Antwerp province sits at the heart of Belgium's canal network, with the Albert Canal, Bocholt-Herentals Canal and Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten Canal all running through or alongside it. The canals hold excellent bream, zander and carp. The province is within 90 miles of Calais, making it ideal for short trips from the UK.
All anglers fishing in Flanders require a VISpas (groot visverlof), issued by Sportvisserij Vlaanderen. The annual licence covers most public lakes, rivers and canals in the Flemish region, including night fishing permissions (rules are built into site-specific regulations rather than requiring a separate night permit).
The VISpas costs approximately €14.50 per year. Purchase online at sportvisserijvlaanderen.be before your trip. UK anglers can buy the licence as a visitor — you do not need to be a Belgian resident.
Always carry your licence while fishing. Inspectors operate on Belgian public waters throughout the season. UK anglers should purchase before travel to avoid any issues at the waterside.
Antwerp's canal network is the main draw for UK carp anglers — the Albert Canal (130km), Bocholt-Herentals Canal and Nete Canal all hold strong carp, bream and zander populations accessible on the VISpas. Night fishing is permitted on most canal stretches. The province is under 90 miles from Calais, making it realistic for a long weekend. The Schelde through Antwerp holds pike and perch alongside carp on public stretches.
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