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Some state-owned waters are trap permit areas. If you purchase a trap permit from Metsähallitus for a certain trap permit area, you will be able to fish in that area using nets, traps, baited lines, fyke nets, long lines, fishing gigs (gigging), harpoons or fishing bows. Trap permits are specific to the fishing or boating party, and they are valid for a calendar year. A trap permit is intended for recreational fishing - commercial fishing permits are issued separately.

Metsähallitus trap permit areas may comprised of waters administered by Metsähallitus in one lake, one municipality, one fishing district or an entire catchment area. Water areas included in the trap permit are described in the permit area terms, which specify the lake-specific restrictions. The location of water areas can be found on the Excursionmap website (retkikartta.fi).

Fish stocks in the trap permit area are based primarily on natural production, but some waters are also managed by means of fry stocking.

Since 2020, trap permit tags are no longer in use. After purchasing a permit, fishers must simply attach their name and phone number to fishing traps, i.e. fishing nets.

The purchase of a permit is an investment in nature, as Metsähallitus uses the proceeds from the permits for the management of fisheries.

Purchasing information

Trap permits for 2024 become available on 18 December 2023 at 9 AM. 

The table below shows the prices for traps in different permit areas as of 1 Jan 2024. For detailed information on how extensive fishing rights (for example how many nets) are available for a certain area, please see the permit area's own page. Also permit terms are specified in those pages.

TRAP PRICE
Net (max length 31 metres) 12 €
Trap (3 traps) 12 €
Baited line (10 lines) 12 €
Fyke net or fish trap (max height 1.5 m) 12 €
Long line (max 100 hooks) 12 €
Gig, harpoon or fishing bow 12 €
Seine (under 6 m) or pound net * 45 €

* Permits for fishing with a pound net and a shoreline seine less than 6 metres are sold to recreational fishers for key individual waters within a permit area. These permits are only sold by Metsähallitus Game and Fisheries Management Planners.

Trap permits are specific to the fishing or boating party, and they are valid for a calendar year.

Prior to purchasing a trap permit, you should read the Metsähallitus terms of purchase and cancellation for permits.

A trap permit may be purchased by calling the service number or via webshop.

 

Metsähallitus' trap permits may be purchased by phone. The service is open on weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM. 

 

With the Eräluvat app, you can purchase trap permits quickly and easily. You can pay with a debit or credit card. Read the instructions for using the app. 

 

For more information on net fishing in Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki, please contact Metsähallitus service points in Northern Lapland: