Fishing vacation in the Netherlands

If you want to plan a successful fishing trip, you should take a good look at the different waters of our country. The border lakes and the major rivers offer a huge variety of fish species. For example, you can choose a fishing vacation in North Holland where you are among the polders and ring canals. Also the waterways around the big cities often surprise with an excellent state of pikeperch and whitefish. A fishing vacation in South Holland combines the tranquility of the lakes with the proximity of the coast. The nice thing about these regions is that you can often rent a boat at the accommodation, so you are not bound to just the shore.

For carp anglers, privacy and the ability to fish through the night is often the most important requirement. There are locations in the Netherlands where the gardens of the cottages are directly adjacent to deep, nutrient-rich water where substantial pangolin and mirror carp swim. Often here you may simply set up your tent or brolly in the backyard, so that you are directly at your rods when the bite alarm rings. It's smart to check in advance if there are obstacles in the water and if you are allowed to use a bait boat. Many of these spots also offer additional facilities such as a power point outside to charge your batteries.

This province is the absolute number one destination for many water sports enthusiasts and anglers. The Frisian Lakes are known for their clear water and huge amount of pike and perch. If you book a cottage on fishing waters in Friesland, you are in the middle of a network of canals that are all interconnected. This means the fish can move freely and you can look for a new spot every day. In the summer months it is pleasantly crowded on the water here, but in early spring and autumn you often have the reed beds all to yourself.

Do you prefer the absolute silence? Then the canals and fens of Drenthe are a fantastic choice. The fishing here is often surprisingly good, with lots of bream and tench in the smaller waters. When you stay in a cottage near fishing waters in Drenthe, you will experience a kind of tranquility that is almost impossible to find in the rest of the country. Many accommodations here are on old peat canals where there is almost no motorized shipping. This makes for mirror-smooth water and ideal conditions to get started with the fixed pole or a light rod.

Fishing on the coast requires a very different approach and equipment. In the southwest of the country you can hunt for sea bass, flatfish and in the summer even eel or mackerel. A cottage on fishing waters in Zeeland gives you access to both the Eastern Scheldt and North Sea beaches. The tide plays a big role here; fish bait best when the water is moving. For those who prefer to fish on calmer water, Zeeland's inland dikes and polders also offer excellent opportunities for big pike. It is a region where you can also very easily celebrate a fishing vacation in the Netherlands with your dog, as the beaches and dikes are perfect for long walks between fishing.

A nice fishing spot really doesn't have to cost the top price. By looking just outside the well-known tourist hotspots, you can often find gems of accommodation for a competitive price. Think for example of the border regions. A cottage by fishing water in Limburg along the Maasplassen often offers great opportunities for a fraction of the price you pay at the coast in high season. You'll also find affordable options in the eastern part of the country. Many private landlords on our platform offer unique locations that offer far more value for your money than a standard bungalow park.

Before you pack the car, it is important to have your papers in order. In almost all of the Netherlands, you need the Vispas to fish legally. This pass is linked to a list of waters you can visit. Some parks or private owners have their own fishing waters where you don't need an extra permit, but always check. Also note the closed times for certain baits and species of fish, such as pikeperch and pike in the spring. This way you avoid fines and contribute to a healthy fish population in our beautiful waters.