Ghent is one of the most interesting cities in Flanders for fishing. With its mix of rivers, canals, docks, urban water and green recreation areas, you will find options for almost every style of fishing. Whether you enjoy coarse fishing, carp fishing or predator fishing, there are many strong spots in and around Ghent.
In this guide you will discover the best fishing locations in Ghent, which fish species to expect, which license you need and what tackle is useful for your session.
Why fish in Ghent?
Ghent is especially interesting because several waterways meet in and around the city. The Leie, Scheldt, Ringvaart, Ghent docks and various park and recreation waters create plenty of variety.
Benefits of fishing in Ghent:
- Many different waters within a short distance
- Suitable for coarse fish, carp and predators
- Interesting for street fishing and urban angling
- Easy to reach by bike, car and public transport
- Plenty of structure such as bridges, quays, slopes and locks
Best fishing spots in Ghent
The Leie
The Leie is one of the best-known fishing waters around Ghent. The river runs through and alongside different parts of the city and offers both quiet stretches and areas with more current and structure.
You can fish here for species such as:
- Roach
- Bream
- Perch
- Pike
- Zander
- Carp
For coarse anglers, quiet banks and deeper bends are interesting. Predator anglers should focus on bridges, quay walls, current seams and areas where small baitfish are present.
The Scheldt
The Scheldt is a strong and varied fishing water for sport anglers. It offers interesting zones for zander, perch and coarse fish. The combination of current, depth changes and hard banks makes this water attractive for predators.
Popular techniques include:
- Fishing with shads for zander
- Dropshot fishing for perch
- Feeder fishing for bream and roach
- Carp fishing on quieter stretches
For predator tackle, visit our predator fishing tackle page.
Ringvaart around Ghent
The Ringvaart is an interesting canal around Ghent. Because of its depth, straight banks and boat traffic, it can be a technical water, but that is exactly why it can be very productive.
You have a chance of catching:
- Zander
- Perch
- Bream
- Roach
- Carp
For zander, bottom contact is important. Use a sensitive spinning rod, thin braided line and the right jig head. Also view our shads and jig heads.
Ghent port and docks
The Ghent port and docks are popular with anglers who like larger and deeper water. Quays, shipping traffic, depth changes and plenty of food make this area interesting for both coarse fish and predators.
Common fish species include:
- Large bream
- Roach
- Perch
- Zander
- Pike
- Carp
Always pay attention to local access and safety rules. Not every quay or industrial zone is accessible to anglers.
Portus Ganda and urban water
Portus Ganda is located in the centre of Ghent and is popular with street anglers. The combination of bridges, walls, boats and different waterways makes this an interesting zone for perch and zander.
Small softbaits, shads, creature baits and dropshot rigs often work well here. Fish slowly and accurately along structure, because fish are often closer to the bank than you think.
Blaarmeersen
Blaarmeersen is a well-known recreation area in Ghent where fishing is possible, but specific rules and permits apply. The water is interesting for carp, pike, perch and tench, among others.
Before fishing here, check the current rules with the City of Ghent or the domain itself. Some zones or periods may require separate permission.
Which fish species live in Ghent?
The waters around Ghent have a varied fish stock. Depending on the location, you can expect different species.
Predators
- Pike
- Zander
- Perch
Coarse fish
- Roach
- Bream
- Silver bream
- Rudd
Other species
- Carp
- Tench
- Eel
- Prussian carp
Fishing license in Ghent
For most public waters in Ghent you need a valid Flemish fishing permit, called a Visverlof. This applies to many parts of the Leie, Scheldt, Ringvaart and canals.
You can apply for your Visverlof online through the Flemish government. Also read our guide on fishing licenses in Flanders and Wallonia.
Some waters, recreation domains or private ponds may have additional rules or require separate permission. Always check local regulations before you start fishing.
Best season to fish in Ghent
Spring
In spring, coarse fish, carp and perch become more active. Do pay attention to closed seasons and extra rules around spawning periods.
Summer
Early morning and late evening are often the best times. Carp, perch and zander can be very active then.
Autumn
Autumn is a strong period for predator fishing. Zander and perch hunt more actively, and pike also become more interesting as the water cools.
Winter
In winter, the focus is often on zander, large bream and slow fishing with softbaits close to the bottom.
Tackle for fishing in Ghent
The tackle you need depends on your style of fishing. For street fishing and predators, a light spinning rod, braided line, fluorocarbon leader and a few softbaits are often enough. For coarse fishing, a feeder rod or pole, groundbait and fine hookbaits are useful. Carp anglers should choose strong tackle, an unhooking mat and suitable bait such as boilies or tiger nuts.
View our pages with predator fishing tackle, carp tackle and bait and groundbait.
Important rules and tips
- Always carry your valid fishing license.
- Check the local rules for each water.
- Do not leave litter behind.
- Use an unhooking mat for carp and large fish.
- Handle fish carefully and release them quickly.
- Do not fish where it is prohibited or unsafe.
Summary
Ghent is a very versatile fishing region. With the Leie, Scheldt, Ringvaart, Ghent port, Portus Ganda and Blaarmeersen, there are plenty of options for coarse anglers, carp anglers and predator anglers.
If you have the right license, respect local rules and match your tackle to the water, you can enjoy good fishing sessions in Ghent all year round.