Belgium might not be the first country that comes to mind for fly fishing, but it offers some surprisingly good opportunities for anglers. Here’s what you need to know:

Best Fly Fishing Spots in Belgium

Ardennes Region (Wallonia) – The most famous area for fly fishing, with fast-flowing rivers like:

River Lesse (trout, grayling)
River Ourthe (brown trout)
River Semois (wild trout)

High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) – A nature reserve with small streams holding wild trout.

Kempen Region (Flanders) – Some stocked trout waters and smaller streams.

Lakes & Canals – Some stillwaters (e.g., Lac de la Plate Taille) allow fly fishing for pike, perch, and stocked trout.

Target Species

Brown Trout (wild & stocked)
Grayling (in some Ardennes rivers)
Rainbow Trout (mostly stocked)
Pike & Perch (in stillwaters)

Regulations & Licenses

Wallonia (French-speaking region) – Requires a fishing permit (permis de pêche) and often a supplement for trout waters.
Flanders (Dutch-speaking region) – Also requires a permit (visvergunning), with stricter rules on catch-and-release.
Seasons & Catch Limits – Trout fishing is often restricted to certain months (check local rules).

Fly Fishing Tips for Belgium

Dry flies & nymphs work well for trout in rivers.
Streamers can be effective for pike in lakes.
Local fly shops (e.g., in Namur or Liège) can provide advice on patterns.

Challenges

Some rivers are heavily stocked, while others have wild trout with strict regulations.
Access can be limited—some areas require club membership.

Best Time to Go

Spring (April–June) – Best for trout.
Autumn – Good for grayling.

Would you like recommendations for guided trips or fly shops? 🎣