Alright, let’s talk about Oostvoornse Meer—or OVM if you’re lazy like me. This place?

 Absolute sleeper spot for monster trout. I mean, who thinks Netherlands when you’re dreaming of big browns? But trust me, OVM’s this weird little hybrid lake—half fresh, half salt—where the fish just don’t play by the rules.

You’ve got your rainbows, sure, decent size, fight like they’ve got something to prove. But the browns? Oh man. I’ve seen photos of fish that’d make you question your gear choices. My buddy swears he lost one last spring that bent his 8-weight like a pretzel. Could’ve been a flounder too, though—those things used to be thick here, but locals say the numbers dropped off. Shame, really.

Now, species list? Officially it’s browns, rainbows, flounder… but you know how it goes. Some guy at the bait shop mumbled something about turbot, and I think I saw a sea trout roll once near the inlet. Or maybe it was just a really optimistic seagull. Either way, don’t overthink it—just tie on something flashy and pray.

Point is, OVM’s one of those places that flies under the radar (literally, if you’re bad at casting). It’s not pretty-postcard fishing, but if you want a shot at a trout that’ll make your Instagram followers call you a liar? Yeah. Pack your waders.