Fishing Rules in Belgium

The following information is taken from the Belgian web site listed below and from the actual Belgian fishing license.

Belgium has hundreds of kilometers of rivers, streams, canals and lakes, making it a paradise for anglers. Depending on the time of year and the location, you can fish for trout, barbell, coarse fish, perch, pike, walleyes (zander), chub and grayling.

It is very important that you know the fishing procedures and restrictions prior to going fishing. You will need to have a current fishing license prior to going fishing in any public waterways.

There are three (3) regions in Belgium, with each area requiring their own license. You must have in your possession your license at all times.

1. Wallonne - the region we are in
2. Flamand
3. Bruxellois

In the Wallon region, the two licenses available are as follows:

-Permit A - (about 14 euros) authorizes all fishing with one or two lines, from the bank, and also the use of a landing net. Maximum of 3 hooks per line. (Treble hooks count has 3 hooks)

-Permit B – (about 40 euros) authorizes all fishing with one or two lines from the bank, boats, or platforms in which the feet are in the water. Permit B gives you the right to fish with all the rights of Permit A.

The Wallonne license can be purchased from the local Post Office. Also when you receive your license ask for the "Aide-Memoire du Pecheur en Region Wallonne". This pamphlet (although in French) gives you a map of the Wallonne region and what waters can be fished. The general rules has mentioned above plus the opening and closing dates for certain species. A picture of the various species and the size limitations.
If they should be out of stock, you may write to the following address for a copy: Direction de la Chasse et de la Peche 15, Avenue Prince de Leige, 5100 Jambes.

The license is good for the year you buy it in, no matter when you buy it. Some areas also require a local license. No license is needed to fish at sea.

Fishing is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sundown.

Children less than 14 years of age, may fish with a single line without a license, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal Belgian holidays and during the vacation as long as they are accompanied by someone who is a holder of a license.

Fishing Season:
1. No closed season for coarse fish, but there are size limitation on some species.
2. Pike, Sander, Perch has a fixed season (generally from 7 June to 31 Dec)
3. Trout season (generally speaking) opens on the third Saturday of March and runs to 30 September. Grayling season opens on the third Saturday of June and runs to 31 December

Areas were fishing is forbidden are indicated by the administration with signs picturing an angler crossed with a red stripe. One or two complementary arrows indicate the direction of the interdiction. Areas where fishing is forbidden are usually located in the vicinity of dams and sluices, yachting harbors and spawning areas.
The here above mentioned information is only a brief summary of the existing regulations, we therefore strongly advise the angler to inquire about these regulations in their entirety.
Here is a link to the web site that will provide you with plenty of information. You may also buy your license on-line through this link.
Maisondelapeche.be

Tight Lines