Fishing in Finland - 2024
The ideal time to catch a big pike is the beginning of May and October along the Gulf of Finland and the Turku Archipelago, and mid-May / September in the Lakeland area of Finland.
Finland
As the country with the most waters in the whole world, Finland offers diverse opportunities for catching various species of fish. As much as 10 % of our country’s surface is covered by water. It is just as easy to go fishing on the outskirts of a city as on a wilderness lake.
In Finland there exists 187,888 lakes, the Finnish Lake District – the most extensive area of unbroken lake in Europe – as well as 1,100 kilometers of Baltic Sea coastline, including its archipelagos, and 647 rivers covering 25,000 kilometers. Could anglers wish for more?
They definitely could. Anglers obviously also wish for those waters to be brimming with fish. Luckily, their wishes came true. In addition to being well-stocked, Finland’s extensive waters are also pristine and full of beautiful scenery that will take your breath away. Unlike crowded fishing sites around the world, Finland offers space and silence. Here you can fish in your own peace, face-to-face with nature.
The most common game species include the white-fleshed predators pike, perch and zander. Pike and perch can be found in almost all waters. Over a meter-long pike is no big deal anywhere in Finland. The best zander stocks can be found in the lake district of Southern and Central Finland and on the southern sea coast.
Finland is home to splendid waters that cater for spinning, fly-fishing and trolling enthusiasts alike. The open-water season lasts from late April to late November or early December. In winter, waters are covered in ice and anglers switch to ice-fishing.
It is just as easy to go fishing on the outskirts of a city as on a wilderness lake, thanks to good connections and reasonably priced fishing licenses. High-quality cottages and other accommodation sites, located by the waters, make for excellent bases for an active and independent fishing holiday. The easiest way for you to get to know the fishing grounds is to turn to professional fishing guides who are located all across Finland as part of a comprehensive network. They have local knowledge and equipment making it easy to move along the water routes.
Thanks to the abundance of waters, fishing has always been an integral part of the Finnish way of life with long traditions.
The open-water fishing season in Finland starts around late April and lasts until the end of November.
Pike is the most sought-after predator that anglers come to Finland to catch. For those hunting for big pike, careful planning, and consideration of the time of year are necessary.
The ideal time to catch a big pike is the beginning of May and October along the Gulf of Finland and the Turku Archipelago, and mid-May / September in the Lakeland area of Finland.
The sheltered shallow backwaters provide ideal conditions for pike fishing in spring and autumn. Bays, islands, and channels are perfect for fishing trips in any weather, as there are no waves or strong winds here. Especially charming are the narrow channels surrounded by reeds, giving the impression of searching for secret pike spots.
Summertime in Finland from June to August is a good time for perch and zander fishing on the lakes.
Fishing permits
If you are between 18 and 69 years old you need to purchase a fishing license. This permit is valid practically throughout the territory of Finland (except for special fishing areas, rivers, etc.). The permit is valid for one fishing rod per person.
A fishing license is issued per individual and must be paid for before starting fishing. The angler must carry proof of payment and, if necessary, present it to the authorities or another person supervising fishing activities.
Accommodation
In Finland, there is a wide range of accommodation options that can serve as a base for your fishing vacation. Alternatives include self-catering cottages, small lakeside resorts, and campgrounds.
Lakeside cottages are the most common and convenient way to stay for the anglers. Each cottage rent includes a rowing boat, making it easy to fish in the morning or whenever you feel like it. For a better experience, you can rent an engine or fully equipped fishing boat with modern electronics.
Accommodation options range from simple, basic, and even austere cottages to five-star villas equipped with all modern conveniences.
Example of fishing itinerary
Day 1: Arrival.
Check-in to the cottage. Evening sauna.
Day 2: 3-hour fishing instruction session with a fishing guide. Learn about boat safety, fishing routes, fishing spots, techniques, and bait selection. After the instruction, you will have the rest of the day to fish independently.
Day 3 - 5: More fishing. Get ready for a fishing safari, exploring various spots and bays around. Test your luck catching a big pike. In between fishing sessions, you can engage in cooking fish on the grill, smoking, and baking. You can also enjoy the sauna in the cottage or visit a local pub.
Day 6: Departure. On the last day, enjoy your breakfast, pack your belongings, and head back home with unforgettable fishing memories.
Cost Considerations *estimation:
Flight Ticket (approximately 200 – 300 EUR): The earlier you decide, the cheaper you can purchase plane tickets.
Transfer from Helsinki to fishing locations: renting a car in Helsinki is likely the best option (around 300-500 euros depending on the type of car), considering that the car can be very useful during the trip and brings you flexibility (you will still need to go shopping for food, drinks, fuel, etc.). Keep in mind that you will be in remote areas, with distances ranging from 10 to 50 km, depending on the location of the rented cottage relative to the cities.
Accommodation: In cottages by the water, the cost depends on the size, amenities, etc. Weekly rental costs range from 600-700 euros (small cottages for 2-3 people) to 1000-2000 euros (cottages for 6-8 people). These cottages are well-equipped with everything needed for living, cooking, hygiene, etc. Upon request, we can also find small hotels where meals can be arranged.
Boats: Usually, the small rowing boat is included in the cabin rental. If you need boats with outboard engines (5-40 hp), chart plotter, sonar, navigation, electric motors, Live Scope, etc., we can arrange it. The weekly rental of these boats ranges from 550-1000 euros. Typically, a deposit of around 500-700 euros is also required for boats, which is refunded after the boat is returned.
Fishing Equipment: We recommend bringing your own fishing equipment (approximately 80 EUR/equipment (Lufthansa), consisting of a rod tube and a bag for other gear - enough for 2-3 people), but upon request, we can also provide fishing equipment (approximately 100 euros).
Fishing Permit - 20 euros/person/week.
The cost of the fishing expedition to Finland largely depends on the size of the team. Ideally, teams should consist of 4-6 people. It does not matter how many people share the rent for the car, cabin, and boat. It is most comfortable to fish from a boat with 2-3 people, so this should also be considered.
The above prices are for informational purposes only. We will be able to provide you with a specific price only after we learn about your preferences and dates.
For any further information or for a concrete offer please contact us on support@goforbigpike.com
Tight lines!
GBP Sportfishing crew