Fishing

Fishing in the Semois

For fishing enthusiasts, the Semois is a true paradise. It is a 2nd category river (mixed waters) and houses mainly carp and carp-like fish such as chub, barbel, snipe, dace are very well represented, as are roach, rudd. Predatory fish such as pike, perch and eel also swim around.

As in the rest of Belgium and the Netherlands, as an angler in the Semois, you must comply with the applicable regulations. Fortunately, these rules are clearly listed in this leaflet.

Fishing licence

To fish in the Semois, you need a Walloon fishing licence. You can easily apply for the permit via www.permisdepeche.be.
When fishing, you must always have your fishing licence and identity card to hand.

  • Do you only fish from the bank? In that case you need fishing licence A.
  • Do you also want to fish wading or from a canoe? Then apply for fishing permit B for a full year (fishing permit valid in the entire Walloon region)
    OR fishing licence T for a period of 14 consecutive days.
  • Are you under 15 years old? Then apply for fishing permit J (free of charge).

Do you want to fish on a side stream of the Semois? Then you may also need a membership card of the competent fishing club.

Where are you allowed to fish?

  • Dark blue zone:
    • Fishing allowed with Walloon fishing licence, except from (pedestrian) bridges.
    • From one hour before official sunrise until one hour after official sunset;
    • Withdrawal permitted.
  • Red zone:
    • Fishing not allowed.
  • Purple outlined zone:
    • Fishing allowed with Walloon fishing licence and membership card of local fishing club. You can look up the contact details of the relevant club here.

Angling shops

  • Jacquet Pêche in Izel (22,5 km) is a specialist shop with more than 35 years of experience and 870 m² of floor space for seasoned anglers.
  • La Frayère in Vresse-sur-Semois (35,5 km) sells fishing equipment for rivers, ponds and streams.
  • AVEVE in Bertrix (8,5 km) is a garden centre and pet shop with a limited range for the novice angler as well as fishing lures.