Fishing
If you want to fish, you usually need to pay a fisheries management fee and often also get a separate fishing permit. The fisheries management fee is a mandatory basic fee that fishers must pay and it is valid throughout Finland. Fishing permits are sold by the owners of the water areas. You can obtain fishing permits for fishing on state-owned waters from Metsähallitus.
The fisheries management fee is required if you are 18–69 years of age and will be fishing with lures or traps or crayfishing. This means that you always need to have paid a fisheries management fee when fishing with a spinning rod, nets or traps. The exception is fishers who were 65 years old or older by 31 December 2023.
When you only use a single rod for fishing (e.g. a spinning rod), the fisheries management fee is a sufficient permit in many parts of Finland. If you fish with several rods or with traps or you want to catch crayfish, you need a fishing permit from the owner of the water area in addition to paying the fisheries management fee. You also need a permit from the owner of the water area when you fish in rapids and flowing waters or at special sites. Most Metsähallitus’ fishing sites fall into this category, which means that you must purchase a separate fishing permit in addition to the fisheries management fee.
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.
Fisher’s information bank
The fisher’s information bank contains information on angling and ice fishing in state-owned waters and instructions for responsible fishing.
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? See the most frequently asked questions about fishing and the answers!
Crayfishing permit
You can catch crayfish in Metsähallitus’ crayfish waters after you have purchased a crayfishing permit for the site. Remember to also pay the fisheries management fee!
Public water areas
Fishing in public waters is often permitted without a separate fishing permit, as long as the fisheries management fee has been paid.
Resident’s fishing rights in Northern Lapland
Metsähallitus also grants and sells fishing permits to local residents in Northern Lapland.
Planning of fishing activities
Planning ensures sustainable fish stocks. Read more about how fishing is restricted in state-owned waters.
News for fishers
25.7.2025
Restoration work at Kellankoski and Kärnänkoski rapids in August: Fishing permit sales paused
Restoration work will begin on August 1 at Kellankoski rapids, part of the Kolima–Keitele rapids route in Viitasaari. The restoration of Kärnänkoski rapids, which began last autumn, will also continue. These works will affect fishing in the area. Permit sales for both rapids are suspended until August 15.
24.7.2025
Rainbow trout stocking continues at three sites. Suspensions remain in place at others.
Rainbow trout will be stocked again during the week starting August 11 in Manamansalo (Vaala), Kylmäluoma (Taivalkoski), and Hossa (Suomussalmi). However, stocking remains suspended at Matildanjärvi in Teijo, Teerilampi in Ikaalinen, Niemisjärvi lakes in Evo, Koirajärvi and nearby Kaunislampi in Salamajärvi National Park, and Maasydänjärvi and Ahvenlampi in Sievi.
21.7.2025
Fishing permit sales open on August 12 for six rapids. Sales remain suspended at three sites.
Metsähallitus will resume fishing permit sales on Tuesday, August 12 for the following rapids: Kotalankoski, Karvionkoski, Konnuskoski, Keihärinkoski, and Kymönkoski and Kellankoski along the Kolima–Keitele route. Sales remain suspended due to warm water temperatures at Langinkoski and Latokartanonkoski, and due to restoration work at Kärnänkoski on the Kolima–Keitele route.
16.7.2025
Waters are warming – Avoid fishing for salmonids
The cool summer has turned into a heatwave, and water temperatures are rising rapidly. Warm waters are stressful for salmonids, and they may not recover after being released. Metsähallitus therefore recommends avoiding fishing for salmonids and instead targeting species that tolerate heat better.