Resident’s fishing rights in Northern Lapland
As a rule, residents of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki can fish on state-owned waters free of charge. However, the salmon and trout migration areas are an exception, and residents can obtain a seasonal permit for these areas at cost price.
Provisions on the fishing rights of the residents of the municipalities in Northern Lapland are laid down in the Fishing Act (finlex.fi).
Free fishing permit
Residents of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki can obtain a free fishing permit for the area of the three northernmost municipalities, primarily for their own home municipality. The permit entitles the holder to fish with a rod or a trap in state-owned water areas, except for the salmon and trout migration areas. There are no permit quotas, which means that all residents can obtain the permit.
The permit is valid for three years. Applications for the years 2026–2028 open on 2 January 2026. Previously granted permits remain valid until then.
You can submit the permit application electronically, in which case your municipal residency will be verified through Suomi.fi authentication (for example with bank codes or mobile certificate). The following information is required for the application: personal identity code, first name, last name, home municipality and street address. You will see these details when submitting the application after logging in to the Suomi.fi service. If the information is missing or incorrect, make the correction in Suomi.fi.
If you are unable to authenticate via Suomi.fi, you can apply by calling the Eräluvat customer service or in person at the customer service point in Inari or at the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre in Enontekiö. If you wish to apply for a permit on behalf of a minor, you can do so through customer service. Remember to bring an identity document to verify municipal residency.
Seasonal permit for the salmon and trout migration areas
The residents of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki can obtain a seasonal permit covering the area of their home municipality, a so-called resident’s angling permit for rivers, at cost price. The permit entitles the holder to fish with a lure in the state-owned water areas that are salmon or trout migration areas. There are no permit quotas, which means that all residents can obtain the permit.
Sales for the upcoming season will begin on 24 March 2026. The seasonal permit costs 40 euros per season. The price has been defined in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s fees regulation. The seasonal permit for persons aged under 18 is free.
You can obtain the permit electronically, in which case your municipal residency will be verified through Suomi.fi authentication (for example with bank codes or mobile certificate). The following information is required: personal identity code, first name, last name, home municipality and street address. You will see these details when purchasing the permit after logging in to the Suomi.fi service. If the information is missing or incorrect, make the correction in Suomi.fi.
If you are unable to authenticate via Suomi.fi, you can obtain the permit by calling the Eräluvat customer service or in person at the customer service point in Inari or at the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre in Enontekiö. If you wish to purchase a permit on behalf of a minor, you can do so through customer service. Remember to bring an identity document to verify municipal residency.
Read more about the areas and permit terms on the pages of the permit areas.
Fishing permits in the Skolt area
Skolt sámi living in the Skolt area have the right to fish free of charge in the waters of the Skolt area. The Skolt area includes the village regions of Sevettijärvi-Näätämö and Nellim-Keväjärvi in the municipality of Inari.
When fishing in the Näätämö River, Skolt sámi residing in the Näätämö River register village must, however, apply for a free fishing permit from Metsähallitus in accordance with the Näätämö River Agreement. Although no permit is otherwise required for Skolt sámi living in the Skolt area to fish within the area, they are encouraged to apply for the free permit from Metsähallitus to facilitate possible inspections.
In the use and management of the fishing waters in the Skolt area, Metsähallitus works in close cooperation with the Skolt Village Assembly, the Municipality of Inari, the Natural Resources Institute Finland and the Economic Development Centre.
Fishing permits for the Näätämö River register village and the Skolt area are obtained via the Eräluvat customer service.
Permit sales and advisory services
Permit sale and information Mon–Fri 9 am–3 pm
Call cost €0.00/min + mobile charge/local network rate. Urgent orders always by phone.
Inari Customer Service
Inarintie 46
99870 Inari
Check additional information and opening hours (luontoon.fi).
Fell Lapland Visitor Centre
Peuratie 15
99400 Enontekiö
Check additional information and opening hours (luontoon.fi).Contact details
Senior Specialist, Fisheries
Juha Heinonen
Senior Specialist, Fisheries
Jarmo Huhtamella
More about fishing
Fisheries management fee
If you are 18–69 years old and fishing with lure or traps or catching crayfish, remember to pay the fisheries management fee!
Fishing permits
Fishing permits are divided into angling and trap permits in accordance with the fishing method. Angling permits allow you to fish using e.g. a spinning rod. You need a trap permit when fishing with nets or traps.
Crayfishing permit
You can catch crayfish in Metsähallitus’ crayfish waters after you have purchased a crayfishing permit for the site.
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.
Fisher’s information bank
The fisher’s information bank contains instructions for responsible fishing and more detailed information on catch sizes and protection periods.
Planning of fishing
Planning ensures sustainable fish stocks. Read more about how fishing is restricted in state-owned waters.