Gallery Fishing Locations in Belgium, Europe

The Albert Canal, located in northeastern Belgium, is a significant waterway named after King Albert I of Belgium. This canal connects Antwerp with Liège, effectively linking the Meuse River to the Scheldt River. Furthermore, it intersects with the Dessel–Turnhout–Schoten Canal, extending its reach and contributing to its total length of 129.5 kilometers (80.5 miles).

The Amblève River, also known as the Amel, is a 93-kilometer (58-mile) long river situated in the eastern region of Belgium, specifically within the province of Liège. This river serves as a right tributary to the Ourthe River. The Amblève originates near Büllingen, a town located in the High Fens, also known as the Hoge Venen, Hohes Venn, or Hautes Fagnes, close to the German border.

The Boudewijn Canal, constructed between 1896 and 1905, runs through the entire port area of Bruges-Zeebrugge, connecting the Zeebrugge outer harbor to the inner harbor of Bruges. The canal also provides Zeebrugge with an inland waterway connection via the Bruges ring canal and the Ghent-Bruges canal.

The Demer River flows through the provinces of Limburg and Flemish Brabant, forming part of the Scheldt River basin. Classified as a rain-fed river, its flow fluctuates significantly, experiencing high discharge during periods of heavy rainfall and low discharge during dry spells. The river’s name, Demer, is believed to originate from the Celtic “tam” (dark) and “ara” (water), suggesting the meaning “dark river.”

The Dender River, flowing through the provinces of Hainaut, East Flanders, and Flemish Brabant, stretches for 65 kilometers. It originates in Ath, where the Eastern Dender and the Western or Little Dender converge. The Dender flows into the Scheldt River on the right bank in Dendermonde. This river is characteristically a rainfall-fed river, transforming into the fastest-flowing river in Flanders during periods of heavy precipitation. To facilitate navigation, 14 locks have been constructed along its course.

The Dikkebusvijver, a picturesque lake near the village of Dikkebus, south of the city of Ypres, boasts a rich history. Historical records indicate its existence dating back to before 1320. The lake originated in the 14th century when the valley of the Kemmelbeek was dammed. This 36-hectare lake played a strategic role in providing water for Ypres. Today, water supply remains a significant function of the lake.

The Durme is a Belgian tributary of the Schelde River. Today, it is widely considered a confluence of the Zuidlede and Moervaart waterways. The extended channel connects to the Schelde near Hamme and Tielrode. The combined length of the Moervaart and Durme is 45 kilometers.

De Gavers is a provincial domain featuring a large, artificial lake. The Gavermeer, as it is called, covers 53 hectares and was created in the late 1960s by sand extraction. The lake is managed as a nature reserve in several areas, while other portions are dedicated to recreational activities. These activities include fishing, sailing, and surfing, all enjoyed against a backdrop of natural, unspoiled shorelines. Certain sections of the lake are off-limits to anglers, extending to depths of 10 meters.

Nestled just 20 kilometers south of Brussels, Genval Lake offers a picturesque retreat surrounded by lush greenery. The lake provides a serene escape from city life, inviting visitors to enjoy tranquil walks along its shores and partake in various water activities. Anglers can cast their lines, while sailing enthusiasts can navigate the waters with their boats. Canoeing is another popular option, allowing visitors to explore the lake at a leisurely pace.

The Ghent-Terneuzen Canal is a renowned waterway in Belgium, connecting the city of Ghent to the Western Scheldt via the Terneuzen Lock complex. This connection provides Ghent with direct access to the North Sea. The canal extends into Terneuzen, passing through three municipalities: Ghent and Zelzate in Belgium and the Dutch municipality of Terneuzen. It plays a crucial role in the Ghent economy, linking the Port of Ghent, Belgium’s third largest port (after Antwerp and Bruges-Zeebrugge), to the sea.

The Grevelingenmeer, a saltwater lake, was formed in 1971 as a result of the Delta Works project. This ambitious endeavor involved closing off the estuary, a natural confluence of saltwater and freshwater, from both rivers and the North Sea. The resulting lake, with its stagnant water, experienced a significant shift in water quality, fish populations, and the overall health of its flora and fauna.

The Ieperleekanaal, also known as the Ieper-IJzer Canal, is a canal located in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. It extends from the city of Ieper to the IJzer River, ending at the Knokkebrug bridge on the border between Diksmuide, Houthulst, and Lo-Reninge.

The IJzer River originates in northern France, west of Kassel, with two official sources in Buisscheure and Lederzele. It is the shortest of Belgium’s three rivers that flow into the sea (the other two being the Meuse and the Scheldt). The IJzer is also the only Belgian river to empty into the sea at Nieuwpoort, while the Scheldt and Meuse flow into the sea in the Netherlands.

The Lesse River, nestled in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, provides a captivating fly fishing experience. This pristine river, known for its clear waters and stunning surroundings, is home to a variety of fish species, with trout and chub being the most sought-after targets. The beauty of the Lesse River makes it a perfect destination for a day of fishing and enjoying the tranquil natural environment.

The Leuven-Dijle Canal, also known as the Leuvense Vaart, is a waterway connecting the Zennegat in Mechelen to Leuven, where it ends at the canal basin. This canal is the second to be constructed in the province of Flemish Brabant, making it one of the oldest canals in Belgium. In 1994, after its acquisition by the NV Sea Canal and Water-Bound Land Management Flanders, the original name, Leuvense Vaart, was changed to its current name, Kanaal Leuven-Dijle.

The Meuse River, also known as the Maas, is a major waterway that flows through Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. It enters Belgium from France in the south and flows northeasterly, forming a 48-kilometer segment of the Belgo-Dutch border before continuing its journey into the Netherlands.

The Grote Nete is a tributary of the Nete River, which flows into the Scheldt River. It spans 44 kilometers and is not navigable. The Grote Nete originates near Hechtel-Eksel. From Lier onwards, it merges with the Kleine Nete to form the Nete or Beneden Nete, sometimes referred to as the Grote Nete in this section. Its most prominent tributaries are the Wimp and the Grote Laak rivers.

The Oise River originates in southern Belgium and flows for over 300 kilometers through the Paris Basin in a southwesterly direction, before reaching northern France. It is the most important tributary of the Seine River after the Marne.

The Ourthe River has two source rivers: the Western Ourthe (Ourthe Occidentale) which originates near the village of Libramont, and the Eastern Ourthe (Ourthe Orientale), which begins at the village of Ourthe. Both source rivers are approximately 50 kilometers long and converge at Nisramont.

The Palingbeek is located within the provincial domain of Ieper-Zillebeke, Belgium. This former canal ditch stretches for approximately 2 kilometers and measures 20 meters wide and up to 2.5 meters deep. Only the initial section is suitable for fishing. The banks are natural, with a maximum height of 0.5 meters above the water level. A walking path runs along both sides. Reedbeds and water lilies create a picturesque setting. The domain is car-free, so vehicles must be parked in the designated parking area or along the road.

The Roeselare-Leie Canal is an artificial waterway that connects the city of Roeselare to the Leie River at Ooigem. The canal follows the course of the Mandel River between Roeselare and Ingelmunster. This 16.5 kilometer canal was excavated over a period of 10 years, from 1862 to 1872. The canal provided much-needed employment in the Roeselare region. Ships laden with grain, sand, and other essential goods traversed the canal, supplying businesses located along its banks.

The Rupel River is a short but wide tributary of the Scheldt River, formed by the confluence of the Nete and Dijle rivers near Rumst. It flows into the Scheldt River opposite Rupelmonde. The Rupel River is influenced by the tides, a phenomenon noticeable in its surroundings. The rising tide of the Scheldt River creates a slightly brackish environment in the Rupel.

The Sambre River originates in the village of Le Nouvion-en-Thiérache, France, on a high plateau. From its source to its confluence with the Meuse River in Namur, Belgium, the Sambre River flows downhill, covering a total distance of 194 kilometers. The Sambre River is 105 kilometers long within Belgium.

The Scheldt River, known as the Escaut in France, originates in France and enters Belgium west of Mons. It flows north and east across Belgium, with its estuary, the Port of Antwerp, joining the North Sea in the Netherlands. Of its total length of approximately 430 kilometers, about 330 kilometers are navigable thanks to a series of locks.

The Semois River originates in Arlon, Belgium, and flows into the Meuse River in France. It stretches for 190 kilometers, with 20 kilometers flowing through France, where it is spelled “Semoy.” In Belgium, the river flows primarily through the province of Luxembourg, with a small portion in the extreme southeastern part of Namur. The Semois River marks the southern boundary of the Ardennes region. Its basin covers 1329 square kilometers, with 1229 square kilometers located in Belgium.

The Sure River is a border river that flows between Luxembourg and Germany. It originates in Belgium as the “Our” River near the village of Ouren. The Our River flows to Bollendorf, Germany, where it becomes the Sure River. The Sure River then joins the Moselle River at Wasserbillig, Luxembourg. While the geographical details are interesting, the focus here is on the fishing opportunities.

The Vesder River, a picturesque waterway in Belgium, has been praised for its beauty. Victor Hugo, the renowned French writer, once described the Vesder as “sometimes a ravine, often a garden, always a paradise.”

The Zenne River, also known as the Senne in French, is a river in Belgium that originates at an elevation of 123 meters in the hamlet of Naast, south of Zinnik. It flows through Brussels, where the river was covered over, before reaching Heffen, where it empties into the Dijle River at an elevation of 5 meters. The Zenne merges with the Leuven-Dijle Canal at the Zennegat, a location just north of Mechelen. The upper course of the Zenne River (up to Halle) is incised in the Paleozoic bedrock. The Zenne River is the longest river that flows solely through the territory of Belgium.

The provincial domain of Zilvermeer is located in the municipality of Mol, Belgium. Several lakes were created in this area after sand extraction. The domain is open for day recreation, offering activities such as walking, swimming, fishing, rowing, and diving. Sailing and surfing are also permitted in groups or for members of the local sailing club. The diving area of Zilvermeer is shared with surfers and sailors. A separate beach is available for non-divers who wish to sunbathe or swim.

The Zwalm River is a tributary of the Scheldt River. It originates in the town of Brakel, Belgium. After Brakel, the Zwalm flows through the municipalities of Zottegem and Zwalm. The Zwalm River empties into the Scheldt River at the border between Welden and Nederzwalm. The Zwalm Valley is renowned for its scenic banks and the Zwalm waterfalls. The left bank is gently sloping, while the right bank is generally steep.