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Covering 760 hectares in Regio Fryslân, De Leijen is one of the Netherlands' large public lakes. Species present include Pike, Perch, Bream, Roach, Tench.
Night fishing at De Leijen is permitted with restrictions. Night fishing conditions vary — may apply limited fishing period. Staatsbosbeheer water: fishing period 1 July–28 February; night fishing forbidden. Fishing from boat and belly boat permitted. Check VISplanner and on-site signs for current access.. Regarding boats: Boat and belly boat fishing permitted..
De Leijen is 235 miles from Calais. The Netherlands offers free public fishing under the VISpas system — no venue booking or day tickets required on most waters.
Night fishing is permitted with restrictions. Night fishing conditions vary — may apply limited fishing period. Staatsbosbeheer water: fishing period 1 July–28 February; night fishing forbidden. Fishing from boat and belly boat permitted. Check VISplanner and on-site signs for current access.
Boats: Boats are permitted at De Leijen. Boat and belly boat fishing permitted.
Permits required: VISpas (~€40/year) required. NachtVIStoestemming (€17.50) required for night fishing. Derde Hengeltoestemming (€32.50) for 3rd rod where permitted. Check VISplanner app (visplanner.nl) for current water-specific rules.
VISpas (~€40/year) — required to fish most public waters in the Netherlands. Available online at sportvisserijnederland.nl.
NachtVIStoestemming (€17.50/year) — required in addition to the VISpas for night fishing. Night fishing is permitted here with restrictions — check VISplanner for current rules.
Always verify rules on VISplanner.nl before your session — rules can vary by specific water.
De Leijen holds pike, perch, bream, roach, tench. Pike are subject to a closed season 1 March–last Saturday May.
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1 July–28 February only (Staatsbosbeheer restriction). Night fishing forbidden.
All anglers fishing Dutch public waters require a VISpas (~€40/year) from Sportvisserij Nederland — buy online at sportvisserijnederland.nl before leaving the UK. For night fishing, an additional NachtVIStoestemming (€17.50/year) is required. Always check VISplanner.nl for current rules on the specific water before your session.
De Leijen is 235 miles from Calais — allow around 4 hours from the Hook of Holland ferry. No booking required — Dutch public waters operate on free access under the VISpas system.
The Netherlands is one of Europe's most accessible fishing destinations for UK anglers. The Stena Line overnight ferry (Harwich–Hook of Holland, ~6.5 hours) drops you directly into the fishing heartland, with most Dutch venues within a 2-hour drive of the port.
A VISpas (Sport Fishing Licence) is required to fish most Dutch waters. Buy online at vispas.nl. Many day-ticket and private lakes (particularly carp venues) require an additional water-specific permit.
The Netherlands is a year-round fishing destination. Carp fishing peaks from May through September, with the shallow polders and large pits producing outstanding sport. Pike and perch are at their best from October through February when water temperatures drop and fish move into predictable areas. Zander fishing on the big waterways (IJsselmeer, Hollands Diep) is excellent throughout autumn and winter. For summer carp sessions, the Dutch clay pits and reservoirs hold fish in the 20–40+ lb range with relatively low angling pressure compared to the UK.
Regio Fryslân covers a wide range of public fishing venues accessible under the VISpas system. Use PiscaMaps to find all venues in this region.