Short answer: good fishing spots in the Netherlands include the Gaasperplas in Amsterdam, the Dobbeplas near Nootdorp, the Meuse and the Mulderplas in Limburg, and the waters of Zeeland for sea fishing. For most inland waters you need a VISpas (fishing permit).
For many people, fishing is the perfect way to unwind: a few hours at the water’s edge, line in the water, waiting. But in the Netherlands you cannot fish just anywhere, and some places are more beautiful or richer in fish than others. Below you will first read what you need to arrange, followed by some great fishing spots around the country.
First things first: the VISpas
For most Dutch inland waters you need a VISpas, which is valid for one year. According to the Dutch government, you get one automatically when you join an affiliated angling club. Without a membership you can buy a “kleine VISpas”, and there is a JeugdVISpas for children. The pass is issued through the Sportvisunie, the national angling association.
Your VISpas comes with a list of fishing waters, showing where you may fish and which rules apply, for example for night fishing or the number of rods. Different rules apply on the coast and at sea.
Gaasperplas, Amsterdam
The Gaasperplas lies in Gaasperpark in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, close to Gaasperplas metro station. It is a large, deep recreational lake where you can fish for whitefish, predatory fish and carp.
Dobbeplas, Nootdorp
In South Holland, between The Hague and Zoetermeer, the Dobbeplas lies in a recreation area of the same name. It has a beach and a windsurfing shore, and outside busy summer days it is a quiet place to fish.
Meuse and Mulderplas, Limburg
In South Limburg you can fish in the Meuse (Maas), where catches include whitefish and predatory fish. The Mulderplas near Schinnen is another well-known fishing spot. Combine it with a weekend in Maastricht or a visit to the tripoint at Vaals.
Sea fishing in Zeeland
If you prefer sea fishing, Zeeland is a good choice. Anglers fish for sea bass and flatfish, among others, from dams and breakwaters such as the Brouwersdam and along the Oosterschelde. You can also join a sea fishing boat from one of the harbours.
Tips for a successful fishing day
- Check the list of fishing waters that comes with your VISpas before you set off.
- Watch out for closed seasons and minimum sizes: some species may not be caught during certain periods.
- Always take litter and old fishing line home with you.
- Go early in the morning or towards the evening: it is quieter, and fish are often more active.
Final edit: Jan Willem Beumer, editor-in-chief of Mindbogglingmedia
