Did you know?
With the offical license that costs just €40 per year, you can fish in 90% of all the water in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands might not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about fly fishing destinations. Yet the fishing here is incredibly diverse. From pike and carp in the beautiful polder landscape to bass in the big rivers to seabass in the Rotterdam harbour.
Another huge advantage of fly fishing in the Netherlands is that a license is easy to get online, affordable and it will give you access to a vast amount of water.
Did you know?
With the offical license that costs just €40 per year, you can fish in 90% of all the water in the Netherlands.
Where to go fly fishing in The Netherlands
Although the country is primarily flat, the diversity of water to fly fish in will give you a huge range of options. From fresh to salt, from canal to sea, there is a lot to explore.
Do you have a location you want to share? Let us know.
Fishing license in The Netherlands
Saltwater
For fishing in saltwater in the Netherlands you do not need a license.
Freshwater
The official license is called the VISpas ('vis' means 'fish' and 'pas' means 'card' in Dutch). With just this one license that costs €40 per calendar year you're all set!
The only thing that you need to do is to check if the water where you want to go fishing is covered by the VISpas. To do that, go to visplanner.nl. Please note: some waters require an additional license from a local association. The Visplanner will indicate if this is the case.
How to use visplanner.nl
Zoom in on the map, or use 'Plaats of postcode' (city or zipcode) to fill in where you want to go fishing, then click on 'Ververs gegevens' (refresh data). All the water that shows up dark blue is water where you can fish, the possibilities are endless!
Make sure to download the Visplanner app. If your license is being checked by an official, you need to show proof that you've checked the water. For this having the Visplanner app is sufficient.
Species to fly fish for in The Netherlands
Almost all species that you can find in the Netherlands you can fly fish for. Some require more creativity than others, but almost all have them have been caught on the fly!
Is your favorite fish not listed? Let us know.
The official Fly Fishing Association (VNV)
The VNV (Vereniging Nederlandse Vliegvissers, which means Association of Dutch Fly Fishers) is the national fly fishing association.
They actively help protect the fish stock in the Netherlands, promote fly fishing and publish a magazine 4 times a year.
Visit vnv.nu (Dutch)
Weather in The Netherlands
The Netherlands enjoys a moderate maritime (or oceanic) climate. This type of climate generally features mild winters and cool summers. Precipitation, such as rain, is common throughout the year.
Guides, workshops and more in The Netherlands
These are the organizations that can help you exlore new waters while learning a thing or two.
Fly fishing in other countries
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