Fishing with Traps and Nets on a Fishing Holiday in Finland – Everything You Need to Know

Legal Requirements for Fishing with Traps and Nets in Finland

Unlike in many other countries, fishing with traps and nets in Finland is generally allowed for tourists. However, there are some important legal requirements you must follow before heading out to the Finnish waters with your gear:

Fishing Fee (Kalastonhoitomaksu):
All anglers between the ages of 18 and 64 are required to pay a national fishing fee, which can be easily purchased online. This fee not only grants you permission to fish with traps and nets but also ensures that you are supporting local fisheries.

Permission from the Water Owner:
In Finland, many fishing rights are privately owned. Before you start fishing, you must talk to your host or the water owner to make sure you have the necessary permission.
Important: Always ask the water owner whether fishing with traps or nets is permitted before you purchase them. You can use the contact form on the FISHERMANSLODGE website to ask your host directly. Locals are often happy to share helpful tips about the best fishing spots.

Respect Sustainability Rules:
To help preserve Finland’s nature, make sure to follow closed seasons and minimum size limits for fish. It’s also important to regularly check your traps to prevent harm to the environment and avoid unnecessary bycatch. Do not fish in protected areas—this is strictly prohibited by law.

Act Responsibly:
While traps and nets allow for potentially larger catches, always fish responsibly. Only take as much as you really need and can eat. Don’t miss the opportunity to gently release any unwanted fish back into the water. This is often more successful with traps than with nets, as fish are more likely to be injured in nets.

Important: Avoid using traps and nets during storms or rough weather. Strong currents and winds can damage or break your equipment. If a trap or net is lost, report it immediately to your host. Lost gear poses serious threats to fish, birds, and other wildlife.

Fishing in Finland: A Wide Range of Target Fish with Traps and Nets

With traps and nets, you have the opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish species in Finland’s crystal-clear waters. Nets are particularly effective for catching whitefish, medium-sized pike, and large perch. You may also catch zander and even unexpected fish like burbot using this method.

Traps are ideal for attracting whitefish using simple bait like old bread—these baitfish, in turn, often attract larger predators such as pike or zander. Bread is surprisingly effective even when you're targeting predators.

The real thrill of fishing with traps and nets lies in the element of surprise: you never know exactly what you'll find in your gear. That moment of uncertainty makes every check a small adventure.

Where to Buy Traps and Nets – and What You’ll Need

If you want to head out with a trap or net, you’ll find suitable equipment in well-stocked hardware stores, tackle shops, and even some supermarkets like Prisma.

Small nets start at around €20.
Traps cost around €50 or more, depending on the model.

Traps are especially easy to use: a long rope (depending on the water depth) and a buoy—such as an empty plastic bottle—are usually all you need.

Nets, on the other hand, are more demanding, as they can easily become tangled during deployment and retrieval. Some practice and patience are required here.

Crayfishing in Finland with Special Traps

If you’re looking for an extra adventure during your fishing holiday, give crayfishing a try. Finland offers ideal conditions, as crayfish are widespread in many lakes and rivers. With special traps, you can catch these fascinating creatures effectively and in an eco-friendly way.

The best spots for crayfishing are rocky or stony areas where crayfish can hide. Place your traps overnight in these areas and make sure the trap entrances are easily accessible for the crayfish. Fish scraps or meat make excellent bait.

The best seasons for crayfishing are in autumn—when the crayfish are building up reserves for winter—and in spring, when they are actively searching for food.

Conclusion: Traps and Nets – The Perfect Fishing Gear for Your Next Holiday in Finland
Fishing with traps and nets in Finland is a simple yet versatile method to enrich your angling experience. Whether you're targeting fish or crayfish, these traditional tools offer exciting and often surprising results. The easy handling, the thrill of checking your gear, and the variety of target species make this form of fishing truly special.

Take the opportunity to enjoy the untouched nature of Finland, act responsibly, and experience your fishing holiday in a sustainable and adventurous way.