Fishing
Foreign citizens have the same fishing opportunities and obligations as Finns.
You can pay the national fisheries management fee and obtain fishing permits from Metsähallitus for state-owned waters where fishing requires a separate permit. The fisheries management fee is a statutory general fishing fee, which is valid everywhere in Finland except Åland. Metsähallitus fishing permits apply to state-owned waters.
If you are fishing with a single rod, the fisheries management fee will be sufficient nearly everywhere in Finland. If you are fishing with more than one rod, trap fishing, crayfishing, fishing in rapids and running water, or fishing in special destinations, you will need a fishing permit from the owner of the water area in addition to the fisheries management fee. Many fishing destinations administered by Metsähallitus require both a fisheries management fee and fishing permit.
The purchase of a permit is an investment in nature, as Metsähallitus uses the proceeds from the permits for the management of fisheries and securing the future of fishing in Finland. The catch report submitted by anglers also plays an important role in planning sustainable fishing arrangements.
Fishing News
Eräluvat.fi will be updated in November - save your permits and re-register
The Eräluvat.fi website and the Eräluvat webshop will be merged and renewed on November 19th. As a result of the update, old customer accounts will no longer be available, and you will not be able to view previously purchased permits. Paid permits continue to be valid, but it is best to take special care to save them. After the update, you need to create a new customer account.
Changes in the Eräluvat online store: permits and huts must be paid for immediately
Starting from October 4th, it will no longer be possible to reserve permits or huts in the Eräluvat online store; orders must be paid for immediately. This change is due to the renewal of the Eräluvat service. We are already preparing for the introduction of the new system.
Vesa Ruusila appointed Director of Game and Fisheries at Metsähallitus
Vesa Ruusila, PhD, has been appointed Metsähallitus Director of Game and Fisheries by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Ruusila joins the Metsähallitus staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, where he serves as a game and fisheries adviser and Head of Unit for Game and Fisheries. Ruusila will assume his duties at Metsähallitus on 1 December 2024.
Metsähallitus will start serving its customers online and by telephone in Ivalo
In the future, Metsähallitus will serve its customers in Ivalo by telephone and digital service channels. The Ivalo office’s customer service point will be open for the last time on Friday 18 October.
Frequently asked questions about fishing
Where can I fish with a fisheries management fee? Where can I find information on fishing permits for privately-owned waters? When might it be necessary to pay compensation for the conservation value of an endangered fish species?
Responsible fishing
We want to encourage all fishers to consider the well-being of the fish. Each and every fisher is obligated to ensure the proper and respectful treatment of the fish they catch, regardless of whether they intend to release them or keep them for food.