CommentsNewsPaige Freshwater Social Newsdesk Writer11:53, 13 Mar 2026Fish Doorbell season has made its return (Stock)(Image: 2020 Getty Images)
Fish doorbell season has made its highly anticipated return - and people cannot get enough of it. However, there are still some who have no idea what it all means, wondering why so many social media users are suddenly discussing fish habits in the Netherlands.
Set up by the city of Utrecht, Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (HDSR), and Mark van Heukelum of Dutch Wallfish, the Fish Doorbell helps thousands of fish swim through Utrecht’s canals and waterways in search of a place to spawn and reproduce. A statement on the Visdeurbel website explains: "In the heart of the city lies the beautiful Weerdsluis, a manually operated lock.
When the lock gates are closed, fish are forced to wait, wasting valuable time and energy - making them easy prey for birds and predatory fish.
The website explains: "To help the fish, an underwater camera is installed at the lock. If fish appear on screen, you can press the doorbell. This alerts the lock keeper, who will open the lock when many fish are waiting."
Since launching in 2024, the Fish Doorbell has attracted around 2.7 million viewers from across the globe. And at this time of writing, there are thousands tuning in.
The project adds: "The project has gained global recognition, helping people worldwide learn about fish migration and Utrecht’s underwater world."
Speaking about the initiative, TikTok user @thunder_keck shared his excitement about the doorbell returning for another year, saying: "I just wanted to let you guys know that it's finally fish doorbell season again, which is the most wonderful time of the year.
"In my opinion, this is one of the best sites on the internet. The thrill you get letting a fish through is unparalleled."
Commenters were equally enthusiastic. One user wrote: "Dude, I'm so excited. I look forward to this every year. You're the one that introduced it to me a few years ago on here. Thanks, man."
Another added: "I love that so much. I’m going to try this for some excitement."
A third said: "Oh, I love this time of year. I remember when you first showed it, and every year now me and my daughters love watching for the fishes."
Another user commented: "Aww, I forgot about this. This is so cute. Thank you for reminding me."
Various fish species can be spotted via the doorbell, including bleak, catfish, eels, common roach, ide, freshwater bream, pike, perch, rudd, pike-perch and white bream.
According to the project: "Thirteen fish species passed by in 2025. The most common species were perch, pike and bream.
"Eels were also spotted regularly, and the catfish made another appearance. For the first time, we even saw a bleak on camera."
