When is the closed season for fishing with artificial bait? In 2026, the closed season for artificial bait in most Dutch inland waters runs from April 1, 2026, until Friday, May 29, 2026 (the last Saturday of May). During this period, you are not allowed to fish with almost all types of artificial bait. For the IJsselmeer (and often Markermeer, depending on the water list/conditions), a longer period applies: March 16 until June 30.
Much confusion arises because people lump "closed season" together. This article deliberately focuses on the closed season for artificial bait (also known as the closed season for bait types): the prohibition of using artificial bait and a few other bait types in spring.
When is the closed season for fishing with artificial bait?
The core is simple: from April 1st to the last Friday of May it is forbidden in many inland waters to fish with a rod using:
- a dead fish or pieces of fish,
- slaughter products,
- and all types of artificial bait, with the well-known exception of artificial flies smaller than 2.5 cm. (Sportvisunie, 2025)
This exception sounds clear, but in practice the advice often remains: don't make it difficult for yourself. If you "accidentally" fish with something that is still considered artificial bait, you're in trouble. That's why you also see that it is advised against fishing with artificial maggots or artificial corn during this period, even if you do that for whitefish. If you want to avoid risk, just use real bait.
Pay attention to the exception areas. There are waters where this prohibition does not apply (including areas in Zeeland such as Walcheren, Schouwen-Duiveland, Tholen and Noord-Beveland, plus e.g. the Canal through South Beveland, Port of Goes, Veerse Meer and Grevelingenmeer and connected inlets/creeks). This is linked to the regulations concerning the Inland Fisheries Regulations.
And then there's another important nuance: a fishing right holder (or water manager) may impose stricter conditions than the national rule. So: always check the water list/conditions (VISplanner / list of Dutch fishing waters).
What exactly falls under "artificial bait"?
For the closed season for artificial bait, it's not just about "plugs." Think of everything you normally use for predatory fish: soft baits, shads, twisters, spinners, spoons, jerkbaits, streamers, jigs, you name it. Many associations and water lists explicitly mention them to prevent misunderstandings.
Also important: the law interprets "fish" broadly in this context. In various explanatory texts, it is stated that shellfish and crustaceans (such as shrimp, crab, lobster, squid) can be considered "fish" as bait during this period. That is precisely why you should not experiment with these "fish-like" bait types on your hook during that time.
Another detail people stumble over: the prohibition is about fishing with a rod with these bait types on the hook. Many explanations also state that you ARE allowed to use these bait types in groundbait, but not to hook with.
Why is there a closed season for fishing with artificial bait?
The reason is not to bother anglers, but to give predatory fish a rest during spawning and the period around it in spring. In April and May, pike, zander, and perch are reproducing or guarding their nest/environment. Fishing for predatory fish with artificial bait adds extra pressure, extra stress, and increases the chance of disturbance. Ultimately, you notice that later in the year in the fish stock.
That is also why you often see rules in the same period regarding the release/possession of predatory fish. That is a different chapter, but it is in line with the same idea: leave things alone for a while so that the season afterwards is good again.
Can you still fish with artificial bait in March?
This is the classic pitfall. Many anglers think that "everything" is closed from March 1st. That's not true. In March, you can still fish with artificial bait in many waters, but you WILL encounter closed seasons/mandatory release for certain species (like pike). From April 1st, the closed season for artificial bait (bait types) begins, and then fishing with artificial bait is not allowed in most inland waters until the end of May.
Will you get a fine if you fish with artificial bait during the closed season?
Yes. Fishing with artificial bait during the closed season for artificial bait is a violation. You can be checked by enforcement officers/inspectors and then a police report may follow.
For 2026, fine overviews for "out of fishing season/forbidden period" and violations in this category mention an amount of €110 (with an offense code used by the Public Prosecution Service). Depending on the situation and combination with other offenses, it can increase further.
Important: fines and offense codes can change. Therefore, consider that €110 as a "guideline amount" for 2026, and if in doubt, always check a current overview.
What CAN you do during the closed season for fishing with artificial bait?
Many predatory anglers switch to whitefish during that period, or fish with natural bait (such as worms) for other species. That IS allowed, as long as you adhere to the bait type rules. At the same time, you also see in advice: do not creatively try to "circumvent the spirit of the rule" by fishing for zander/perch during spawning season. The idea is precisely that predatory fish get a rest.
Common mistakes
Most mistakes boil down to three things: wrong dates, wrong waters, or "that's not artificial bait, is it?".
- You assume it's the same everywhere. The IJsselmeer has different dates.
- You forget exception areas or local conditions. These can be stricter.
- You use something that is still considered artificial bait (think artificial maggots/artificial corn).
