Fishing in Finland: What Fish to Catch and What They Bite On

Finland is a dream destination for anglers. With thousands of lakes, rivers, and the Baltic Sea coastline, fishing is possible year-round. But what fish can you catch here, and what do they bite on?


We’ve compiled practical tips on species, baits, and fishing techniques tailored to Finnish waters.

Советы по рыбалке и приманкам в Финляндии

PERCH

Perch is the most popular fish in Finland. You can catch it almost anywhere: lakes, rivers, ponds, even brackish sea water.


  • When to fish: Year-round, in any weather.
  • Where to find: Near shores, in weed beds, and deeper waters - perch move in schools.
  • Baits: Worms, jigs, spoons, ice jigs, and spinners.
  • Tip: Larger lures attract bigger perch.


Size & Age: In Finnish waters, perch can grow over 1 kg, especially in well-fed lakes. Trophy perch typically range from 300 - 600 g.


Behavior: Perch prefer schools, especially in warmer seasons. In winter, they often form tight shoals and roam deeper areas.


Best times:


  • Spring: Active post-spawn in shallow waters.
  • Summer: Moves deeper, bites on jigs/micro-jigs.
  • Autumn: Peak times are morning and evening.
  • Winter: Ice fishing with jigging lures and balancers.


Extra lures: Twisters, paddle tails, balancers, micro spoons.

ROACH

Roach are found everywhere - shallow bays, near reeds, and calm backwaters.


  • When to fish: From spring to autumn.
  • Where to find: Shallows, close to shore.
  • Baits: Worms, bread, fly larvae, corn.
  • Tip: Use light float rigs.

PIKE

Finnish pike is a fierce predator and a prized catch.

  • When to fish: Spring and autumn are peak seasons.
  • Where to find: Near reeds, along depth changes, and shorelines.
  • Best times: Early morning or evening.
  • Baits: Spoon lures, wobblers, noisy jigs, perch- or roach-like lures.
  • Tip: Always bring a landing net - pike are strong and can escape during the fight.


Size: Pike in Finnish lakes can reach 5 - 10 kg, sometimes more. Big females are most often caught in spring before spawning.


Temperature preference: Likes cool water - less active above +20°C.


Behavior:

  • Waits in ambush near weeds and structures.
  • Targets weak or injured fish.


Top lure colors:

  • Sunny days: Natural colors.
  • Cloudy days: Bright, contrasting colors.
  • Winter: Big spoons, balancers, live bait.
  • Live bait fishing: Highly effective, especially in autumn and winter in deep water.

Zander (Pike-Perch)

Zander are found mostly in southern and central Finland, with some in the north (e.g., Lake Kemijärvi).

  • When to fish: Early spring (post-ice), summer, autumn.
  • Where to find: Deep waters, drop-offs, pits.
  • Baits: Light-colored jigs, wobblers, spoons.
  • Tip: Use depth charts - zander lurk near pit edges and follow set hunting paths.


Behavior: Cautious and unpredictable. Most active at dusk and night. Reacts to motion, vibration, and light.


Preferred conditions:

  • Clean, cool water with firm bottoms.
  • Depth changes, current edges, river mouths.


Best techniques:

  • Jigging: Most effective. Use foam, twisters, paddle tails, with 15–30 g weights (depending on current).
  • Trolling: Great in deep lakes.
  • Night spinning: Especially in spring and autumn.


Gear tips:

  • Use stiff rods with sensitive tips.
  • Fluorocarbon leaders are nearly invisible underwater.


Spawning: May. Post-spawn feeding is aggressive, especially in shallow waters.

Taimen (Arctic Trout)

A rare and prized predator found in cold, fast-flowing northern rivers and oxygen-rich lakes.

  • Where to fish: Mountain rivers, rapids, lakes with cold, oxygenated water.
  • Baits: Spoons, wobblers, jigs, flies.
  • Tip: Taimen is solitary. Best caught at dawn and in cool weather.

Grayling

Grayling is easy to recognize by its tall dorsal fin. Found in northern Finland’s cool, clear lakes and rapids.

  • Where to fish: Fast streams, rapids, clean lakes.
  • Baits: Small spinners, artificial flies.
  • Tip: Use thin lines and delicate gear - grayling is shy but strikes eagerly.

Rainbow Trout

Usually farmed and stocked in designated Finnish fishing lakes.

  • Where to fish: Pay-to-fish lakes, catch-and-release ponds, and occasionally wild trout in large natural lakes.
  • When to fish: Early spring post-ice and late autumn (November) before freeze - best times for wild trout.
  • Baits: Spoons, ice jigs, flies, shrimp.
  • Tip: In winter, try ice fishing with jigs.