Fishing In The Netherlands - Rivers.

[Drew Tilney]

Hello fellow anglers!

Long-time lurker, not much of a poster... Stepping out of the shadows here! I'm hoping you wonderful folks might be able to sprinkle some of your fishing wisdom my way.

I'm embarking on a fantastic adventure to the Netherlands, and my heart is set on spending as much time as possible by the water, casting a line in at least three different rivers. I've already sorted out my VISPAS and night permit, so I'm all set on that front!

I'm really keen to make the absolute most of my time there and would be incredibly grateful for any recommendations you might have for some key areas to explore. My plan is to kick things off on the Meuse, perhaps around Boxmeer, but after that, my itinerary is wonderfully open! The IJssel, Lek, Waal, and Nederrijn are all calling my name.

My main quarry, of course, will be those magnificent barbel – oh, how I dream of their powerful runs! And my trusty lure rod will be coming along for some feisty perch action too.

I'm definitely not looking for secret peg numbers or anything like that – just some general target areas or stretches of river that you've found to be productive would be absolutely amazing. Any tips, no matter how big or small, would be cherished!

Thank you so much in advance for any help you can offer. Your kindness would truly make my trip!

 

[Gavin Burt]

If you don’t get much response on here then go on FaceBook and search for a group called “Wild River Barbel”.

Someone on there will be able to advise as it’s mainly focused around French / Belgium / Dutch river barbel fishing.

 

[Drew Tilney]

Thank you very much, Gavin.

 

[Gale Light]

I've fished the Ijssel, Maas and Waal in the past few years and had fish out of all three.
Usual feeder tactics have worked well with corn and pellet both producing

When they're at normal levels, the Waal and Ijssel especially need fairly hefty feeders. These are huge rivers and nothing like we have at home, so be prepared.
I use the open ended types with legs, which enable you to get away with a bit less weight.
Many areas are deep and snaggy so strong gear is definitely required.
Ijssel between Olst and Wijhe is worth a try.
Maas around Maastrict where water is faster is also worth a go.
Waal I've only fished near Gorinchem, but there's fish there too.
To be honest I spend more time with the lure rod after asp, zander and perch on all those rivers than barbel fishing.
The feeder fishing for big roach, ide, bluenose and silver bream can be fantastic, mixed seed and sweetcorn is all I use most of the time.
Good luck.

 

[Drew Tilney]

Thank you very much. I'll check some of those places out.

When you say heavy leads / feeders, what size are you talking?

The feeders with prongs. European purchases?

 

[Gale Light]

Yes, they've got legs that you can bend in whatever position you want, depending on flow.
You can get them in this country, Preston Claw from Benwicks.
I generally use 60-150 gram,obviously depends on flow and depth.
Without the legs, you'd be using much heavier feeders.