Finland: A Fishing Paradise from the Baltic to Lapland

At almost 1,500 km in length, from the Baltic to Northern Lapland, Finland provides anglers with a wide variety of fishing environments to choose from. Off the southern coasts, among tens of thousands of islands scattered amongst the archipelagos, there are large stocks of pike, zander, and perch, as well as whitefish, burbot, sea trout, Atlantic salmon, Baltic herring, flounder, and various cyprinids. The waters of the archipelago are brackish, and this region provides the best chances of catching pike that weigh more than 10 kg. Arranging a charter here is easy, as is hiring a local guide who can bring you to the best spots. The most popular destinations are in and around the Åland Islands.

Lake District: Endless Inland Fishing Opportunities

Inland, most of Finland’s best fishing is to be found in the Lake District, Europe’s most extensive area of unbroken lake, which offers an endless choice for anglers. The main game species here are zander, pike, and perch, but there are also brown trout and landlocked salmon, as well as burbot and whitefish in the deeper lakes.

Lapland: Pristine Waters and Exceptional Fishing

The pristine waters of Lapland are teeming with Arctic char, salmon, grayling, brown trout, and rainbow trout, as well as some of the largest perch in the country. Pike are seldom bothered with here, often referred to as ‘bog-dog’, so even small, apparently insignificant, ponds can yield very fine specimens.

Accessible Fishing for All: Simple and Affordable Licensing

Finland’s waters cater for every type of angler, whether they prefer fly-fishing, spinning, jigging, trolling, or simply relaxing with a rod and line – for which no licence is required. Going fishing couldn’t be easier, licences are relatively inexpensive, very flexible, and easily purchased: they can be obtained at any bank or post office, at R-Kiosks (the most extensive range of ‘corner shops’ in Finland), or even bought online. Licences can be bought for 7 days, a month, or even for a year. For those over 64 or under 18, no licence is required, nor is one required to fish with a rod and line, or for ice fishing.

Where to Finland in Finland

To uncover detailed insights into prime fishing locations across Finland, explore our comprehensive guide titled “Where to Fish in Finland.”