Bruges is not only a beautiful historic city but also an interesting place for sport fishermen. Thanks to the many canals, ditches, and ponds, there are various fishing opportunities in and around the city.
From carp fishing in the Sint-Pietersplas to predator fishing in the Damse Vaart, Bruges has something to offer every angler.
In this guide, you will discover where you can fish in Bruges, which fish species swim there, and which rules you need to know.
Popular fishing locations in Bruges
Canal Bruges–Ostend
The Canal Bruges–Ostend is one of the most well-known fishing waters in the region.
Here you can fish for:
-
bream
-
roach
-
zander
-
perch
With the proper fishing permit, night fishing is allowed in some places.
Damse Vaart
The Damse Vaart is a popular canal just outside Bruges.
Common fish species are:
-
roach
-
perch
-
pike
-
bream
Due to the calm banks and long straight stretches, this water is suitable for both coarse fishermen and predator fishermen.
Sint-Pietersplas
The Sint-Pietersplas is a large recreational area and one of the best spots in Bruges for carp fishing.
Fish species found here:
-
carp
-
bream
-
perch
-
pike
In certain places, night fishing is allowed with the proper fishing permit.
Waggelwater
The Waggelwater is a nature reserve just outside the center of Bruges.
Here you can fish for:
-
pike
-
perch
-
carp
The natural environment makes this a peaceful place to fish.
The Cold Kitchen
The Cold Kitchen is a park in Sint-Andries near Bruges where there is a pond.
This is the only urban green area in Bruges where fishing is allowed.
Here you can fish for, among others:
-
carp
-
roach
-
bream
Fishing in Zeebrugge
Not far from Bruges lies the port of Zeebrugge, where you can also fish.
Here you can fish for:
-
cod
-
whiting
-
flatfish
Fishing is only allowed from the quay.
Fishing permit in Bruges
To be allowed to fish in Bruges, you need a Flemish fishing permit.
You can easily apply for this fishing permit via:
With this permit, you may fish in most public waters of Flanders.
Important fishing rules
When fishing in Bruges, you must take into account some rules.
-
fishing is usually allowed with a maximum of two rods
-
fishing in fish passages, locks, or from bridges is prohibited
-
during the spawning season (April 16 – May 31), extra rules apply
-
caught fish often must be immediately released
Always check the local rules before you go fishing.
Which fish species are in Bruges?
The waters around Bruges contain many different fish species.
Common species are:
-
pike
-
zander
-
perch
-
carp
-
bream
-
roach
Due to the combination of canals, lakes, and seaports, there is a lot of variety in fishing.
Summary
Bruges offers many opportunities for sport fishermen. Thanks to the Damse Vaart, Sint-Pietersplas, Bruges canals, and the port of Zeebrugge, you can fish here for many different fish species.
Whether you want to carp fish, predator fish, or sea fish, Bruges is an interesting destination for a fishing day.