Angling permit area

4508 Oulujärvi, state-owned waters

Lake Oulujärvi is the central lake of the Oulujoki waterway and the fifth largest lake in Finland. It is also known as the 'Sea of Kainuu'. You can easily experience the maritime atmosphere at Ärjänselkä and Niskanselkä, which are Finland's largest contiguous inland water areas. The state-owned water areas (nearly 40,000 hectares) are located in these open waters. In addition, the Oulujärvi permit area includes smaller water areas in the surrounding region.

All fish species typical to the area are present and reproduce within the permit area. The lake has strong populations of perch, pike, pike-perh, and vendace.

Basic details of the area

Municipality: Kajaani, Paltamo, Puolanka, Vaala
Region: Kainuu, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Fishing period: 1 January–31 December
Permitted fishing methods: Casting (fishing with spinning rod), fly fishing, hook and line fishing, ice fishing, trolling
Required permits and fees: Angling permit, fisheries management fee. The need depends on the number of rods and lures or the water area. Always check "Permits needed for fishing".
Hook and line fishing and ice fishing: Permitted free of charge in still waters, permitted with angling permit, prohibited in running waters
Angling permits for the area: 24 hours, 7 days, seasonal permit, youth permit
Targeted catch: Burbot, cyprinids, ide, perch, pike, pike-perch, trout, whitefish
Fisheries management: Fry stocking of natural fish stocks, natural fish stock (no stockings)
Area characteristics: Located in a national hiking area, suitable for families, suitable for trolling
Restrictions: Maximum catch during 24 hours in Lake Oulujärvi: a single boating party can catch a maximum of five (5) pike-perch. Carefully check the permit terms for restrictions.

Keep in mind in this area

Maximum catch during 24 hours in Lake Oulujärvi: a single boating party can catch a maximum of five (5) pike-perch.

Trout with an adipose fin is completely protected.

Permits needed for fishing

The need for an angling permit depends on the type of waterbody and how many rods and lures you will use.

In this permit area, you will need an angling permit when lure fishing in sections with rapids and running water. You will also be required to pay the fisheries management fee, unless you are under 18 years of age, over 70 years of age, or are 65 years of age or older as of 31 December 2023.

If you are lure fishing with only one rod and lure in still waters, such as on lakes and in river pools, payment of the fisheries management fee is sufficient. You will also require an angling permit when fishing with multiple rods or lures.

Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are fully prohibited in rapids and running sections of waters with migratory fish stocks. You can refer to Kalastusrajoitus.fi (Fishing Restriction Service) to check waters with migratory fish stocks. In still waters, hook and line fishing and ice fishing are permitted free of charge with one rod. If you are hook and line fishing or ice fishing with more than one rod, you are required to purchase an angling permit and pay the fisheries management fee.

Waters and area-specific restrictions in the permit area

Always make sure to check the location of the permit area in the map window on this page. Enlarge the map window to view the location of the permit area more clearly.

The state-owned water areas of Lake Oulujärvi are located in Ärjänselkä and Niskanselkä (nearly 40,000 hectares). In addition, the permit area includes several smaller state-owned water areas around Lake Oulujärvi.

The Oulujärvi angling permit does not grant the right to fish in:

private waters,
other Metsähallitus' angling destinations,
joint permit areas,
rental waters with full fishing rights,
specialty waters.

The following waters have their own angling permits, so the 4508 Oulujärvi angling permit does not grant the right to fish in them:

Manamansalo (permit area 5571).

Services in the area

There are boat ramps and excursion harbours around Lake Oulujärvi. There are also several campfire sites and lean-to shelters in the islands of Lake Oulujärvi.

More information about the area and hiking services are available at Luontoon.fi.

Accommodation can be found from Kajaani, Paltamo, Vaala and also the Manamansalo Island.

Information about tourism services can be found on the following pages:

Visitkajaani.fi

Further information

Lake Oulujärvi is regulated to meet the needs of hydropower production. The water level in the lake therefore varies according to the season, which is important to keep in mind when moving on the lake.