Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tourist offices can direct you to the best fishing spots in the area, and usually can
provide some sort of regional fishing map and put you in touch with local guides. Fishing
equipment of varying quality is widely available for hire from campgrounds and other ac-
commodation providers in fishy areas.
The websites
www.fishinginfinland.fi
and
www.fishing.fi
have plenty of useful informa-
tion in English on fishing throughout the country.
ICE-FISHING
Nothing stops a Finn on a mission for fish. Not even when the winter closes in, the lakes
freeze over, and the finny tribes below grow sluggish and hope for a breather from those
pesky hooks.
No, the intrepid locals just walk or drive out to a likely spot on the ice, carve a hole using
a hand drill, unfold the campstool, and drop in a line. And wait, even if the temperature is
around -30°C. Seriously warm clothes and your choice of a flask of coffee or a bottle of
Koskenkorva complete the picture.
Many tour operators offering winter activities organise ice-fishing excursions.
Permits
Several permits are required of foreigners (between the ages of 18 and 64) who wish to go
fishing in Finland, but they are very easy to arrange. The website
www.mmm.fi
has all the
details. Simple angling with hook and line requires no permit; neither does ice-fishing, un-
less you are doing these at rapids or other salmon waterways.
For other types of fishing, first you will need a national fishing permit, known as the
'fisheries management fee'. A permit is €7/24 per week/year; they're payable online or at
any bank or post office. Second, fishing with a lure requires a regional permit (€7/31), also
available online or at banks and post offices. In addition to this a local permit may be re-
quired. There are often automatic permit machines; tourist offices, sports shops and camp-
grounds can also supply permits. The waters in Åland are regulated separately and require
a separate regional permit.
The Metsähallitus website (
www.outdoors.fi
)
details fishing restrictions in protected
areas.
