Formally, it falls under inland fishing, but it distinguishes itself strongly by its focus on flowing water and migratory fish.
Main fish species: formerly mainly migratory fish such as salmon, sturgeon, shad, smelt, and grayling (anadromous fish that migrate up the rivers from the sea to spawn).
Additionally, eels (eel) using anchor nets and fyke nets, and whitefish in the lower reaches.
Methods: drift nets (seines), fyke nets, anchor nets, and formerly also stake fishing.
The work is labor-intensive and dependent on currents, seasons, and water levels.
The heyday was in the late Middle Ages and the 19th century thanks to improved nets.
In the 20th century, it declined sharply due to water pollution, weirs/sluices (which blocked migration), and river canalization.
The commercial catch of food fish (such as salmon) largely disappeared.
Today, it is practiced by only a few fishermen, primarily sustainably and selectively targeting species such as zander, perch, pike, and bream.
There is also stocking fishery (for release) and management assignments.
In 2020, artisanal river fishing was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands.
In short: a historically and culturally valuable craft that has almost disappeared, but still lives on as a small-scale, sustainable practice.
