Do I need a fishing licence in the Netherlands?
Yes — you need a fishing licence (VISpas) for almost all inland waters in the Netherlands. The VISpas costs €48–55 per year, or the Small VISpas (€15) for specific waters. Fishing without a licence = €160 fine plus confiscation of rod and catch. Sea fishing from the beach with a rod: free. Children under 14 may fish along with an adult who has a VISpas, without their own card. For city waters like the Amsterdam canals (via AHV): separate permit needed.
📋 The rules
- General VISpas (€48–55): access to 90% of NL waters incl. most lakes, canals, rivers
- Small VISpas (€15): limited waters, often only small ponds or specific stretches
- Maximum 2 rods at the same time per person (some waters: 1)
- Closed fishing seasons for some species: pike (1 Mar–31 May), eel year-round protected
- Minimum sizes for catch and release: pike <45cm release, eel always release, perch <22cm release
- No fishing in protected nature reserves (Natura 2000) without exemption
- Sometimes additional permit (named permit) needed for specific waters
- Night fishing: separate Night Fishing Permission required (+€10–15)
🔓 Exceptions
- Sea fishing from beach or pier with a rod: free, no permit needed
- Children under 14: may fish along with an adult who has a VISpas, no own permit needed
- Temporary guest permit at some clubs for 1-day fishing (€5–10)
- Some unmanaged canals: fishing is theoretically free but practically rarely allowed by owner
- Bait with one rod without barb on designated “Small List” waters: very limited free fishing
⚠️ Penalty if you do it anyway
€160 for fishing without a licence. Fishing with banned methods (electric, nets without permit, dynamite): fine €500+ and criminal prosecution. Confiscation of catch, rods and gear. Fishing protected species or in protected areas: higher fine (€1,000+).
📎 Official sources
- Sportvisserij Nederland →
- Sportvisserij Nederland · buy VISpas →
- Rijksoverheid · recreation and sport →
- AHV · Amsterdam Sport Fishing Association →
❓ Frequently asked questions
How much does a VISpas cost in 2026?
General VISpas: €48–55/year via your local sport fishing club (membership included). Small VISpas: €15. Night fishing permission separate add-on: €10–15. Available at fishing tackle shops, online via vispas.nl or hsvshop.nl.
Can I fish in an Amsterdam canal without a VISpas?
No. Amsterdam canals fall under the General VISpas regulation of AHV (Amsterdam Sport Fishing Association). Fishing without a permit: fine €160 plus confiscation. The AHV permit is included with Sportvisserij Nederland membership.
What's the difference between General VISpas and Small VISpas?
General VISpas: access to nearly all waters across NL via a shared list, max 2 rods. Small VISpas: only specifically designated waters per region, max 1 rod, no live bait. For most anglers the General VISpas is the right choice.
Can I do night fishing in the Netherlands?
Only with a Night Fishing Permission (extra €10–15 per year on top of your VISpas). Some waters: only specific nights or seasons. Check the List of Fishing Waters for your location.
Do I need a permit for sea fishing?
No. Sea fishing from beach, pier, or your own boat up to 12 nautical miles offshore is free for recreational anglers with a rod. With nets or traps: permit required. Commercially: separate sea permit.
Can my 10-year-old fish with me?
Yes. Children under 14 may fish along with an adult who has a valid VISpas, without their own card. Above 14: own Small VISpas or youth VISpas (~€15) required.
What's the fine for fishing without a VISpas?
€160 plus confiscation of rod and catch. Fishing protected species or in protected areas: €1,000+. With banned methods (electric, dynamite, nets without permit): criminal prosecution under the Fisheries Act.
Can I release fish back or do I have to take them home?
Catch and release is always allowed and often required. Pike <45cm, perch <22cm and eel must always be released. For large and rare fish “catch & release” is increasingly the norm. Avoid lifting by gills, use wet hands.
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