For many sport fishermen, spring is a special period. Temperatures rise, the water comes to life, and predatory fish prepare for spawning. That is why specific rules apply in the Netherlands and Belgium regarding the closed season for predatory fish.

In this blog, we clearly explain when you may and may not fish for predatory fish, which bait types are prohibited, and what the differences are between the Netherlands and Flanders.

What is the closed season for predatory fish?

The closed season is a period during which predatory fish such as pike, zander, and perch are protected during their reproduction (spawning).

During this period, restrictions apply such as:

mandatory catch and release for certain fish species
ban on artificial bait or dead bait
in some areas even a complete fishing ban

The goal is simple: to protect the fish population so that the fish can spawn peacefully and enough young fish grow up.

Closed season for predatory fish in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, there are actually two types of closed seasons:

closed season for fish species
closed season for bait types

These are often confused with each other.

Closed season for fish species (Netherlands)

For certain predatory fish, there is a period during which you may not take them home, but fishing is allowed.

Important dates:

Pike: March 1 through the last Saturday of May
Zander & Perch: April 1 through the last Saturday of May

Catch a fish during this period?
Then you must immediately and carefully release it.

Closed season for bait types (Netherlands)

The most important rule for predatory fishermen is the ban on certain bait types.

From April 1 until the last Saturday of May, it is forbidden to fish with:

artificial bait
dead baitfish
pieces of fish
slaughter waste

This makes it practically impossible to specifically fish for predatory fish.

Exceptions

Some bait types are allowed:

worms
maggots
other natural bait (no fish)
small artificial flies up to 2.5 cm

Note: additional local rules may apply.

Predatory fishing in March: what is allowed?

March is a special month for predatory fishermen.

Although the closed season for pike starts on March 1, you may still fish with artificial or dead bait.

The rule is simple:

> catch a pike, then it must be immediately released.

Many predatory fishermen therefore see March as the last chance to catch a big pike before spawning.

Closed season for predatory fish in Belgium (Flanders)

In Flanders, the system works a bit differently than in the Netherlands.

Here, people usually talk about the spawning period.

Official spawning period

April 16 through May 31

During this period, the water warms up and many fish species reproduce.

Are you allowed to fish during the spawning period?

That depends on the water.

During the spawning period, you may only fish in waters designated in the Public Fishing Regulations.

If a water is not on this list, fishing is completely prohibited.

In addition, managers or owners may impose extra rules.

Important rules during the spawning period in Flanders

If you fish in an allowed water, extra conditions apply:

All caught fish must be immediately released
The use of baitfish or pieces of fish is prohibited
Artificial bait is allowed

This is a big difference with the Netherlands, where artificial bait is actually prohibited during the closed season.

Why does the closed season exist?

The closed season protects the reproduction of predatory fish.

When the water reaches around 8 degrees Celsius, pike often start spawning. Later, zander and perch follow.

During this period:

fish move to shallow water
they seek water plants and shelter
they lay thousands of eggs

Too much disturbance can lead to:

less successful reproduction
lower fish stocks
worse fishing in the future

By leaving predatory fish alone temporarily, sport fishing remains sustainable.

Closed season for predatory fish summarized

Netherlands

Pike: March 1 – last Saturday of May (immediate release)
Zander & perch: April 1 – last Saturday of May
Ban on artificial bait and dead bait:
April 1 – last Saturday of May

Flanders (Belgium)

Spawning period: April 16 – May 31
Fishing only allowed in designated waters
All fish must be released
Baitfish prohibited
Artificial bait allowed

What can you do during the closed season?

Many fishermen use this period to:

buy new predatory fishing gear
sort artificial bait
look for new fishing spots
or switch to carp, coarse fish, or catfish

This way, fishing remains fun while predatory fish can spawn peacefully.

Respect the rules

The closed season is not there for nothing. By respecting the rules, we ensure that we can also enjoy healthy fish stocks and good predatory fish catches in the future.

So just a little patience… and then the predatory fishing season can start again in full swing!

Tip: Always check the local rules via

Rules can differ per water.

Predator Fishing Closed Season: Rules in the Netherlands and Belgium