How big is Markermeer?

Markermeer covers 168,031 acres (68,000 ha) in Regio MidWest, the Netherlands.

Is night fishing allowed at Markermeer?

Night fishing at Markermeer is not permitted. Night fishing forbidden on the Markermeer (same rules as IJsselmeer). Extended bait restriction 16 March–30 June..

What licence do I need to fish Markermeer?

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 Markermeer from the UK?

Markermeer is approximately 175 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 Markermeer in advance?

Most public Dutch waters including Markermeer 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 Markermeer, Regio MidWest, Netherlands

Regio MidWest, Netherlands 168,031 acres (68,000 ha) Lake No night fishing Boats allowed 175mi from Calais

About Fishing at Markermeer

Covering 68,000 hectares in Regio MidWest, Markermeer is one of the Netherlands' vast public lakes. Species present include Bream, Zander, Perch, Eel, Smelt.

Night fishing is not permitted at Markermeer — 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 175 miles from Calais, Markermeer 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

Noord-Holland/Flevoland

Water Type

Lake

Size

168,031 acres (68,000 ha)

Night Fishing

Boats

Allowed

From Calais

175 miles

Fishing Rules at Markermeer

Night fishing is not permitted at Markermeer. 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 Markermeer

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 Markermeer

Markermeer holds bream, zander, perch, eel, smelt.

Markermeer — Photography

Image via Wikipedia · Used under Creative Commons licence

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Fishing Season at Markermeer

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 Markermeer?+

Markermeer covers 168,031 acres (68,000 ha) in Regio MidWest, the Netherlands.
What fish can I catch at Markermeer?+

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

Night fishing at Markermeer is not permitted. Night fishing forbidden on the Markermeer (same rules as IJsselmeer). Extended bait restriction 16 March–30 June..
What licence do I need to fish Markermeer?+

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 Markermeer from the UK?+

Markermeer is approximately 175 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 Markermeer in advance?+

Most public Dutch waters including Markermeer 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 Markermeer