Amsterdam is one of the most unique cities in the Netherlands for fishing. Thanks to the many canals, waterways, lakes, and rivers, there are plenty of opportunities for sport anglers. Whether you want to streetfish for perch and zander, catch carp in urban waters, or fish for coarse fish in the canals.
In this guide, you will discover where you can fish in Amsterdam, which fish species swim there, and which rules you need to know.
Popular fishing spots in Amsterdam
The canals of Amsterdam
The Amsterdam canals are perhaps the most famous fishing spot in the city. Due to the many bridges, quays, and houseboats, fish find plenty of hiding places here.
Common fish species:
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pike
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zander
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perch
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carp
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bream
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roach
Especially streetfishing is very popular here. Anglers roam the city and fish near bridges, piers, and other structures where predatory fish hide.
The IJ
The IJ is a large and deep body of water close to the center of Amsterdam. Due to the current and depth, this water is ideal for predatory fish.
Fish species often caught here:
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zander
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perch
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dab
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ide
Especially at quays, moorings, and bridges, beautiful fish are regularly caught.
Sloterplas
The Sloterplas is one of the largest fishing waters in Amsterdam and popular with many sport anglers.
Here you can fish for:
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carp
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bream
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pike
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perch
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zander
Due to the large surface area, many different fishing spots can be found.
Bosbaan and Amsterdamse Bos
The Amsterdamse Bos is a quiet place to fish just outside the center. The Bosbaan and various ponds offer good opportunities for both coarse fish and carp.
Important to know:
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sometimes extra rules apply here
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fishing is often only allowed for members of the Amsterdam Angling Association (AHV)
Day passes are sometimes available at the Boswinkel.
Streetfishing in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in the Netherlands for streetfishing.
With streetfishing, you walk along the water and fish at various spots in the city. Especially bridges and quays are good spots because predatory fish like to hunt there.
Popular techniques are:
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fishing with small shads
With light rods, you can catch a lot of perch and zander here.
Carp fishing in Amsterdam
Also, carp anglers can enjoy themselves in Amsterdam. Many urban waters contain beautiful carp.
Popular carp waters:
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canals
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park ponds
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Sloterplas
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Amsterdam-Rhine Canal
A good technique is feeding for a few days with boilies or tiger nuts before fishing.
Coarse fishing in Amsterdam
The canals are also ideal for coarse fishing.
Common fish species are:
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bream
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roach
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bleak
For coarse fish, you can fish for example with:
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the fixed rod
Use groundbait with maggots, casters, or corn as hook bait.
Fishing license in Amsterdam
To fish in most waters of Amsterdam, you need a VISpas from Sportvisserij Nederland.
With the VISpas, you can fish in thousands of waters in the Netherlands.
Always check:
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if the water is listed in the VISplanner
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which rules apply for that water
For some waters such as the Amsterdamse Bos, an additional permit may be required.
Important fishing rules
When fishing in Amsterdam, it is important to take a few rules into account.
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use wet hands when holding fish
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remove hooks carefully
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release caught fish as quickly as possible
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use environmentally friendly weights where possible
Also, you are not allowed to fish everywhere, for example in certain harbors or prohibited zones.
Summary
Amsterdam is a great city for sport anglers. Thanks to the combination of canals, rivers, lakes, and waterways, you can fish here for many different fish species.
Whether you go streetfishing in the canals, carp fishing in park waters, or predatory fishing on the IJ, there are plenty of spots to catch a nice fish.
With a VISpas and the right fishing spot, you can have a fantastic fishing day in Amsterdam.