How big is IJsselmeer?

IJsselmeer covers 279,229 acres (113,000 ha) in Regio MidWest, the Netherlands.

Is night fishing allowed at IJsselmeer?

Night fishing at IJsselmeer is not permitted. Night fishing FORBIDDEN on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer and IJmeer — this is an exemption from the general VISpas rules. Bait restriction extended: 16 March–30 June (longer than national standard). Max 2 zander and/or 5 perch in possession near IJsselmeer. Dijkbelopen (dike paths) around IJsselmeer freely accessible unless signed otherwise. Friese IJsselmeerkust: fishing permitted in publicly opened nature areas only..

What licence do I need to fish IJsselmeer?

You need a VISpas (~€40/year) from Sportvisserij Nederland. For night fishing, a separate NachtVIStoestemming (€17.50/year) is required. Both are available online. Always check the VISplanner app for current rules on this specific water.

How far is IJsselmeer from the UK?

IJsselmeer is approximately 191 miles from Calais by road. The Hook of Holland–Harwich ferry is a popular route for UK anglers with vehicles.

Do I need to book IJsselmeer in advance?

Most public Dutch waters including IJsselmeer operate on a free-access basis under the VISpas system — no advance booking or day ticket is required on most public stretches. Always verify current rules on VISplanner.nl before your trip.

Fishing at IJsselmeer, Regio MidWest, Netherlands

Regio MidWest, Netherlands 279,229 acres (113,000 ha) Lake No night fishing Boats allowed 191mi from Calais

About Fishing at IJsselmeer

Covering 113,000 hectares in Regio MidWest, IJsselmeer is one of the Netherlands' vast public lakes. Species present include Bream, Zander, Perch, Eel, Smelt, Whitefish.

Night fishing is not permitted at IJsselmeer — plan for daytime sessions only. Regarding boats: Boats and belly boats permitted. Belly boats forbidden in main navigation channel (vaargeul) of major transport waterways (e.g. Waal). Float tubes treated as small craft — stay out of commercial shipping lanes..

At 191 miles from Calais, IJsselmeer is easily accessible for UK anglers — the Netherlands is well-connected via the Hook of Holland–Harwich ferry or the Channel Tunnel.

Region

Regio MidWest

Country

Netherlands

Province

Flevoland/Friesland/Noord-Holland

Water Type

Lake

Size

279,229 acres (113,000 ha)

Night Fishing

Boats

Allowed

From Calais

191 miles

Fishing Rules at IJsselmeer

Night fishing is not permitted at IJsselmeer. This is an exception to standard VISpas rules — check VISplanner for details.

Boats: Boats and belly boats permitted. Belly boats forbidden in main navigation channel (vaargeul) of major transport waterways (e.g. Waal). Float tubes treated as small craft — stay out of commercial shipping lanes.

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.

Fishing Licences for IJsselmeer

VISpas (~€40/year) — required to fish most public waters in the Netherlands. Available online at sportvisserijnederland.nl.

Always verify rules on VISplanner.nl before your session — rules can vary by specific water.

Fish Species at IJsselmeer

IJsselmeer holds bream, zander, perch, eel, smelt, whitefish.

IJsselmeer — Photography

Image via Wikipedia · Used under Creative Commons licence

Full details available to PiscaMaps members

Join to unlock full rules, access notes and venue details for IJsselmeer and all Netherlands venues.

Join PiscaMaps View on Map

From £5.95/month · £49.95/year · Cancel anytime

Fishing Season at IJsselmeer

All year for most species. Closed season: Pike 1 March–last Saturday May; Zander & Perch 1 April–last Saturday May; Barbel/Chub/Nase 1 April–31 May. Bait restriction: 1 April–last Saturday May (no dead fish/lures). Mandatory no-kill: Carp, Eel/Paling, Grass Carp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is IJsselmeer?+

IJsselmeer covers 279,229 acres (113,000 ha) in Regio MidWest, the Netherlands.
What fish can I catch at IJsselmeer?+

IJsselmeer holds Bream, Zander, Perch, Eel, Smelt, Whitefish.
Is night fishing allowed at IJsselmeer?+

Night fishing at IJsselmeer is not permitted. Night fishing FORBIDDEN on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer and IJmeer — this is an exemption from the general VISpas rules. Bait restriction extended: 16 March–30 June (longer than national standard). Max 2 zander and/or 5 perch in possession near IJsselmeer. Dijkbelopen (dike paths) around IJsselmeer freely accessible unless signed otherwise. Friese IJsselmeerkust: fishing permitted in publicly opened nature areas only..
What licence do I need to fish IJsselmeer?+

You need a VISpas (~€40/year) from Sportvisserij Nederland. For night fishing, a separate NachtVIStoestemming (€17.50/year) is required. Both are available online. Always check the VISplanner app for current rules on this specific water.
How far is IJsselmeer from the UK?+

IJsselmeer is approximately 191 miles from Calais by road. The Hook of Holland–Harwich ferry is a popular route for UK anglers with vehicles.
Do I need to book IJsselmeer in advance?+

Most public Dutch waters including IJsselmeer operate on a free-access basis under the VISpas system — no advance booking or day ticket is required on most public stretches. Always verify current rules on VISplanner.nl before your trip.

More Fishing in Regio MidWest

Regio MidWest covers a wide range of public fishing venues accessible under the VISpas system. Use PiscaMaps to find all venues in this region.

Browse all venues in Regio MidWest →

Fishing at IJsselmeer