Because of the very obvious presence of brown trout, the Dour is appears to be an attractive place for fishing, particularly young people. However, most of the route of the river passes through private land. Although public access is permitted, fishing is not permitted for most of the length of the river. Where it is permitted a fishing licence is required. Many people fish without a licence and without much care for the fish they catch. Many are neither eaten or returned to the water alive, and many people fish during the breeding period for trout when it is illegal to do so. There may appear to be plenty of fish in the Dour, but if irresponsible fishing remains widespread it could pose a threat to the balanced ecosystem of the river as brown trout are a major predator of aquatic insects and nymphs and a source of food for herons and little egrets.
Apart from rod fishing there is a long tradition of children catching small fish and other river creatures with nets, and placing them in jam jars or shallow containers so they can observe them. So long as the river bed is not disturbed in the winter months and the creatures are returned to the water carefully, pond and river dipping does not harm the river and is a great way for young people to appreciate its wildlife. Care should be taken if wading in the river as the bed can shelve away quickly and the water can be much deeper than it appears.