When is it closed season for fishing with artificial bait? In 2026, the closed season for artificial bait fishing applies in most Dutch inland waters from 1 April 2026 to Saturday 30 May 2026 (the last Saturday of May). During this period you are not allowed to fish with virtually all types of artificial bait. For the IJsselmeer (and often also Markermeer, depending on the water list/conditions) a longer period applies: 16 March to June 30 .
A lot of confusion arises because people put “closed season” on one throwing hope. This article is deliberately about the closed season for artificial bait (also closed season for bait species): the ban on the use of artificial bait and a few other baits in the spring.
When is it closed season for fishing with artificial bait?
The core is simple: from April 1st to the last Saturday From May onwards it is forbidden to fish with a rod in many inland waters of:
- An dead fish or pieces of fish,
- slaughter products,
- and all types of artificial bait, with the well-known exception of smaller artificial flies than 2.5 cm . ( Sportvisunie, 2025 )
That exception sounds clear, but in practice the advice often remains: don't make things difficult for yourself. If you "accidentally" end up with If you fish something that is considered artificial bait, you are screwed. That's why you see It is also not recommended to use artificial maggots or artificial corn during this period. to fish, even if you're fishing for whitefish. If you want to avoid risk, then just use real bait.
Take note of the exception areas. There are waters where this ban does not apply (including areas in Zeeland such as Walcheren, Schouwen-Duiveland, Tholen and Noord-Beveland, plus the Canal through South Beveland, Port of Goes, Veerse Meer and Grevelingenmeer and connected inlets/creeks). This is linked to the regulations surrounding the Regulation for inland fishing.
And then there is another important nuance: a fishing rights holder (or water manager) can impose conditions that are stricter than the national rule. So: always check the water list/conditions (VISplanner / list of Dutch Fishing Waters).
What exactly is considered "artificial bait"?
Closed season lures are 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 mention them explicitly to avoid misunderstandings.
Also important: the law uses a broad definition of “fish” in this context. various explanatory texts state that shellfish and molluscs (such as shrimp, crab, lobster, squid) can be considered “fish” as bait in this period. That's exactly why you don't have to deal with this kind of "fishy" stuff back then you will have to experiment with different types of bait on the hook.
Another detail that people stumble over: the ban is about fishing with the rod with those types of bait on the hook . In many explanations It is also mentioned that you can use these types of bait in groundbait, but not for crocheting.
Why is it closed season for fishing with artificial bait?
The reason is not to harass fishermen, but to catch predatory fish to give the spring rest during spawning and the period around it. In April and In May, pike, pike-perch and perch are busy breeding or guarding nest/environment. Fishing for predatory fish with artificial bait creates extra pressure, extra stress and increases the chance of disruption. You will eventually notice this later in the year the fish stocks.
That is why you often see that rules are also introduced in the same period playing around releasing/owning predatory fish. That's another chapter, but it I agree with the same thought: leave things alone for a while so that the season can is good again after that.
Can you still fish with artificial bait in March?
This is the classic pitfall. Many fishermen think that "everything" is closed from March 1st. That is not correct. In March you can still go fishing in many waters fishing for artificial bait, but you will have to deal with closed times/return obligation for certain species (such as pike). From April 1st , the closed time artificial bait (bait types) in, and then it's done with artificial bait in the most inland waters until the end of May.
Will you be fined if you fish with artificial bait during the closed season?
Yes. Fishing with artificial bait during the closed season artificial bait is a violation. You can be checked by enforcement officers/inspectors and then a report may follow.
For 2026, fine overviews will include information on "outside the fishing season/prohibited period” and violations in this category an amount of €110 mentioned (with the fact code used by the Public Prosecution Service). Depending on situation and combination with other violations, the penalty may increase further.
Important: Fines and offence codes may change. See that €110 therefore as a “guideline amount” for 2026, and if in doubt always check current overview.
What can you do during the closed season when fishing with artificial bait?
Many predatory fishermen switch to fishing during that period Whitefish, or fishing with natural bait (such as worms) for other species. That is allowed, as long as you stick to the bait type rules. At the same time, you also see advice back: don't try to creatively fish around the spirit of the rule pike-perch/perch during the spawning season. The idea is that predatory fish need a break gets.
Common mistakes
Most errors come down to three things: wrong data, wrong waters, or "that doesn't count as artificial bait?"
- You assumes it is the same everywhere. The IJsselmeer has other data.
- You forget about exceptions or local conditions. They can be stricter are.
- You uses something that is still considered artificial bait (think of artificial maggots/artificial corn).
