing for predatory fish and carp fishing.
Vispas hotspots: Oude IJssel (Gelderland)
The Oude IJssel is a river in the Achterhoek region. This tributary to the river IJssel meanders more than 70 kilometres from Germany through the province of Gelderland, towards Doesburg. The diverse fish stocks and wonderful surroundings attract anglers from far and wide.
2024 fine amounts
Prosecution Service has announced the fine amounts for 2024. The amounts relating to inland fishing, which includes anglers, are almost the same as last year. However, the penalty fees are not cheap, so make sure you avoid a fine when you’re fishing.
VISpas Hotspots: Tjonger (Friesland)
The Tjonger is a river in the south of Friesland that flows more than 40 kilometres from high, forested ground to lower moorland areas. There are quite a few easily accessible spots along the banks of this stretch of river. In addition to enjoying a varied landscape, restful surroundings and space, anglers of coarse fish, predatory fish and carp will have the chance of a good catch.
Fishing in Holland-map: Accommodations and fishing guides
If you’re planning on angling in the Netherlands, then you probably want to stay as close to the water as possible so you don’t have to travel too far to your fishing spot. In addition, a fishing guide can help you catch the necessary beautiful fish in a limited time. The Fishing in Holland map gives you a handy overview.
Closed season: what’s the deal? (video)
When fishing in the Netherlands you have to take into account a number of closed seasons. For example, there is the closed season for certain types of bait and the closed season for certain fish species. Especially for pike, zander and perch this sometimes gives rise to confusion. In this video we will explain the deal on the different closed seasons.
- Lurefishing
- Flyfishing
- Coarse angling
- Carpfishing
Fishingdestinations, -spots and -facilities map
With our Google Map below you find an overview of fishing destinations, - spots, -guides, - accommodations, - ponds and charterboats. These 'points of interest' can be filterd by fishspecies and -methods. You can also go to their website or Facebook fanpage or search by residence.
-> Check the Fishging in Holland Map
