ZANDER AND PERCH FISHING IN AMSTERDAM 

(4, 6 or 8 hour trip, up to 3 guests)

The zander and perch trip in Amsterdam is exciting, versatile and most likely packed with action. Depending on the current conditions, we will be casting, dropshot fishing, vertical jigging, trolling and using various finesse techniques. Just share your thoughts with me, and I will provide a tailor-made fishing trip that matches your style of fishing. For those who want to use the slightly more productive morning and evening period, I can recommend a power packed 4 hour trip. If you have more time, you can book a 6 or 8 hour trip so we can visit a wider variety of fishing spots and simply catch more fish.

Let me tell you something more about the species that we will target.

Zander – The Dutch Walleye

Our zander (Sander lucioperca) is closely related to the American walleye (Sander vitreus), but there are some remarkable differences. So lets’s have a closer look. Zander are typically larger and slimmer than walleye. They have a lighter, more silver-toned body with less defined dark bars or spots. They have more pointed heads and their eyes are less reflective compared to walleye. And here is a more important difference: zander can grow (much) larger, reaching lengths over 45 inches and weighing over 30 lbs. An average zander in Amsterdam is around 20 inch and weighs approximately 3 to 5 lbs, but zander of 30 inch are no exception.

With eyes that are extremely sensitive to light, the zander roam the deep and dark waters of the river IJ and the murky canals on the old city center. This sniper sneaks up to her prey and waits for the right moment to attack. She bites like a viper and kills like a sniper. Not only her behavior makes the zander (also called pike-perch) one of the most wanted predator fish in Amsterdam, but also the numbers and size account for this. A fish of 40 cm already puts up an entertaining fight, with 60 cm it gets really serious, and an 80 cm fish is a fish of a lifetime. And not impossible to catch during a fishing day in Amsterdam!

Traditionally vertical jigging with short and fast rods is an efficient way of fishing for zander, as well as drop shot fishing. Both techniques are done with soft baits sizing 6 – 12 cm. Another great way of fishing is casting with both soft and hard baits, from small soft baits on a light jig head to chatterbaits and twitchbaits. This is a more active way of fishing, the bites are usually harder, and in my opinion, every fish you catch is even more rewarding. In consultation we can also go trolling for zander in the inner city, using deep-diving slim hard baits and rattle lures. While doing so, you may also expect large perch and pike.

European Perch – Yellow Perch’s big brother

If there is one fish that’s always looking for trouble, it’s the European perch (Perca fluviatilis), closely related to the American yellow perch (Perca flavescens). The difference between these two species is that the European perch has a darker greenish body with distinct vertical black bars (usually 5-9) along its sides. It often features reddish or orange fins, especially on the pelvic and anal fins. It tends to be more robust and slightly stockier in shape. The European perch typically grows larger than the yellow perch, with individuals reaching lengths of up to 60 cm (24 inches) and weighing up to 8 lbs. The Netherlands are known for the larger specimens.

Perch is abundant in the Amsterdam waters and gives a silver lining to every day out on the water. His wonderful appearance is deceiving because it’s a real mean streetfighter. Casting soft baits, hard baits, and spin jigs, and trolling with crank baits is very productive. Fish of 20 to 30 cm are fun to catch, a 40 cm fish is a trophy, and with 50 cm you may call yourself the winner of the day!

If you want to target trophy perch (aka ‘PerchZilla’), I recommend to book your trip on the big lakes near Amsterdam, between January and the end of March. In this period the large pre-spawning females lay on specific ledges, waiting for spring to come, and making them easier to target. Finesse fishing with the Carolina rig and Ned, as well as casting bladed jigs, is usually the way to go. I love to show you the ropes and make your dream come true.

ZANDER AND PERCH TRIP IN AMSTERDAM

2025 Rates

Half Day

  • 4 hours
  • 350 Euro
  • 1 or 2 guests
  • 450 Euro for 3 guests

Extended Half Day

  • 6 hours
  • 475 Euro
  • 1 or 2 guests
  • 600 Euro for 3 guests

Full Day

  • 8 hours
  • 600 Euro
  • 1 or 2 guests
  • 750 Euro for 3 guests

2025 Peak Rates June – October

Half Day

  • 4 hours
  • 400 Euro
  • 1 or 2 guests
  • 500 Euro for 3 guests

Extended Half Day

  • 6 hours
  • 525 Euro
  • 1 or 2 guests
  • 650 Euro for 3 guests

Full Day

  • 8 hours
  • 650 Euro
  • 1 or 2 guests
  • 800 Euro for 3 guests

PIKE AND PERCH TRIP NEAR AMSTERDAM

(8 hour trip only, up tp 2 guests)

To go after large pike, we fish one of the massive lakes located at 20 minutes driving from Amsterdam. You are welcome to drive along to the harbor, and within an hour you will be fishing on one of the best pike locations in Europe. With over 6000 square acres, and countless slopes, plateaus, deep holes, mussel banks and large weed fields, this lake is an absolute pike and perch heaven.

Note: To ensure safety and comfortable fishing conditions, I can accommodate up to 2 guests only. With more than two guests on board, the risk of accidents is simply too great (large baits, super sharp hooks and angry pike is a tricky combination).

Now something more about fishing for pike on the ‘Randmeren’, as these waters are called. Casting hard and soft baits for ‘Northerns’ is something that works all year round, as well as trolling with (very) large swimbaits and other big pike candy. During the summer it’s just awesome to fish frogs and other shallow diving baits over the weed beds. As fall turns into winter, the pike follow the bait fish in the deeper parts, growing fatter every day…  But who is this grumpy, fat lady?

The Northern Pike

The Northern pike (Esox lucius) is a widespread species found in both Europe and North America. Although they belong to the same species, there are some subtle differences in their behavior, appearance, and habitat between the populations in Europe and the USA. European pike tend to have slightly darker and more varied coloration, with more prominent olive-green or brownish shades. Just like the zander and perch, the European Northern pike also gets bigger than her North American relatives. Specimens of over 20 kg (44 lbs) are not uncommon in our regions, with some extreme examples of specimen exceeding 25 kg (55 lbs) in size. The lakes around Amsterdam offer the perfect conditions for the pike to reach such impressive dimensions: huge amounts of bait fish and lots of variation in water depths so they can find a suitable place to roam all throughout the year.

Apart from the closed season in April and May, we target Northern pike all year round. When it comes to targeting trophy perch, I highly recommend to book a trip in the months January, February and March. This is the peak season for the fattest pre-spawn perch. When fishing for big perch, there it’s almost impossible not to catch pike, so that’s a nice bonus fish during these trips. Especially when fishing with relative light perch tackle.

2025 Rates

  • Full Day
  • 8 hours
  • 600 Euro
  • 1 or 2 guests

2025 Peak Rates – June – October

  • Full Day
  • 8 hours
  • 650 Euro
  • 1 or 2 guests

GOOD TO KNOW

For the ‘Zander and perch trip in Amsterdam’ a maximum of 3 guests is allowed per guide boat.

  • For the ‘Pike and perch trip near Amsterdam’ a maximum of 2 guests is allowed per guide boat.
  • For larger groups, additional guides can be arranged.
  • All tackle is provided at no extra charge.
  • We offer individual, group, and corporate fishing trips.
  • Whether you’re a beginner or experienced angler, we cater to all skill levels.
  • Children are welcome.
  • Accommodation recommendations are available upon request.
  • To ensure your preferred date is available, please book early.

A 150 Euro deposit is required at the time of booking.

  • For cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the trip, the deposit is non-refundable and cannot be applied to a future trip.

Cancellation Policy

Late cancellations, especially within two weeks of the scheduled trip, make it difficult for us to re-book the date, resulting in lost workdays. Our business is seasonal with a limited number of available booking dates, so a last-minute cancellation can significantly impact us. The deposit serves as a form of protection against such losses. While we understand that unexpected situations may arise and we are empathetic, this policy helps us mitigate income loss for that day. We appreciate your understanding!

POWERED BY

  • Yamaha
  • BatteryLabs
  • St Croix Rods
  • Shimano
  • Spro
  • Garmin
  • Minkota