Finland is known as the country of thousands of lakes and the Lakeland region represents this at its best. The best-known water areas are the large lakes such as Saimaa, Pielinen, Puula and Kallavesi In addition to the larger lakes, Eastern Finland is home to countless other lakes, rivers and ponds that provide quality fishing and nature experiences.
This vast area offers breathtaking views from the national landscapes of Koli to the rugged caves and white sandy beaches of Saimaa. Perhaps the most enjoyable way to explore the local fishing and wildlife is with a fishing guide. Trained and experienced professionals know the best fishing spots and the methods to catch fish with the utmost certainty.
Lakeland offers a wide range of fishing opportunities and rich fish stocks. The area is particularly known for pike, pike perch and perch. In fact, catching a big pike is one of the main reasons to go fishing in the Finnish Lakeland. Pike are caught in particular by jigging, fly fishing, casting, trolling and, in winter by ice fishing. The waters of Lakeland are also home to unique populations of freshwater-adapted salmonids. There are regional, temporal and species-specific restrictions on salmon fishing, which should be checked before fishing. Our fishing guides are always aware of current fishing restrictions, and they will gladly inform and help you to begin fishing.
Sustainable fishing
The vitality of fish stocks depends on fishing being set at sustainable levels. The amount of food fish taken must be sufficient to ensure that fish stocks are not endangered. In addition, fishing is targeted at species that can withstand fishing – fishing restrictions and endangered species must be taken into account in one’s own activities.. In addition to the best fishing tips, professional guides will explain regional and seasonal fishing restrictions, as well as the principles of sustainable fishing.
Part of sustainable fishing is to select medium sized prey fish as food fish: the smallest and largest fish are released to grow and reproduce. In some areas, fishing is conditional on the release of all prey fish. Many guides have species-specific upper and lower limits, which are used to keep fish stocks viable. Fish that are released are not subjected to unnecessary suffering and are released back into the water as quickly as possible. Catches selected as food fish shall be stunned and bled immediately after catching.
Fishermen should always observe other fishers in their own action and follow the general rules of boating. Boating should not cause any unnecessary distraction to others, and it is polite to not go near any constructions near the shoreline unless in a case of emergency.
Our guides will ensure that customers have the necessary fishing permits in order. Fishing in Finland requires a common fishing permit that allows fishing with one rod in most of the water areas, and in certain areas, the purchase of a special permit. A special permit is usually required for river sites and areas where fish are stocked.
The section of the Fisheries Act on the management fee:
According to the Finnish Fisheries Act, everyone has the right to ice fish, pole fish and fish for herring with one rod free of charge. To fish by rod and reel, you must pay a state fishing management fee. In 2021, the fee will be €45 per year, €15 per week and €6 per day. Persons under 18 and over 64 years of age are exempted from paying the management fee. The fee does not entitle the holder to fish in the rapids and streams of migratory fishing areas, nor in areas where fishing is prohibited under any other provision.
For more information on the fishing licences required, please contact the companies in our network or visit https://www.eraluvat.fi/en/front-page.html.
