How big is Biesbosch?

Biesbosch covers 22,239 acres (9,000 ha) in Regio Zuidwest, the Netherlands.

What licence do I need to fish Biesbosch?

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 Biesbosch from the UK?

Biesbosch is approximately 138 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 Biesbosch in advance?

Most public Dutch waters including Biesbosch 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 Biesbosch River, Regio Zuidwest, Netherlands

Regio Zuidwest, Netherlands 22,239 acres (9,000 ha) River 🌙 Night fishing Boats allowed 138mi from Calais

About Fishing at Biesbosch

Located in Regio Zuidwest, Biesbosch is a very large river of 9,000 hectares open to fishing under the Dutch VISpas system. Species include Pike, Zander, Perch, Bream, Carp, Eel, with carp present and subject to mandatory catch-and-release under Dutch rules.

For carp anglers planning overnight sessions, night fishing at Biesbosch is authorised: Night fishing permitted with NachtVIStoestemming in most Biesbosch areas. Brabantse Biesbosch: full area permitted excl. eastern edges of Catharinepolder, Hooge Hof, Deeneplaat. Excl. enclosed former creeks in Oost- and Noordwaard. Dordtse Biesbosch: Zuid-Maartensgat and Gat de Kielen. Sliedrechtse Biesbosch killen: Moldiep, Sionsloot, Kikvorschkil, Helsloot, Zoetemelksekil. Aakvlaaigebied: fishing FROM BOAT ONLY. Closed/inaccessible waters: no fishing.. Regarding boats: Boats permitted and required in Aakvlaaigebied. Major tidal/river system — strong currents possible..

Biesbosch is 138 miles from Calais, making it a realistic destination for a long weekend carp trip from the UK.

Region

Regio Zuidwest

Country

Netherlands

Province

Noord-Brabant/Zuid-Holland

Water Type

River

Size

22,239 acres (9,000 ha)

Night Fishing

Yes

Boats

Allowed

From Calais

138 miles

Fishing Rules at Biesbosch

Night fishing is permitted at Biesbosch with a valid NachtVIStoestemming. Night fishing permitted with NachtVIStoestemming in most Biesbosch areas. Brabantse Biesbosch: full area permitted excl. eastern edges of Catharinepolder, Hooge Hof, Deeneplaat. Excl. enclosed former creeks in Oost- and Noordwaard. Dordtse Biesbosch: Zuid-Maartensgat and Gat de Kielen. Sliedrechtse Biesbosch killen: Moldiep, Sionsloot, Kikvorschkil, Helsloot, Zoetemelksekil. Aakvlaaigebied: fishing FROM BOAT ONLY. Closed/inaccessible waters: no fishing.

Boats: Boats permitted and required in Aakvlaaigebied. Major tidal/river system — strong currents possible.

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 Biesbosch

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 at this venue.

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

Fish Species at Biesbosch

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

Biesbosch — Photography

Image via Wikipedia · Used under Creative Commons licence

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Fishing Season at Biesbosch

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 Biesbosch?+

Biesbosch covers 22,239 acres (9,000 ha) in Regio Zuidwest, the Netherlands.
What fish can I catch at Biesbosch?+

Biesbosch holds Pike, Zander, Perch, Bream, Carp, Eel. Note: carp are mandatory catch-and-release on Dutch public waters.
Is night fishing allowed at Biesbosch?+

Night fishing at Biesbosch is permitted. Night fishing permitted with NachtVIStoestemming in most Biesbosch areas. Brabantse Biesbosch: full area permitted excl. eastern edges of Catharinepolder, Hooge Hof, Deeneplaat. Excl. enclosed former creeks in Oost- and Noordwaard. Dordtse Biesbosch: Zuid-Maartensgat and Gat de Kielen. Sliedrechtse Biesbosch killen: Moldiep, Sionsloot, Kikvorschkil, Helsloot, Zoetemelksekil. Aakvlaaigebied: fishing FROM BOAT ONLY. Closed/inaccessible waters: no fishing..
What licence do I need to fish Biesbosch?+

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 Biesbosch from the UK?+

Biesbosch is approximately 138 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 Biesbosch in advance?+

Most public Dutch waters including Biesbosch 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 →

Fishing at Biesbosch River