Fishing at Volkerak

About Fishing at Volkerak

Covering 4,500 hectares in Regio Zuidwest, Volkerak is one of the Netherlands' very large public lakes. The water holds Pike, Zander, Perch, Carp, Bream — carp fishing is a key draw for visiting anglers.

Night fishing is permitted at Volkerak with a NachtVIStoestemming. Night fishing permitted with NachtVIStoestemming. Natura 2000 areas (hatched on map): fishing from BOATS ONLY, from 25m outside toe of bank protection. "Geen bevissing" zones: no fishing at all. "Bevissing 1 april t/m 31 juli" zones: fishing forbidden 1 August–31 March. Zander removal requires special snoekbaarsonttrekkingsvergunning — order via Sportvisunie webshop. Zuider Voorhaven: fishing from boat forbidden. VISpas holders have exemption from boat prohibition in bevisbare zones during permitted periods.. Regarding boats: Boats required in some Natura 2000 zones. Zuider Voorhaven: boat fishing forbidden. Stay 25m from toe of bank protection in protected areas..

At 116 miles from Calais, Volkerak is easily accessible for UK anglers — the Netherlands is well-connected via the Hook of Holland–Harwich ferry or the Channel Tunnel.

Fish Species at Volkerak

Volkerak holds pike, zander, perch, carp, bream. Note: carp are mandatory catch-and-release on Dutch public waters — they must be returned alive.

Volkerak — Photography

Image via Wikipedia · Used under Creative Commons licence

Fishing Season at Volkerak

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. Additional Natura 2000 seasonal closures apply — check VISplanner.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How big is Volkerak?+
  Volkerak covers 11,120 acres (4,500 ha) in Regio Zuidwest, the Netherlands.
• What fish can I catch at Volkerak?+
  Volkerak holds Pike, Zander, Perch, Carp, Bream. Note: carp are mandatory catch-and-release on Dutch public waters.
• Is night fishing allowed at Volkerak?+
  Night fishing at Volkerak is permitted. Night fishing permitted with NachtVIStoestemming. Natura 2000 areas (hatched on map): fishing from BOATS ONLY, from 25m outside toe of bank protection. "Geen bevissing" zones: no fishing at all. "Bevissing 1 april t/m 31 juli" zones: fishing forbidden 1 August–31 March. Zander removal requires special snoekbaarsonttrekkingsvergunning — order via Sportvisunie webshop. Zuider Voorhaven: fishing from boat forbidden. VISpas holders have exemption from boat prohibition in bevisbare zones during permitted periods..
• What licence do I need to fish Volkerak?+
  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 Volkerak from the UK?+
  Volkerak is approximately 116 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 Volkerak in advance?+
  Most public Dutch waters including Volkerak 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 Zuidwest

Regio Zuidwest 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 Zuidwest →

Nearby Venues in the Netherlands

• Haringvliet, Regio Zuidwest
• Schelde-Rijnkanaal, Regio Zuidwest
• Hollands Diep, Regio Zuidwest
• Grevelingenmeer, Regio Zuidwest
• Oostvoornse Meer, Regio West
• Vlietland, Regio West
• Biesbosch, Regio Zuidwest
• Mark (river), Regio Zuid
• Gouwe/Gouwekanaal, Regio Zuidwest
• Amer, Regio Zuid