What licence do I need to fish Waal?

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 Waal from the UK?

Waal is approximately 154 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 Waal in advance?

Most public Dutch waters including Waal 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 Waal River, Regio Midden, Netherlands

Regio Midden, Netherlands River 🌙 Night fishing Boats allowed 154mi from Calais

About Fishing at Waal

Situated in Regio Midden, Waal is a public river accessible to anglers with a valid VISpas. Known locally as De Waal. Species include Catfish, Carp, Zander, Pike, Perch, Bream, Barbel, with carp present and subject to mandatory catch-and-release under Dutch rules.

For carp anglers planning overnight sessions, night fishing at Waal is authorised: Night fishing permitted with NachtVIStoestemming. Belly boats FORBIDDEN in main navigation channel (vaargeul) of the Waal — major shipping route. Excellent catfish (meerval) and carp venue. Groynes are popular fishing spots.. Regarding boats: Boats permitted. Major commercial navigation — stay clear of vaargeul. Belly boats forbidden in vaargeul..

Waal is 154 miles from Calais, making it a realistic destination for a long weekend carp trip from the UK.

Region

Regio Midden

Country

Netherlands

Province

Gelderland/Zuid-Holland

Water Type

River

Night Fishing

Yes

Boats

Allowed

From Calais

154 miles

Fishing Rules at Waal

Night fishing is permitted at Waal with a valid NachtVIStoestemming. Night fishing permitted with NachtVIStoestemming. Belly boats FORBIDDEN in main navigation channel (vaargeul) of the Waal — major shipping route. Excellent catfish (meerval) and carp venue. Groynes are popular fishing spots.

Boats: Boats permitted. Major commercial navigation — stay clear of vaargeul. Belly boats forbidden in vaargeul.

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 Waal

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 Waal

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

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Fishing Season at Waal

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

What fish can I catch at Waal?+

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

Night fishing at Waal is permitted. Night fishing permitted with NachtVIStoestemming. Belly boats FORBIDDEN in main navigation channel (vaargeul) of the Waal — major shipping route. Excellent catfish (meerval) and carp venue. Groynes are popular fishing spots..
What licence do I need to fish Waal?+

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 Waal from the UK?+

Waal is approximately 154 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 Waal in advance?+

Most public Dutch waters including Waal 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 Midden

Regio Midden 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 Midden →

Fishing at Waal River