WELCOME TO THE LAND OF THOUSANDS LAKES. IN TOTAL THERE ARE AROUND 187,888 LAKES IN FINLAND. SOME OF THE BEST WELL KNOWN LAKES FOR FISHING ARE PRESENTED ON THE LIST BELOW.
The narrow but almost 30-kilometre long Lake Ähtärinjärvi is the second largest lake in South Ostrobothnia. Located in the Suomenselkä watershed area, the lake is the source basin for the waters of the River Kokemäenjoki route, which it has amassed into a body of about 28 metres at its deepest point.
'The tall pines swayed, somersaulted one by one and fell down into the stream with a terrible crash; the area's numerous snakes fled in fear from this unsafe country as the earth trembled, the waters boiled and the crash of the snapping trees kept ringing out all the while.'
‘The week's trip on Lake Inarijärvi is drawing to a close. The wind is blowing whitecaps over the wide open Kasari. We are waiting out the weather in our tents on the sheltered Selkälahdensaari Island, so as to return to our car over the big mid-lake area. Covered in ice in the cool box lie the fillets of the big arctic char that we caught yesterday. We haven't seen a soul for two days.'
The largest lake of North Savo Lake Kallavesi spreads around the City of Kuopio. The Kallansillat bridges on Main Road 5 split the lake in two, the North and South Kallavesi areas. Lake Kallavesi is part of the Iso-Kalla lake area, covering 890 km². "O Kallavesj, Kallavesj, you lake of lakes!"
Peaceful nature and sheltered fishing grounds, where the silence is palpable. An abundance of space; the longest open mid-lake areas span dozens of kilometres. For an angler, the limpid Lake Keitele is a water area offering many opportunities.
Lake Kiantajärvi is part of the River Oulujoki water body and the 24rd largest lake in Finland, covering 188 square kilometres. This relatively labyrinthine, Y-shaped nature’s artwork, spreading out to the north of the centre of Suomussalmi, spans almost 50 kilometres at its longest point. Its easternmost branch ends just a couple of kilometres short of the Russian border. There are few islands on the southern end of the lake and considerably more to the north. There are plenty of wild shores.
The crystal clear Lake Kitkajärvi is known as the largest spring in Europe. The landscape of this wild, naturally clean and ruggedly handsome lake is characterized by deep trenches, long sandy beaches, sand ridges and heaps of rocks, and pebble-bottomed shallow waters. Surrounded by majestic fells and seasonal colours, the scene is set for a great day of trolling.
Kyyvesi is a diverse and beautiful lake located in Lakeland Finland, spanning the municipalities of Mikkeli, Kangasniemi, and Pieksämäki. The lake covers an area of approximately 129.95 square kilometers, with its deepest point reaching 35.4 meters. The character and diversity of Kyyvesi are shaped by its 1,373 islands, providing numerous sheltered spots that offer excellent living conditions for fish.
Lake Konnevesi, glistening where Central Finland meets North Savo, is the central lake along the Rautalammi route. In the pristine waters of its wide open mid-lake areas, big predators hunt small vendace.
Lake Näsijärvi is the largest lake in the Tampere Region. It is rugged and open by nature, with few islands. Lake Näsijärvi is one of the most popular fishing sites in Finland, but occasionally it feels like being in the wilderness.
Once upon a time there was a lake with a trolling competition where the winning team caught 157 kg of pike in seven hours. The widest open mid-lake areas of Finnish inland waters, Ärjänselkä and Niskaselkä, can be found on this major lake in the middle of the country. Alongside plump mama pike, ravenous zander, brown trout and big perch are waiting for anglers in Lake Oulujärvi.
The mighty Lake Päijänne is located in Southern Finland, extending from the City of Lahti to the City of Jyväskylä. This limpid lake is one of the most popular recreational fishing sites in Finland. This is no wonder, as its pure water, wide open mid-lake areas and well-stocked fishing grounds provide anglers with challenges, catches and plenty of delightful sights.
The treeless top of the Ukko-Koli peak overlooks the most well-known national heritage scenery in Finland. The oblong mid-lake area of Lake Pielinen with its string of ridge islands is a feast for the eyes. Anglers will still be in a hurry to climb down, as they spot the flicker of a shadow of a big fish below the surface.
Majestic cliff shores, wide meandering mid-lake waters and the fragmented island area are a feast for the eyes. Big bright-flanked landlocked salmon and mid-lake pike swim about amidst the dense schools of vendace in the Soisalonselkä area. The shores resound with the cries of black-throated divers and from the shelter of the forest peeps out a stack named Alttarikivi after its shape, as it resembles an altar stone. You've arrived at the limpid Lake Puula.
Located more or less in the middle of Finland, close to Main Road 4 within the eponymous municipality, Lake Pyhäjärvi is the 38th largest lake in Finland, covering 122 square kilometres. Its shape is pleasantly meandering, even broken up by islands, but there are also wide open mid-lake areas. The water is mostly clear and pure. Surplus waters empty into the Gulf of Bothnia via River Pyhäjoki, which starts from the northern end of the lake.
With a surface area of 155 square kilometres, the limpid Lake Pyhäjärvi in Säkylä is the largest basin in the topographically flat Southwest Finland. Also dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Satakunta Region’, the lake is known as one of the richest treasuries of fish in Europe, where commercial fishermen’s primary target species include vendace, whitefish and signal crayfish. The lake is also a popular and bountiful site for rod anglers.
The labyrinthine island areas form endless water mazes. Landlocked salmon pursue vendace in wide open mid-lake areas, while pike and zander swim about at the flanks of rocks. The silence is unbroken as a ringed seal pops its head up above the water. Lake Saimaa is the most precious jewel of Finnish nature.
As an extension of Lake Kallavesi, to the southeast of Kuopio in the Savo Region lies Lake Suvasvesi, a fairly rugged and pristine basin covering an area of 234 square kilometres. As part of the Vuoksi water system, the lake discharges its waters into the Karvionkoski Rapids, Lake Kermajärvi and eventually in the Lake Saimaa.
The Hulttistenvuolle, Kutalanvuolle, Myllyvuolle and Hiedanvuolle straits are also good sites for catching other species besides asp. Slim plugs and spoons as well as soft-bait jigs are effective lures for asp. The traditional form of catching zander and asp on torrents involves fishing from a drifting boat swinging a weighted lure close to the bottom.
For anglers looking for certain but challenging catch, the Kuusamo lake country is a perfect destination. This large area around the long and narrow Lake Kuusamojärvi offers a great variety of venues for beginners as well as professionals.
Pielavesi and Nilakka are big lakes in the northwest part of North Savo. These lakes are on the same water level and they form together almost 50 km long water area, where there are multiple choice of spots for a sport angler.
Lakes Roine, Mallasvesi and Pälkänevesi are limpid basins with sounds and rocky islands that offer intriguing grounds for catching pike, zander and perch. This bright and fishfilled trio of lakes are located in south-eastern part of Tampere Region
Wide beautiful water route is situated between Virrat, Vilppula and Ruovesi in the northern part of the Tampere Region. This exclusive fishing area with its diverse water areas and narrow sounds form a great lake called Lake Iso-Tarjannevesi ('Great Tarjannevesi') that is on the same water level. The major parts of it are known as Lakes Ruovesi and Tarjanne..
The Hossa hiking area is located right in the vicinity Finland's eastern border, in the wilderness of Suomussalmi. The area's landscape consists of ridges draped in pine woods and depressions where lakes, rivers, streams and countless crystal clear ponds glisten in the sun. *Hossa is one of Metsähallitus' special fishing destinations.
Lake Matildanjärvi is a fishing destination situated within the Teijo hiking area in Southwest Finland. The lake is about 1.7 kilometres long and 0.5 kilometres wide. There is an island and a few smaller islets in the middle of the lake. *Lake Matildanjärvi is one of Metsähallitus' special fishing destinations.
The fishing waters of Peurajärvi are situated on the border of Nurmes and Sotkamo in Eastern Finland. There you can experience being in the middle of the wilderness while still being within reach of many useful services for hiking anglers. This is an ideal fishing destination for the entire family. The lakes and ponds of the area are mainly surrounded by dry woods without much undergrowth. The network of marked trails is easy to navigate. *Lake Peurajärvi is one of Metsähallitus' special fishing destinations.
The Niemisjärvi Lakes are situated in the village of Evo, which is about a 90 minute drive away from Helsinki near Hämeenlinna. These waters are known as places where you can catch rainbow trout in both summer and winter. *Lake Niemisjärvi is one of Metsähallitus' special fishing destinations.
Pond Kaunislampi is situated near the Salamajärvi National Park in Central Finland. Despite being a wilderness destination, the pond is very accessible and a great stopping point for any hiking angler visiting the national park. The surroundings of the pond are easy to traverse, which makes Kaunislampi a suitable fishing spot for the entire family. *Pond Kaunislampi is one of Metsähallitus' special fishing destinations.
Pond Teerilampi is located near the Seitseminen National Park in the Pirkanmaa region. The pond makes for a great place to stop for a few hours as you visit the national park, for example. The parking lot is situated on the northern shore of the pond. From there you can easily get to fishing even with small children. *Pond Teerilampi is one of Metsähallitus' special fishing destinations.
Part of the Viitasaari route, Lake Kivijärvi is a widely known treasury of fish in Central Finland, in the sceneries of the Kivijärvi, Kannonkoski and Kinnula municipalities. With its surface area of 154 square kilometres, the lake is the 30th largest in Finland. In length, this fairly narrow, north-south aligned basin measures almost 50 kilometres.
Nuasjärvi and Rehjanselkä form an almost 30-kilometre-long lake system. At the eastern end of the lake are the excellent services of the Vuokatti area, including boat and swimming beaches, restaurants, accommodation and a wide range of activities. On the western side, the beautiful island of Rehja offers lean-to shelters, rental cabins and camping areas. Nuasjärvi and Rehja have good stocks of vendace and smelt, which attract predatory fish such as zander and trout. At the eastern end, Nuasjärvi continues as the wide Mujehoulunjoki River and Tenetinvirta Rapids. Their zander-rich deep waters are also excellent areas for trolling and jig fishing.
Pirttijärvi and the Sapsojärvi lakes are located right around the centre of Sotkamo. The area offers excellent services, including a conveniently located harbour where boats can be launched easily. The harbour has a kiosk, and the services of the town centre are within walking distance. The main catches in the lakes are zander, perch and pike. There is a large area to explore by boat, as from Pirttijärvi you can continue to Kaitainjärvi and further on to the Kiimasjärvi lakes to the east, or via Tenetinvirta to Nuasjärvi on the western side. From the Sapsojärvi lakes, you can continue via Kuolasalmi to Kiantajärvi to the south.
Located in western Kuhmo, the regulated Ontojärvi is the largest lake in Kuhmo. The lake is popular among trolling anglers and those using live sonar. The main catches are zander, perch and pike. The lake’s popularity is enhanced by its numerous boat-launching sites, many of which can accommodate larger boats, with plenty of space to park a boat trailer. Ontojärvi is also popular among paddlers, as its canoeing routes and facilities have recently been improved. The lake features beautiful sandy beaches with lean-to shelters, where visitors can also stay overnight.
The elongated Kellojärvi in western Kuhmo is a fish-rich lake. The main catches are zander, perch and pike. The lake is popular among trolling anglers, jig fishers and anglers using live sonar, particularly because of the large fish found there. Kellojärvi is best accessed via the Kellojärvi road, where there is a boat-launching site with good lean-to shelter facilities and a spacious parking area.
Lentua is a large and exceptionally beautiful lake, characterised by its numerous islands and sandy beaches. The main catches include zander, pike and perch. Lentua is also home to the Lehtosaari wilderness hut, which is well worth a visit and, for those with a sense of adventure, even an overnight stay. There are also several other lean-to shelters and sandy beaches along the shores, making them ideal spots to take a break while fishing. The easiest place to launch a boat is at the large Lentua parking area, which has ample parking space, a good boat ramp and a toilet. The area also features a spacious rental hut operated by Metsähallitus.
Iijärvi and Ristijärvi, located in Ristijärvi, offer excellent conditions for fishing. A boat can be easily launched from a ramp located close to the town centre. Groceries and snacks can be purchased at a shop just a short distance away, and accommodation is available by the lakeside. Perch, pike and zander are among the most common catches in these lakes.
Hyrynjärvi offers excellent fishing opportunities for perch, pike and zander, with a wide range of services nearby. A good boat ramp is located close to the town centre, just a short distance from Highway 5, and grocery stores are within walking distance. There are also several fire pits along the shores of Hyrynjärvi, providing pleasant spots to take a relaxing break and enjoy a snack while fishing.
Vuokkijärvi is a heavily regulated lake, and the water-level fluctuations have a significant impact due to its shallow shores. Over the course of several decades, the fish population has adapted to the water-level regulation, and this long, shallow-shored lake is an excellent pike fishing destination. In trolling competitions, winning catches often weigh more than 20 kilos. The best trolling areas are located at the western end of the lake, but the entire lake offers excellent pike fishing. During the summer, catches are most often made by trolling relatively deep waters. In this dark-water lake, brightly coloured deep-diving lures, often in shades of yellow, have proven particularly effective for pike. In addition to pike, zander and salmonid species can also be caught in Vuokkijärvi.
The Hoikanlampi recreational fishing site is easy to reach. Hoikanlampi is located along the Kajaani–Joensuu road (Highway 6), approximately 30 km south of Vuokatti. The recreational fishing site is situated right next to the Maanselän Etappi tourist centre. Anglers can also find reasonably priced accommodation in Etappi’s holiday cottages. Located in the peaceful countryside, the 17-hectare forest lake offers a tranquil fishing experience. A parking area and a lean-to shelter have been built at the southern end of Hoikanlampi. Fishing has also been made easier with fishing piers and boardwalk trails along the shore.
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