Covering 68 hectares in Regio Limburg, Maas (Netherlands) is one of the Netherlands' medium-sized public rivers. Known locally as De Maas. The water holds Carp, Zander, Pike, Perch, Barbel, Bream, Catfish — carp fishing is a key draw for visiting anglers.
Night fishing at Maas (Netherlands) is permitted with restrictions. Night fishing rules vary by Maas section (1a–1j). Most sections: NachtVIStoestemming required. Grensmaas (Borgharen to Geul): night fishing for VVM members without extra permit — check VVM regulations. Bovenmaas (near Maastricht): night fishing between sunset and sunrise NOT permitted. Fishing forbidden: in vispassages, within 25m above or 75m below stuwen (weirs). Nature area oevers: no night fishing where signed after sunset. Maasplassengebied Midden-Limburg: night fishing forbidden in Maasplassen between listed km points.. Regarding boats: Boats permitted on most sections. Belly boats allowed. No boats in Sluiscomplex Sambeek. Strong currents — safety important..
At 183 miles from Calais, Maas (Netherlands) is easily accessible for UK anglers — the Netherlands is well-connected via the Hook of Holland–Harwich ferry or the Channel Tunnel.
Night fishing is permitted with restrictions. Night fishing rules vary by Maas section (1a–1j). Most sections: NachtVIStoestemming required. Grensmaas (Borgharen to Geul): night fishing for VVM members without extra permit — check VVM regulations. Bovenmaas (near Maastricht): night fishing between sunset and sunrise NOT permitted. Fishing forbidden: in vispassages, within 25m above or 75m below stuwen (weirs). Nature area oevers: no night fishing where signed after sunset. Maasplassengebied Midden-Limburg: night fishing forbidden in Maasplassen between listed km points.
Boats: Boats are permitted at Maas (Netherlands). Boats permitted on most sections. Belly boats allowed. No boats in Sluiscomplex Sambeek. Strong currents — safety important.
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. Some Maas sections require local society membership (VVM, HSV).
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.
Maas (Netherlands) holds carp, zander, pike, perch, barbel, bream, catfish. Note: carp are mandatory catch-and-release on Dutch public waters — they must be returned alive.
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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. Grensmaas: mandatory no-kill for Carp, Barbel, Serpeling, Nase, Trout, Sea trout, Salmon.
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.
Maas (Netherlands) is 183 miles from Calais — reachable via the Hook of Holland ferry or Channel Tunnel in under 3 hours. No booking required — Dutch public waters operate on free access under the VISpas system.
Regio Limburg covers a wide range of public fishing venues accessible under the VISpas system. Use PiscaMaps to find all venues in this region.