What is this
Fishing in Finland at any time of the year has its own priorities. In winter it is a special pleasure. After all, it’s not just about enjoying the beautiful, frosty air. But fishing from under the ice is also an entertaining pastime. In the summer, it will delight its admirers with silence, in which one can hear the singing of birds and the noise of the forest.
Many people choose Suomi because of the huge number of lakes and rivers. They are home to pike perch, pike, perch, grayling and trout. The area washed by the Gulf of Bothnia is filled with sea salmon.
The country carefully protects nature and its components. Therefore, to enjoy “silent hunting”, you will have to buy a fishing license in Finland. This will avoid fines and arrest.
Saimaa Canal
The purpose of our trip is not only to relax in protected areas and collect new experiences, but also, of course, fishing. Finland is home to more than 60 different species of fish and fishing opportunities are everywhere: there are 180,000 lakes, a 1,100-kilometer-long coastline and numerous rivers with a total length of 20,000 kilometers.
We, of course, cannot cope with all this. Along the Saimaa Canal, calling at the coastal cities, we expect to get to the famous Lake Saimaa, where salmon, pike, whitefish, roach, bream, vendace and other fish are caught all year round.
All day long we watched with unflagging curiosity as picturesque shores, islands and rocks floated past the side of our ship. We often came across fishing boats with a rich catch, and soon we saw the famous local grayling, salmon and perch under each shore. We had heard a lot about the amazing fishing in these places, and now we were looking forward to the opportunity to cast our fishing rods into the clear northern waters.
Part of the route of the Saimaa Canal is cut into rocks, and where there are no rocks there are sandy banks with boulders. Soon we approached the first lock. In order not to miss anything, we went out onto the upper, open deck and watched how our yacht coped with the locking process. A pleasant surprise and even pride for us was the fact that in the Mustola lock there is a monument in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Saimaa Canal - a granite arch (4 m), with gold engravings of the names of the Russian emperors - Nicholas I and Alexander II, during whose reign a system of gateways was created.
After the first lock we passed the second, after the second – the third, the entertainment became monotonous, despite the fact that the difference in heights there is up to 13 meters. However, we were not bored. Our Finnish guide told us the history of the canal. It turns out that the first attempt to connect Lake Saimaa with the Gulf of Finland was made back in the 17th century, but without success. The technical capabilities of that time did not allow the creation of such a large-scale hydraulic structure.
The fact is that Saimaa lies 74 meters above the Baltic. Without a system of locks, the canal would turn into a rapids river with a huge flow rate. Therefore, the first 58-kilometer canal with 28 locks appeared on this territory only during the time of Emperor Alexander II, and immediately became an attractive place for travelers and fishing enthusiasts. Among the most distinguished persons, it was considered a fashionable pleasure to visit neighboring Finland in this way, by swimming. Summer residents from Russia often began to come here for the summer; the beauty of the Finnish coast inspired Repin and our other artists. Later, Russian Emperor Alexander III fell in love with fishing for trout on the Langinkoski river rapids, while relaxing at his dacha near Kotka.
But the old canal did not survive World War II. Today's 43 km long Saimaa Canal, re-opened in 1968, has 8 locks. Private, cargo and merchant ships sail here, and navigation stops only during the coldest winter months.
We were carried away by the guide's story and did not notice how the island of Punkaharju (pork's backbone - Finnish) appeared overboard. It has long been particularly famous on Lake Saimaa. The island stretched out into a long narrow strip, sometimes only as wide as the road; its slopes on both sides drop steeply down to the water.
From the heights of this island there are amazing views of a “deep, rocky and forested country.” By the way, in addition to forests and lakes, Finland is famous for its vast swamps. The Finns themselves call their country Suomi, which means “land of swamps”.
In Russian chronicles, a similar name – Sum – appeared in the middle of the 13th century, and the word “Finland” (“country of the Finns”) is of Swedish origin.
Further and further we move through deep, clear waters. Pines with red trunks, dark spruces, spreading bluish junipers fill the landscape to endless distances. All this is reflected in the quiet, mirror-like water. There are almost no buildings or they are hidden in the thicket of forests. However, the yacht moves quickly, and soon this idyllic landscape gives way to an industrial one.
Popular places
Since Suomi is called the state of three thousand lakes, you can go to any corner of the republic.
Each region is filled with its own seasonal characteristics. We have compiled a list of the most popular places.
Lapland
This part of the country is famous not only for Santa's village and reindeer sleighs. There are fantastically beautiful landscapes and excellent places for winter fishing. You won't be bored in the summer either. You can go hunting at any time of the day thanks to the white nights.
Lapland is considered the best place for king grayling and salmon. They are distributed in the Tenojoki, Tornionjoki, Simojoki and Näätämöjoki rivers. The usual catch weight is 15-20 kilograms.
The northern parts of Inari Island are the best choice for grayling hunting. There are a lot of trout of incredible sizes in this place. Char is common in Kilpisjärvi and the lakes of the Tunturi tundra. And whitefish live in small lakes and rivers.
Finns do not like pikes, considering them swamp dogs. But their population does not cease to exist. They can be found in large water basins, for example in Kemijärvi and Porttipahta.
For those looking for something unusual, it is in Lapland that you can go ice fishing in the summer season. And in winter, cast a fishing rod and enjoy the northern lights.
The climate is quite cold, but you can swim in the reservoirs without the danger of hypothermia.
Kuusamo
The region lies on the eastern border of the Republic of Finland. Despite the rather large distance from Helsinki, it is very popular among fishing tourists.
On the border of Suomi and Sweden flows the longest river in Europe called Tornio. Its waters are rich in Finnish salmon. There are some rules.
Fishing in the central channel is prohibited from 7:00 a.m. Monday to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. The rest of the time you can catch no more than one salmon per day. The season lasts two months, starting on June 15.
In addition to the rivers, you can go fishing on Mieko Järvi Island. Its waters are full of magnificent pike, salmon, trout and perch. The season runs throughout the summer.
Central Suomi
Huupanankoski, Kellankoski and Kärnyankoski attract fishermen with their catch of grayling and trout. The width of river rapids is constantly changing in width, which allows the use of different types of gear. The water in them is crystal clear and sparkles brilliantly in the sun.
Oulu
The Simojoki River, with rapids up to 80 meters wide, allows you to catch pike with a fly while standing on the bank. The Kiiminkioiki flows not far from it, and there is a lot of salmon and grayling in it.
A little further, surrounded by forest, is the island of Valkeisjärvi. It is famous for its large whitefish and rainbow trout.
Savo
A quarter of the territory is occupied by water basins. This is the region richest in lakes, their number is 7,000. In addition, Savo is recognized as the most environmentally friendly in the country.
The Ajuskoski rapids are in demand among avid fishermen. Brook trout, whitefish and grayling are found here. And during the season they release decorated rainbow fish. There are picturesque forests nearby.
North Karelia
It is impossible to ignore the pearl of this region - Puruvesi Island. It is crystal clear and communicates with the Baltic Sea. The water from here can be drunk without boiling first. And the sandy bottom is visible even at a depth of 12 meters. The total depth is 60 meters.
Lakeland Finland
This is the general name for the most beautiful areas of the state. They include the island of Saimaa, which unites water basins. You can catch pike, pike perch, roach and perch here.
While in Mikkeli, it is worth going to Kyyvesi and Haukivesi.
Tampere attracts with its Kyrösjärvi, and Lahti with Kallavesi.
Where to go in Finland for winter fishing?
Finland is not called the country of lakes for nothing, because there are more than one hundred and eighty thousand lakes on its territory. Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a large glacier on the territory of the country; with the onset of heat, it melted, but every hollow that remained after it and the well was filled with water. The most vivid impressions of those who come to Finland on vacation are associated precisely with winter fishing. There is nothing strange about this in principle. Finland belongs to the northern countries of the world, and therefore the onset of cold weather here occurs early. This fact influences the fact that fish during this period gather in schools and lie on the bottom at a time when late autumn is still raging throughout the planet. As a rule, the locations of these deposits are the same every year. Therefore, for knowledgeable fishermen, a rich catch here is not uncommon. Another feature of winter fishing in beautiful Finland is that it is associated with the accessibility of many lakes during the winter, while they cannot be reached in the warm season. The main part of the catch is perch, there is also a chance of catching whitefish, pike and burbot, but this is only when organizing ice fishing. If you choose the northern regions of Finland for fishing, you may catch grayling and char here. Wherever you go fishing, one thing you should know is that you will need to purchase a license; its cost per day is approximately ten euros. But this cost is not fixed, and it can easily change depending on where the fish is caught. All the details need to be clarified before you start fishing, so that you don’t have to spoil your impression of winter fishing. Beginners who find themselves winter fishing in Finland for the first time should choose Lake Saimaa. In terms of size, it is the third among other lakes in all of Europe, its area is fifty-four hectares. This lake is located near the Russian border, or more precisely, in the southeastern part of Finland. The size of the lake is enormous, which complicates the process of finding “fishing spots”. In winter, it is best to use a winter jig as bait for fish here. As for the license, having paid for it, you are given the right to use two artificial baits when fishing. But here, of course, there is one small trick: if you pay twice as much, then all restrictions will simply be removed.
Another good place for fishing in Finland, where a large number of winter fishing enthusiasts come, is Lake Höytämöjärvi. Perch fishing is considered especially good here; caught specimens typically reach a weight of two hundred to three hundred grams. In addition, you can also meet pikes; if the circumstances are successful, they can be caught with a bang; you can catch about a dozen at a time in just one fishing trip. And from the moment the first ice sets in, you can already have excellent fishing for whitefish; its size is approximately equal to the size of the perch caught here. But you can also meet larger individuals; their weight can reach about a kilogram. In Finland, winter fishing is also associated not only with ice fishing, but also in this place you can fish where the ice does not freeze even when the most severe frosts arrive in the region, all this thanks to the rapids.
The Åland Islands will seem more attractive to tourists who come to fish, since here they can boast of a catch of pike perch, bream, sea pike, and roach. The individuals here are quite large, and all this is thanks to the rich food supply. It is rightfully believed that the Åland Islands are the best place for winter fishing not only in Finland, but even throughout Scandinavia! In addition, in the city of Mariehamn, the capital of the Åland Islands, there are enough entertainment venues, fishing shops and places to stay. The small size of the islands suggests that all services here are located at a distance of fifty kilometers. At the end of December, there is solid ice in these places. Its thickness reaches forty centimeters. It’s not difficult to find a new fishing spot, because there are a sufficient number of licensed areas nearby.
The Komijoki River has also become famous for its excellent fishing spots, but here the end of the fishing season is already in October. The rapids of Lake Nykälänkosket are the best place for trout fishing, and the easiest way to do this is with fly fishing or spinning.
Winter fishing in Finland generally does not require any additional permits for ice fishing. But this fact applies only to those fishermen who, apart from a hook and line, do not use anything else to catch fish. For such fishermen, fishing is completely free. But for more advanced fishermen, who take a large number of other special equipment with them, there is a mandatory fee and, as they say, you will have to pay all the bills that are provided for by local fishing regulations.
Tours
In order to choose the right tour, you need to take into account the fishing forecast in Finland. It is indicated by almost all travel agencies in the description.
The following trips have become the most popular:
- budget fishing in the south;
- salmon in the north;
- ice fishing;
- pike fishing in Turku;
- VIP trips to the Åland Islands.
Also, tourists often choose tours to the island. Saima. Their duration ranges from 4 to 8 days. They include accommodation at fishing bases in Finland.
Rules
Fishing rules in Finland are quite strict. Free fishing is possible only with a regular fishing rod.
If it is equipped with a reel, spoon and fly with bait, you must pay fishing and state fees. Its payment is aimed at restoring the fishery population.
The rule only applies to people aged 18 to 64 years. Others who do not fall under this criterion can practice their favorite hobby absolutely free.
The weekly fee is 10 euros, and the annual fee is 40. The regional fee costs a separate price. Its cost is equal to the price of the duty.
Any license can be purchased at post offices, retail kiosks, or by electronic bank transfer.
It is important to remember that the license is issued with the name of the owner. It will not be possible to transfer it to a third party.
It must always be kept with you. The Fishery Supervision Authority can come in with an inspection at any time.
In addition, most Finns are conscientious citizens. They may approach or come by boat and ask to see permission.
There are a number of other restrictions. Fishing is prohibited within 50 meters of residential buildings, other people's nets and meshes. You can swim in any body of water, but going to someone else’s shore is strictly prohibited. It is also necessary to release fish that have not reached large sizes.
There are certain deadlines for a fishing ban. From September 11 to November 15, you cannot fish with lures near river rapids and streams. Crayfish fishing is prohibited from the beginning of November to the end of July. These rules do not apply to fast-flowing rivers. In them, fishing with any type of gear is possible all year round.
Some Finnish fishing laws
Many bodies of water have local requirements for the minimum size of fish caught. Failure to comply with this rule entails immediate deprivation of the right to fish “hunt”. Photo: Diles/ flickr.com/ccby2.0
Alas, the “fish” restrictions do not end there. Fishing within 50 meters of coastal buildings, marked nets and meshes is prohibited. You can swim in bodies of water, but you can’t land on someone else’s shore. In addition, you should always release small fish back into the water: salmon and trout less than 50 cm, grayling - 40 cm, pike perch - 37 cm. Many reservoirs have local requirements for the minimum size of fish caught. Failure to comply with this rule entails immediate deprivation of the right to fish “hunt”.
In addition, there are general terms for prohibiting fishing. For example, from September 11 to November 15, it is prohibited to catch salmon, trout, and brown trout on river rapids, streams, and sea channels. And crayfish and spotted crayfish are protected from November 1 to July 21. There are also fishing bans for specific places. True, in some fishing areas in Finland you can fish all year round. For example, the fast rivers of Central and Southern Finland remain open throughout the year, so fly fishing can be done here even in winter.
Tackle
Each type of fishing requires its own gear. Fishing rods remain the most popular. The equipment for them is varied.
These are all kinds of reels, spinners and hooks. You can use all sorts of traps, such as a trap, a circle or a trap. Often fishermen choose spears and bows.
To remove the catch, a hook, landing net and other grips are used. Transfer is carried out using a cage and a cooch.
Summer and winter
The country attracts with almost year-round catch. In spring and summer, fishing for the entire carp family is excellent. Salmon fishing is successful in open areas from May to July. Crayfish season begins in August. Autumn trolling will allow you to catch large trophy specimens.
As soon as frost sets in and the water bodies become covered with ice, it is time for winter hunting. Finns prefer perch. The best bite occurs on the first ice. The last months of winter attract burbot, which goes to spawn.
Seasonal fishing in Finland
In the fall, large salmon that enter the rivers to spawn, as well as giant pike, are caught. This predator begins its autumn feeding season and actively hunts near reeds or in pits. Photo: Diles/ flickr.com/ccby2.0
Finland is attractive because you can fish here almost all year round. In late spring and summer, all types of fish typical for Finland are caught well with a fishing rod. For example, roach, bream and other carp. Trolling for salmon in the open sea is especially successful from late May to July, and for pike perch in June and July. In August, crayfish fishing begins with special traps, which also require a license. But autumn is the time for “trophy fishing”. At this time, large salmon entering the rivers to spawn, as well as giant pike, are caught. This predator begins its autumn feeding season and actively hunts near reeds or in pits.
As soon as the rivers are covered with the first ice, fishermen go out to “hunt” for perch, which is the “national fish of Finland.” Finns love to catch it because perch is found throughout the country and bites well all winter, especially on the first and last ice. Popular fishing competitions are held every year: the fisherman who catches the largest perch receives a prestigious Ford car as a gift. But January and February evenings are good for catching burbot, which loves cold water and spawns in winter.
Tips and tricks
Before traveling, you must check your insurance coverage. It will be better if it has a sporty twist. This will allow you to visit a surgeon free of charge in case of injuries sustained on bodies of water.
When you come to Suomi, you should definitely attend the events that are held several times a year. There are competitions in ice fishing, float fishing, lane fishing and even sport fishing.
A 24-hour marathon is taking place in Kesälahti to crown the salmon king of Lake Puruvesi.
In Helsinki, the European trolling championship in the Gulf of Finland attracts thousands of spectators and hundreds of participants.
Thanks to competitions, you can not only recharge yourself with positivity, but also leave with a prize. The fisherman who catches the biggest perch will receive a gift in the form of a brand new business class Ford.
In addition to marathons and championships, exhibitions and fairs are held several times a year. You can use them to purchase new gear items. And also taste delicious dishes and delicacies.
Fishing in Finland will bring pleasure to both beginners and professionals. Here it’s not just a good time, but a whole ritual. For those who come for the first time, experienced instructors will come to the rescue. They will not only tell you the main points and secrets, but also share good places.
