All countries & rules

Fishing in Netherlands

Sportvisserij Nederland · sportvisserijnederland.nl

Plan your trip with up-to-date fishing rules in Netherlands, where to buy a Netherlands fishing license, common fish species (Pike, Zander, Perch, Common carp), closed seasons and key waters. All info is sourced from Sportvisserij Nederland.

Netherlands fishing guide — license, rules and species

Licenses & permits

Where to buy

  • VISpas (freshwater)Sportvisserij Nederland · EUR 34–42/year
  • VISpas (buy online via club)Sportvisserijkeus · EUR 34–42/year
  • No license neededSea fishing from shore · Free

General rules

Species-specific rules

SpeciesWaterMin sizeBag limitClosed seasonNotes
Pike45 cmMar 1 – last Sat in May
Zander42 cmMar 1 – last Sat in May
PerchNo minimum
Eel28 cmSept – Nov (varies)
Bass (sea)42 cm

Common species in Netherlands

EnglishNederländskaScientificFAOMin sizeClosed seasonMethodsKey waters
PikeSnoekEsox lucius
FPI
45 cmMar 1–last Sat MaySpin, dead baitPolders, lakes, canals
ZanderSnoekbaarsSander lucioperca
FPP
42 cmMar 1–last Sat MayJig, verticalIJsselmeer, rivers
PerchBaarsPerca fluviatilis
FPE
No minimumSpin, jig, drop-shotAll waters
Common carpKarperCyprinus carpio
CYP
Bottom, boiliesPolders, gravel pits
TenchZeeltTinca tinca
TEN
Float, bottomPolders, shallow lakes
BreamBrasemAbramis brama
FBR
Float, feederCanals, rivers, polders
European eelPalingAnguilla anguilla
ELE
28 cmSep–Nov (varies)BottomRestricted, declining
European bassZeebaarsDicentrarchus labrax
BSS
42 cmSpin, flyZeeland coast
CodKabeljauwGadus morhua
COD
35 cmBottom, pirkNorth Sea

Frequently asked questions about fishing in Netherlands

All countries & rulesInternational species guide

Disclaimer: regulations vary by region and change frequently. Always verify with the official source before fishing.