The Damsterdiep is around 20 metres wide and averages in depth from 2 to 2.5 metres (although along some stretches it is just 1.6 metres deep). Because it is so shallow and narrow, the Damsterdiep is of little importance to shipping and you can usually fish there in peace and quiet. However, despite the fact that few boats pass by, the current can be quite strong at times. Just east of Groningen, the Damsterdiep is connected to the Eemskanaal by means of a lock, which is used to drain excess water from the surrounding polders, towards De Drie Delfzijlen Polder Pumping Station. The fish stock in the canal consists largely of coarse fish (with also a fair amount of tench), predatory fish (mainly pike), and carp. The abundant reeds, aquatic plants and lily beds are very appealing to predatory and other fish. Between Ten Post and Delfzijl, the canal is easily accessible in most places from the old Rijksweg/Alberdaweg (north side of the Damsterdiep). There are beautiful spots here among the distinctive Groningen houses.
Coarse fish
Coarse fish anglers can fish to their heart’s content on the Damsterdiep. You can expect to encounter dark-coloured bream weighing 1 to 1.5 kg as a rule (there are also older, larger specimens of up to 3 kg), beautiful tench, and roach of 30 cm or more in length and a pound in weight (these can mainly be caught in winter). You can catch these using the feeder, as well as the fishing pole and match rod. Worms and canned sweet corn are favourite types of bait. Beautiful fishing spots can be found at almost every location along the Damsterdiep, ranging from jetties and bridges, to lawns maintained by village residents. Do keep in mind, however, that you always need to obtain permission to fish from private jetties. During winter, the Damsterdiep is a hotspot for roach fishing using a fishing pole. In particular, the stretch with the famous ‘hanging kitchens’ above the water in the historic centre of Appingedam is known for its good-sized winter roach.
Carp
The Damsterdiep is fairly well stocked with carp, including both common and mirror carp. These are generally smaller carp weighing 4-8 kg, but there are also larger fish ranging from 10 to 15 kg or even more. Just as on most canals, the main thing is to find the fish. There are several options with respect to choosing a spot, such as the bridges in many of the villages through or past which the Damsterdiep flows, as well as spots where the water is broader, or there is a junction with another canal. Because of the many bream, feeding with a combination of boilies and tiger nuts is recommended. Correspondingly, a longer hair with slightly larger hook bait is also a good choice. As on many other waters, the early morning and night are the best fishing times. Due to the narrow and shallow nature of this canal and its bank vegetation, it is also ideal for pen fishing, with pre-feeding increasing the chance of success.
Predatory fish
Pike are the dominant predatory fish on the Damsterdiep. There is a good stock of fish ranging from 60 to 85 cm, but a fish of around a metre in length is certainly also possible. Pike generally lie in wait in the shallower, vegetated shore zones of the canal. Casting with shallow-running artificial lures (including weedless frog imitations) increases the chance of success. During the winter months, you are more likely to find these fish near bridges and along stretches that are in the lee of buildings. This presents possibilities with respect to static fishing for pike using dead bait. In the city of Groningen, there is a dammed up section of the Damsterdiep. Although there is limited access to this section, it offers plenty of opportunities for the strolling predatory fish angler who likes to work with artificial lures. In the historic centre of Appingedam and Delfzijl, you will also find plenty of spots where the coarse fish gather in winter, with the pike in their wake. For pikeperch, you are better off going elsewhere and heading to the Eemskanaal.
Slipway
There are two places on the Damsterdiep where boat anglers can launch their craft. In Ten Boer, there is a ramp on Damsterdiep-Noordzijde, where the canal intersects with the Lustigemaar. In Appingedam, there is a trailer ramp at the Olingermeeden.