Haarlem is a popular city for anglers thanks to the many canals, waterways, lakes, and polders. Especially the Spaarne and the waters around the city offer many opportunities to catch different fish species.
In addition, Haarlem is also an important place for streetfishing, because in 2026 the Streetfishing World Championship will be held here. This shows how good the fishing opportunities in the city are.
In this guide, you will discover where you can fish in Haarlem, which fish species swim there, and what the best fishing spots are.
Popular fishing spots in Haarlem
The Spaarne (Binnen and Buiten Spaarne)
The Spaarne is the most famous fishing water in Haarlem and runs right through the city.
Here you can fish for:
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pike
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perch
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zander
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bream
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carp
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roach
Bridges, quays, and slopes are often good spots because fish like to hide here.
Mooie Nel
The Mooie Nel is a large lake just outside Haarlem towards Amsterdam.
Here you can fish for, among others:
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pike
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perch
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carp
Due to the size of the water, you can fish here both from the shore and by boat.
Zijkanaal C
Zijkanaal C is a popular water for predatory fish anglers.
Many caught fish species:
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pike
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zander
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bream
Due to the depth and structure of the water, this is a good spot for predatory fish.
Spaarnwoude Polder
The Spaarnwoude polder is a quiet place to fish just outside the city.
Here you can fish for:
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carp
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bream
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pike
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whitefish
This area is ideal for anglers who prefer quiet natural spots.
Predatory fishing in Haarlem
Haarlem is an excellent place for predatory fishing. Especially in the Spaarne and the canals, many predatory fish swim.
Fish species you can catch here:
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pike
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zander
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perch
Good spots are:
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bridges
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inlets
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water plants
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slopes
For perch, often light gear with small shads or softbaits works best.
White fishing in Haarlem
The Spaarne is also a good place for whitefish.
Common species are:
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roach
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bleak
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bream
A popular method is fishing with:
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the fixed rod
Dark ground bait with hemp and maggots often works well.
Carp fishing in Haarlem
Carp fishing is also popular in Haarlem. Especially in the canals and lakes around the city, beautiful carp swim.
Popular spots:
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Spaarne
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Meerwijkplas
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Veenpolder
A well-known technique is feeding for a few days with boilies or tiger nuts before you start fishing.
Streetfishing World Championship Haarlem 2026
Haarlem is internationally known as a good place for streetfishing. In 2026 the Streetfishing World Championship will be held here.
During this event, anglers from different countries come to Haarlem to fish for:
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perch
-
pike
-
zander
The many canals, bridges, and quay walls make Haarlem a perfect city for this fishing technique.
Fishing license in Haarlem
To be allowed to fish in Haarlem, you usually need a VISpas from Sportvisserij Nederland.
With this license, you can fish in thousands of waters in the Netherlands.
Always check via the VISplanner:
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if you are allowed to fish in a water
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which rules apply
Summary
Haarlem is a fantastic city to fish. Thanks to the Spaarne, the Mooie Nel, canals, and polder waters, there are many opportunities for anglers.
Whether you want to predatory fish, carp fish, or white fish, there are plenty of good fishing spots to be found. With the arrival of the Streetfishing World Championship 2026, Haarlem is also on the map worldwide as a fishing city.