Fishing in Finland: Regulations, Minimum Sizes, and Closed Seasons
Essential Fishing Guidelines for Finland
Finland is a paradise for anglers, but to protect fish stocks and ensure a sustainable fishing experience, certain rules apply. Here, you'll find all the important information about fishing permits, minimum sizes, closed seasons, and more.
Fishing Without a License
Some fishing methods are permitted without a license under the 'Everyman’s Right':
- Fishing with a simple hook and line.
- Ice fishing through holes in the ice.
- Herring fishing in the Baltic Sea using a rod and paternoster rig.
Restrictions:In certain areas such as rapids, rivers with migratory fish, and stocked fishing waters, a permit is required. More details are available at Kalastusrajoitus.fi.
National Fishing Fee
The national fishing fee is mandatory for individuals aged 18 to 64 if they wish to use fishing methods other than those listed above.
Costs:
- €47 per year
- €16 for seven days
- €6 for one day
Permits can be purchased online at Eraluvat.fi, in R-Kiosks, or Metsähallitus nature centers.
- Opastinsilta 12 C, 00520 Helsinki, Finland
- Lentiirantie 342D, 88900 Kuhmo, Finland
- Veteraanikatu 9, 90130 Oulu, Finland
The permit allows fishing with a rod in most still waters.
Additional Permits
Additional permits are required for the following fishing methods:
- Fishing in flowing waters and rapids with migratory fish.
- Fishing in special fishing zones and stocked lakes.
- Using more than one rod.
- Fishing with nets and traps - check with the lake owner or visit Eraluvat.fi for fishing permits for crayfish or for Fish.
- Whether and which additional permits you need for which state waters can be found on Eraluvat.fi.
- For private waters, local tourism information centers or property owners can assist.
Minimum Sizes and Closed Seasons
To sustainably protect fish stocks, minimum sizes and closed seasons apply for many fish species. Here is an overview:
| Fish Species | Minimum Size | Closed Season |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 50–60 cm, depending on the region | September 1 – November 30 (rivers and streams) |
| Salmon | 50–60 cm, depending on the region | September 1 – November 30 (rivers and streams) |
| Landlocked Salmon | 60 cm | August 1 – November 30 |
| Arctic Char | 45–60 cm, depending on the lake | September 1 – November 30 (in some areas) |
| Grayling | 30–35 cm, depending on the region | April 1 – May 31 (inland waters) |
| Whitefish | None | September 1 – November 30 (rivers flowing into the sea) |
| Zander | 42 cm | None |
| Eel | None | October 1 – January 31 |
| River Lamprey | None | April 1 – August 15 |
| Noble and Signal Crayfish | 10 cm | November 1 – July 21 |
Minimum size: The length is measured from the head to the tail fin.
Protected Areas
Fishing is prohibited or restricted in many nature reserves, national parks, and protected regions. A map of these areas is available at Kalastusrajoitus.fi.
Sustainability and Responsibility
Finland places great importance on environmentally friendly fishing practices. Please follow these guidelines:
- Waste disposal: Do not leave trash or any traces in nature
- Animal welfare: Handle fish as humanely as possible. This includes proper killing and processing of caught fish
- Responsible catch: Only take as many fish as you can consume. This helps protect fish stocks and ensures that Finland remains a fishing paradise
More information is available on the Fisher’s Information Bank. With this information, nothing stands in the way of your sustainable fishing trip in Finland. Enjoy nature and adhere to the regulations to preserve the beauty of these waters for future generations.