Pike season on the lake
As soon as the water cools in October, the pike on the Westeinderplassen become active and move to the edges of reed beds, islands and deeper channels. Until the closed season starts on 1 March this is the season to fish from a boat: the water is quiet, the fish sit closer to structure and you can cover many different spots in a day.
From a boat you approach the bank from the water — a big advantage on a lake where many shores are private or inaccessible. Cast towards the reeds and work your lure back to the deeper water where the pike hold.
Where to start
- Reed beds and islands: in autumn the pike are still shallow, right along the reeds. Fish parallel to the bank.
- Shallow-to-deep transitions: in colder water the fish drop to the edges of channels and deeper basins. Fish down the slope.
- Small harbours and ditches: sheltered water where baitfish gather in wind and cold — with pike right behind them.
Our page on fishing spots on the Westeinderplassen explains how to read the water in each season.
Lures and tackle from the boat
Larger shads and swimbaits (15–25 cm) on a jig head, jerkbaits over the shallows and, in winter, slowly fished dead bait under a float. Bring a sturdy rod (40–100 g casting weight), braided line and always a wire or heavy fluorocarbon trace. On board you want a large unhooking mat, long-nosed pliers, side cutters for emergencies and a tape measure.
Releasing
Under the VISpas you always release pike immediately. Lift the fish horizontally, keep it out of the water as briefly as possible and let it recover next to the boat before letting go. From 1 March until the last Saturday of May the closed season for pike applies. All the rules are on our VISpas & rules page.
Hire a fishing boat for a pike day
Our aluminium fishing boats board at 09:00 in Aalsmeer, fuel is included and you don't need a boat licence. A full fishing day costs €150. See the options or book online.