01 ·
IJsselmeer
Pike-perchPerchhuge
Europe · Fishing World Guide
Netherlands.
Fishing License Netherlands 2026 - VISpas, Pike & Pike-perch
7
target species
Yes
license needed
Year-round
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
VISpas: Approx. 40 EUR/year. Smaller VISpas (for children/juveniles): Approx. 10 EUR.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- Online at vispas.nl or at tackle shops. The VISpas is the standard fishing license.
- Cost
- VISpas: Approx. 40 EUR/year. Smaller VISpas (for children/juveniles): Approx. 10 EUR.
- Validity
- Annual ticket (calendar year). Valid for almost all waters in the country!
- Available online?
- Yes
The Netherlands have an exemplary system: The VISpas (United Sport Fishing Pass) gives access to almost all waters throughout the country! One ID, all waters. All rules per water body are stored in the VISpas app.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Possible all year round! Pike: October-February (outside closed season). Zander: Autumn/Winter.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Biesbosch
Pikelabyrinth of rivers
03 ·
Vinkeveense Plassen
Pikenear Amsterdam
04 ·
Haringvliet
Pike-perchLake TroutSalmon
05 ·
Canal network
throughout the countryCarp
What's biting?
Your target species.
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
Pike: March-June (closed season). Zander: April-June. Perch: April-May. Catfish: May-June.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Pike: Mostly C&R. Zander: Minimum size 42 cm, removal limited. Eel: Removal prohibited!
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Live bait fish prohibited. Night fishing only at certain waters. Comply with keepnet rules.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Standard for pike and predatory fish. Legally recommended. Eel: Absolute removal ban!
What does it cost?
40 €
License
Approx. 40 EUR/year (VISpas) — valid for almost ALL waters!
200-350 €
Guide per day
200-350 EUR/day incl. boat. Carp session: 150-250 EUR/day.
40-70 €
Daily budget
Budget: 40-70 EUR (VISpas + bank fishing). Comfort: 150-300 EUR (guide, boat).
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Netherlands52.13°, 5.29°
🎣 Live catches in niederlande
3 verified catches
Not enough data (3 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Online at vispas.nl or at tackle shops. The VISpas is the standard fishing license. — The Netherlands have an exemplary system: The VISpas (United Sport Fishing Pass) gives access to almost all waters throughout the country! One ID, all waters. All rules per water body are stored in the VISpas app.
Rules in detail
The VISpas app shows exactly what is permitted for each water body. The Netherlands have one of the best-organized fishing systems in the world!
Freshwater
Densely populated water country! Canals, polders, lakes and rivers everywhere. Pike and zander world-class.
Saltwater
North Sea: Seabass, mackerel, flatfish. Zeeland is the hotspot.
Equipment
Excellent tackle shops everywhere (Hengelsport chains). Everything available locally.
Guides
Predatory fish guides: 200-350 EUR/day incl. boat. Carp guides available.
Getting there
Schiphol Amsterdam, then train/rental car. Public transport excellent.
Safety
Very safe country. Plan for rain and wind. Life jacket on boats.
Customs & fish export
EU member: No restrictions on fishing equipment.
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 10, 2026
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