Zander Fishing in Finland

Zander is one of the most sought-after predatory fish among anglers in Finland. It’s prized for its tasty meat, sporting challenge, and the thrill of catching it in deep waters, at night, and under changing weather conditions.

Zander is found in numerous Finnish waters, from coastal bays to northern lakes near Kemijärvi, making Finland one of the top zander fishing destinations in Europe.

Where to Catch Zander in Finland

Zander prefers:

• Murky water with light current
• Depths of 2 to 10 meters
• Sandy or muddy bottoms
• Areas with aquatic vegetation
• River mouths and inlets
• Deep basins in summer

Top zander fishing spots include:

• Lake Lohjanjärvi (Uusimaa)
• Vanajavesi - Pyhäjärvi (Häme)
• Helsinki and Turku Archipelagos
• Lake Vesijärvi (Lahti)
• Lakes Kyrösjärvi, Kallavesi, Oulujärvi
• Tampere region lakes (Ruovesi, Näsijärvi, Iso-Roine)
• Central Finland lakes
• Northernmost range: Lake Kemijärvi (Lapland)



In marine areas, zander can be found in the Bothnian Bay, the Gulf of Finland coast, and brackish river mouths.

Zander Behavior & How to Read It

• Big zander are mostly solitary; smaller ones form loose groups.
  
• In autumn, schools may form when chasing vendace or smelt.
  
• If you catch one, work the area - others may be nearby.
  
• Most active at dusk and night in summer, especially in warm weather.
  
• Bites slow down during high winds, heatwaves, or sudden cold snaps.
  
• Best water temperature: 19–21°C - use a fish finder with a thermometer to locate the thermocline.
  
  

Zander Season & Spawning

• Spawning begins around 12°C, usually mid-May.
  
• Zander return to the same spawning grounds yearly.
  
• Males guard nests aggressively - often biting any nearby lure.
  

Zander Fishing Techniques

Jigging

• Ideal for daytime fishing
  
• Effective year-round
  
• Use slow, stepped retrieves

Trolling

• Best in the evening and at night
  
• Works well in summer
  
• Trolling speed: 1–2 km/h, slower (0.5 km/h) in autumn

Early season: focus on drop-offs and shallows

In heat: target depths of 6–10 meters

Top Zander Lures in Finland

• Crankbaits: Yellow, green, silver (e.g. Rapala Husky, Magnum, Jessen)
  
• Soft jigs: Natural, black, "motor oil" colors, with twister or paddle tails
  
• Spoons: Copper, silver, white for deep trolling

TIP: Use bright lures in murky water, natural tones in clear water.

What Zander Eats

Zander are active predators. Their diet includes:

• Baltic herring (salaka)
  
• Vendace (ryapushka)
  
• Smelt
  
• Roach
  
• Young perch

Finding a school of vendace often means zander are nearby.

Zander Fishing Regulations in Finland

• Minimum size: 42 - 45 cm (50 cm in some lakes)
  
• Check current regional rules at: 🔗 kalastusrajoitus.fi
  
• Fishing license is required for ages 18 - 69
  
• Net fishing and seasonal restrictions may apply
  

Interesting Facts About Zander in Finland

A Newcomer to the North

Zander has only recently expanded into northern Finland, including Lapland. This shift is due to:

• Rising water temperatures (climate change)
  
• Better water quality following environmental reforms in the 1980s–1990s

In some northern lakes, zander appeared for the first time in the 21st century.

Zander Was Once an "Outsider"

Until the 1970s, zander was seen as an invasive species, displacing traditional fish like whitefish and vendace. Today, it's one of Finland’s most valuable commercial and sport fish.

Finland Pioneered Zander Stocking

Finland was the first European country to implement large-scale zander stocking programs starting in the 1950s. Finnish scientists developed early artificial breeding methods with high survival rates.

Zander: The Night Hunter

Zander eyes contain a tapetum lucidum - a reflective layer that:

• Enhances night vision
  
• Helps in murky waters
  
• Makes zander nearly invisible to prey

That’s why zander feed actively at night, a rare trait among northern predators.

A Natural Ecosystem Regulator

Zander are used by Finnish ecologists to control overpopulated lakes. By preying on roach and perch, they help restore balance to nutrient-rich ecosystems.

Zander in Trophy Fishing

At major Finnish fishing festivals like Savonlinna Big Fish Weekend or Zander Cup, zander is the star. Fish over 5 kg are considered trophy-class and in lakes like Kärsämäki, specimens over 10 kg have been recorded.

Zander Defends Its Nest Like a Dog

During spawning, male zander guard their nests fiercely, attacking fish, birds, even passing boats. This defensive behavior makes them especially vulnerable to anglers in May.