In the Netherlands, it is possible to fish year-round, but several of the most popular species have closed seasons to protect spawning. This affects when it is possible and sensible to travel.
The trip at a glance
- Destination: lakes, rivers and canals in the Netherlands
- Season: year-round outside the closed seasons, best in spring and autumn
- Species: big perch, zander and pike
- Guides: Jan Boomsma and his colleagues
- Method: guided boat fishing, Shimano equipment available to borrow
- Travel: flight to Amsterdam with transfer
Closed seasons
- Perch and zander: protected from 1 April–31 May.
- Pike: protected from 1 March–30 June.
Outside these periods, fishing is open and highly productive. Our travel dates are always planned outside the closed seasons.
Best periods
Spring and autumn are the best periods for big perch and zander.
Late summer can offer really exciting pike fishing.
The fishing is good year-round, and several of our regular departures are in February and November.
Where are the fish?
In the large lakes, perch may hold shallow among baitfish one day and deeper along drop-offs and structures the next. In rivers and canals, predatory fish are concentrated but more selective. Pike thrive in areas rich in vegetation, while zander often hold deeper along edges and structures.
Lures
- Jigs with shads or crayfish imitations are the foundation of perch fishing.
- Crankbaits and jerkbaits work well when the fish are holding higher in the water or chasing.
- Chatterbaits and topwater lures can produce when the predatory fish are highly active.
- Larger lures along structures and depth edges for pike and zander.
The guides always adapt their choice of lures to the conditions of the day, and that is often when the biggest strikes happen. Equipment and lures are available to borrow on site.
You can read about the guides and waters in the article about big perch in the Netherlands.
Plan your trip to Holland
Our travel dates are always outside the closed seasons. Get in touch if you would like to travel on a different date. Emil at Outside Travels has been there himself and will be happy to answer your questions.
View the fishing trip to Holland
Frequently asked questions about the season in the Netherlands
When are perch and zander protected?
From 1 April to 31 May.
When is pike protected?
From 1 March to 30 June.
When is the best time for big perch?
Spring and autumn. Late summer can offer really exciting pike fishing.
Questions about the trip?
We’re happy to help with arrangements and questions about the fishing. Call us at +46 313 758 200 or email us info@outsidetravels.com.