Pike Fishing in Finland

One of Europe's best countries for trophy pike. We know the best spots, the right seasons, and how to put you on fish - consistently. From beginners to serious anglers.

May & October - our 2 most-requested pike fishing windows. Both book fast.

WHY FINLAND?

Finland is one of the few European countries where pike populations remain consistently high even near populated areas. This is thanks to sustainable fishing regulations, careful nature conservation, and numerous accessible fishing waters.

Here you can catch pike over 100 cm long, as well as find spots with large numbers of smaller active pike.

BEST PIKE FISHING SPOTS IN FINLAND

Finland has hundreds of pike fisheries. These are the locations we fish and recommend - each with a proven track record for big fish.

Tammisaari Archipelago (Ekenäs)

Located about 100 km west of Helsinki. A fantastic fishing destination ideal for pike over 1 meter long or catching 20-30 smaller pike per day in late April - early May or October - November.

Turku Archipelago

180 - 200 km west of Helsinki. Our favorite pike spots are near Livonsaari, Nauvo, and Korpo islands, featuring kilometers of reed and rush-lined shores, perfect for spring and autumn pike fishing.

Lakes in the Lakeland Region

200 - 350 km east of Helsinki. In summer, as water warms, fishing moves from sea to lakes. We offer access to huge lake areas resembling seas, smaller lakes easy to fish, and lesser-known lakes with wild fish.

Smaller Lakes

Many small lakes in Finland offer excellent opportunities for pike fishing. In lakes 5-10 kilometers long, it's usually easier to catch fish than on larger lakes like Saimaa, Päijänne, or Puula. In smaller lakes, it's easier to locate fish and identify areas where they tend to concentrate.

Google satellite maps are great tools for finding good pike lakes. Look for lakes with plenty of vegetation, reeds along the shores, water lilies, islands, and bays. A slightly greenish tint to the water is also a good sign for those searching for pike lakes.

When to fish for big pike

Pike fishing in Finland is productive from ice-out in April through November. Two windows stand out for trophy fish.

When are big pike actually caught in Finland?

Scientific data · Petri Timonen study

Finnish angler Petri Timonen analysed seasonal catch data for big pike - studying records for 1,940 pike caught weighing over 6 kg, of which over 1,700 weighed more than 10 kg. The data gives a clear picture of when trophy pike are most catchable.

Key findings: April-May and October are the clear peak months. Big pike fishing in the dark is nearly pointless as most fish are caught after 8 AM.

Skip the guesswork. Fish the right spots

We've spent years identifying and testing the most productive pike locations. When you book through us, you get access to that knowledge, plus the boat, the electronics, the licences, and someone who knows exactly where to go.

PIKE FISHING SEASONS

Spring (April - May)

After ice melts, pike spawn and become active within weeks. They usually stay in shallow bays and reed beds, biting large jerkbaits and soft plastic lures near the surface.

Summer (June - August)

With warming water, big pike retreat to deeper water and become less active. Successful fishing requires precise tactics with fish finders, LiveScope, and targeted lure presentation, especially near underwater structures..

Autumn (September - October)

One of the best seasons. Pike return to shallows and actively hunt before winter. Slow-moving lures with smooth action work best near overgrown shores, small river mouths, and vegetation edges.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR PIKE FISHING IN FINLAND

Fishing License

A license is required for all anglers aged 18 to 69 fishing with spinning rods (no license needed for a simple rod without a reel).

Prices in 2026: €6/day, €16/week, €47/year (purchased online). Local permits may be required for trolling with multiple rods.

motorBoat or Rowboat

Most holiday cottages include a rowboat for 2-3 people, suitable for trolling and near-shore fishing. Small motors (120 - 150€/week + fuel) are often available.

For active anglers, we rent fishing boats with 20-30 hp motors, equipped with fishfinders, flat casting decks, MotorGuide electric motors with GPS anchor, and navigation electronics.

Fishing Gear

You can bring your own gear, or rent from us with the motorboat.

Recommended for trophy pike:

• heavy spinning rods (60-150 g test),
• size 4000-5000 reels,
• strong braided line (≥0.20 mm),
• and steel leaders.

Effective lures include large soft plastics (18-25 cm), jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and slow-sinking crankbaits.

Fishing gear rental is rare in Finland, but available when booking fishing boats from us: a set including rods, trolling gear, lure kits, nets, tools, scales, and fish boxes starting at €100/person (minimum 2 persons).

ACCOMMODATION

Fishing cottages are often located within walking distance of water or with private docks.

Cottages at Campgrounds: 2-4 beds, electric sauna, toilet, shower, restaurant nearby, walking trails, grill spots.

Private Cottages Without Neighbors: Own shore, dock, and boat, with neighbors 100-200 m away. Perfect for families or quiet getaways.

Custom Accommodation: From simple 2-person cabins to luxury cottages for 15-18 people. Leave a request, and we’ll find the best match for your group.

REFERENCE INFORMATION ON BIG PIKE FISHING

The pike fishing season on the southern coast of Finland begins right after the ice melts, from late April to December. In marine areas, the best time to catch big pike in spring is from April to May, before spawning, right after ice-out and approximately until May 15. At this time, anglers have the best chance of catching pike weighing around 10 kg or more. The second key period for catching big pike is September on the lakes of Finland, and October on the sea coast.

An interesting study was conducted by Finnish angler Petri Timonen (*source: https://www.suomenhaukiseura.fi/2014/02/ison-hauen-ottiajat/), who analyzed the seasonal catch data for big pike and the best times to fish. He studied data on 1,940 pikes caught that weighed over 6 kilograms. Of these, more than 1,700 weighed over 10 kg.

The blue dots on the graph represent pikes. The pink line at the bottom - sunrise time, the yellow line at the top - sunset time. The beginning of the X-axis is the beginning of the year, the end is the end of December. Upon closer inspection, you begin to notice interesting features and tips for finding big pike.

Looking at the monthly catch distribution, it is clear that the best time is spring and early summer. Low numbers in April are explained by the variability of the weather, as inland waters often have no open water until May. However, the second half of April yields almost as many trophies as the best autumn month - October.

According to the statistics, pike fishing in the dark is nearly pointless. Before 8 AM, it seems there's no reason to head to pike waters. Big pike apparently needs at least eight hours of sleep, which also gives the avid angler time for a decent break.

The study recorded 187 pikes weighing at least 13 kg. Many believe that pikes of this size are rarely caught in summer. But as the graph shows, they are actually caught most successfully in June and July.

Conclusion: Based on the data, the belief that there is a single best time of day for pike fishing throughout the year can be disproved. Fish should be targeted at different times of day depending on the season. The claim that big pike can’t be caught in summer is also disproven. In Finland, big pike can be successfully caught all year round, if the fishing spot is chosen wisely.

Big pike bite very well in the sea until early June. In midsummer, catches in the sea are usually very low. October is the true peak month in marine areas.

In inland waters, the big fish season starts only in late May, with the best period falling in early to mid-summer. However, until the end of September, there are still good chances of catching big pike. October is statistically a weaker time, and small lakes may already be frozen.

Pike Fishing Checklist