Europe
Fishing in
Netherlands 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Netherlands52.13°, 5.29°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- 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.
Buy fishing license for Netherlands online
Official authority website
Book fishing tours in Netherlands
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- Pike: March-June (closed season). Zander: April-June. Perch: April-May. Catfish: May-June.
- Catch limits
- Pike: Mostly C&R. Zander: Minimum size 42 cm, removal limited. Eel: Removal prohibited!
- Prohibited methods
- Live bait fish prohibited. Night fishing only at certain waters. Comply with keepnet rules.
- Catch & Release
- Standard for pike and predatory fish. Legally recommended. Eel: Absolute removal ban!
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!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —IJsselmeer (Pike-perch, Perch, huge)
- —Biesbosch (Pike, Labyrinth aus Flüssen)
- —Vinkeveense Plassen (Pike, near Amsterdam)
- —Haringvliet (Pike-perch, Lake Trout, Salmon)
- —Canalnetzwerk (überall im Land, Carp)
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.
Starting from350 EUR / day
Best season: Possible all year round! Pike: October-February (outside closed season). Zander: Autumn/Winter.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Excellent tackle shops everywhere (Hengelsport chains). Everything available locally.
- Fishing guides
- Predatory fish guides: 200-350 EUR/day incl. boat. Carp guides available.
- Transport
- Schiphol Amsterdam, then train/rental car. Public transport excellent.
- Safety
- Very safe country. Plan for rain and wind. Life jacket on boats.
- Customs & taking fish home
- EU member: No restrictions on fishing equipment.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
Approx. 40 EUR/year (VISpas) — valid for almost ALL waters!
Guide prices
200-350 EUR/day incl. boat. Carp session: 150-250 EUR/day.
Daily budget
Budget: 40-70 EUR (VISpas + bank fishing). Comfort: 150-300 EUR (guide, boat).
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Netherlands
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
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Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Netherlands with Kiwi.com
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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