11.5.2026
Fishing permit areas renewed: learn about the changes
At the turn of the year, five large angling permit areas were redistributed into 52 new permit areas. In addition, the boundaries of trap fishing permit areas were revised.
The Inari resident’s angling permit for rivers are issued for rod fishing in salmon and trout migration areas located in state-owned waters within the municipality of Inari. In 2026, the permit does not entitle the holder to fish salmon in the Näätämöjoki river basin.
The permit also entitles the holder to fish with a scoop net from 1 October to 30 November.
A free fishing permit is issued to residents for fishing in other state-owned waters within their home municipality. Read more about fishing permits for residents of Northern Lapland.
A resident’s angling permit for rivers is a season permit, which is issued to all residents of the municipality if they so wish. The permit is issued individually at cost price. The price is specified in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry regulation on fees.
The fishing periods vary on different rivers. Check the fishing periods and the regulations for the fisheries area on the Inari fisheries area's website and the permit terms. In 2026, the permit does not entitle the holder to fish salmon in the Näätämöjoki river basin.
11.5.2026
At the turn of the year, five large angling permit areas were redistributed into 52 new permit areas. In addition, the boundaries of trap fishing permit areas were revised.
24.3.2026
Local residents will in the future be able to purchase their river fishing permit directly through the Eräluvat.fi service. Until now, residents of Enontekiö, Utsjoki and Inari have had to order the permit by phone or at a service point.
2.1.2026
The wording of the terms is clarified, and the new structure better reflects the customer journey in the Eräluvat.fi service. The terms also specify how and where customers can place an order, how they benefit from logging in during the ordering process, and whom to contact in case of problems or changes.
The permit can be purchased through the Eräluvat.fi service. If the angler is unable to obtain the permit digitally, they may call the Eräluvat customer service line at +358 20 69 2424, which is available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As a last resort, the permit can be purchased at the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre or at Metsähallitus’ customer service point in Inari.
Please note that in 2026, the permit does not entitle the holder to fish salmon in the Näätämöjoki river basin.
You can find the fishing regulations for the Inari fisheries area on the Inari fisheries area’s website (inarinkalatalousalue.fi) (in Finnish).
The need for a resident’s angling permit for rivers depends on the type of waterbody and how many rods and lures you will use.
In this permit area, you will need a resident’s angling permit for rivers 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 river pools, payment of the fisheries management fee is sufficient. You will also require a resident’s angling permit for rivers when fishing with multiple rods or lures.
Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are fully prohibited in running and rapids sections of waters with migratory fish stocks (i.e. also this permit area). 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 a resident’s angling permit for rivers and pay the fisheries management fee.
In addition to this permit, municipality residents do not need to obtain other angling permits for river areas in their home municipality.
The Inari resident’s angling permit for rivers are issued for rod fishing in salmon and trout migration areas located in state-owned waters within the municipality of Inari. Check the borders of the permit area on the area map (Map flies and brochures).
Fishing in waters where fishing is not restricted by the Fishing Area (inarinkalatalousalue.fi, in Finnish) or other legislation is permitted during the meltwater period, with the exception of salmon and trout, which are protected between 1 September and 30 November.
In 2026, the permit does not entitle the holder to fish salmon in the Näätämöjoki river basin.
Fishing with a scoop net is allowed from 1 October to 30 November.
The following restriction and protection decisions must be observed when fishing:
The permit does not entitle the holder to fish in privately-owned waters.
The permit does not entitle to fish in the Inari and Kietsimäki Rivers.
The permit does not entitle the holder to fish with traps.
Water temperature has a significant impact on the survival of salmonids after they are released. When water temperatures approach +20 °C, you should use judgement before you decide to fish for salmonids. In waters warmer than this, fishing for salmonids should be avoided. In such situations, it is advisable to focus on species that are more resistant to heat, such as zander, pike and perch. See guidelines for responsible fishing.
Application period is 24.3.2026 00:00 – 31.12.2026 23:59