Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Finland (Complete Guide)

Finland offers some of the best fishing in Europe. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Finland are typically during the summer months, from June to August, when fish species like pike, perch, trout, and salmon are most active.

Month	Finland Fishing Location
January	Lake Inari – Ice fishing for arctic char and whitefish.
February	Tornio River – Fishing for perch and pike.
March	Teno River – Early spring fishing for salmon and sea trout.
April	Lake Saimaa – Prime time for ice fishing for pike and perch.
May	Kymijoki River – Opening of salmon fishing season, great chances for big catches.
June	Lake Päijänne – Excellent angling for zander and trout.
July	Archipelago Sea – Abundant fishing opportunities for Baltic herring and sea trout.
August	Tornionjoki River – Fall-run salmon fishing reaches its peak.
September	Lake Pielinen – Trout fishing excels as temperatures cool down.
October	Tenojoki River – Autumn-run salmon fishing intensifies.
November	Lake Oulujärvi – Fishing for perch and pike.
December	Gulf of Bothnia – Fishing for cod and Baltic herring.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Finland. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Freshwater Fishing in Finland

Lake Saimaa (April to September) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Zander.

Teno River (June to August) – Targeted Fish: Atlantic Salmon.

Lake Inari (May to September) – Targeted Fish: Whitefish, Grayling, Pike.

River Kymijoki (May to October) – Targeted Fish: Salmon, Sea Trout, Pike.

Lake Pielinen (June to August) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Roach.

Lake Päijänne (May to September) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Whitefish.

River Tornionjoki (June to August) – Targeted Fish: Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout.

Lake Oulujärvi (May to September) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Zander.

River Kymijoki (May to October) – Targeted Fish: Salmon, Sea Trout, Pike.

Lake Kuusamojärvi (June to August) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Roach.

Lake Näsijärvi (May to September) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Zander.

Lake Saimen (April to September) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Zander.

River Kemijoki (June to August) – Targeted Fish: Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout.

Lake Oulujärvi (May to September) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Zander.

River Tornionjoki (June to August) – Targeted Fish: Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout.

Lake Pielinen (June to August) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Roach.

Lake Inari (May to September) – Targeted Fish: Whitefish, Grayling, Pike.

Lake Päijänne (May to September) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Whitefish.

Lake Kuusamojärvi (June to August) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Roach.

Lake Näsijärvi (May to September) – Targeted Fish: Pike, Perch, Zander.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Finland

Bothnian Bay (June to August) – Targeting Baltic herring, sea trout, and perch.

Gulf of Finland (May to September) – Fishing for pike, perch, zander, and sea trout.

Archipelago Sea (June to August) – Pursuing Baltic herring, cod, pike, and sea trout.

Tornio River Estuary (May to September) – Fishing for salmon, sea trout, and whitefish.

Åland Islands (June to August) – Targeting pike, perch, Baltic herring, and sea trout.

Kvarken Archipelago (June to August) – Fishing for pike, perch, and Baltic herring.

Kemi River Estuary (May to September) – Pursuing salmon, sea trout, and whitefish.

Kokkola Archipelago (June to August) – Targeting pike, perch, and Baltic herring.

Hanko Peninsula (May to September) – Fishing for pike, perch, zander, and sea trout.

Turku Archipelago (June to August) – Pursuing pike, perch, zander, and Baltic herring.

Helsinki Archipelago (May to September) – Targeting pike, perch, zander, and Baltic herring.

Rauma Archipelago (June to August) – Fishing for pike, perch, and Baltic herring.

Vaasa Archipelago (June to August) – Pursuing pike, perch, and Baltic herring.

Gulf of Bothnia (May to September) – Targeting cod, Baltic herring, and sea trout.

Pori Archipelago (June to August) – Fishing for pike, perch, and Baltic herring.

Raahe Archipelago (June to August) – Pursuing pike, perch, and Baltic herring.

Oulu Archipelago (June to August) – Targeting pike, perch, and Baltic herring.

Kemi Archipelago (June to August) – Fishing for pike, perch, and Baltic herring.

Tornio Archipelago (June to August) – Pursuing pike, perch, and Baltic herring.

Bothnian Sea National Park (May to September) – Targeting cod, Baltic herring, and sea trout.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Finland

These Finland-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Northern Pike Safaris	Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki Fishing Charter	Helsinki, Finland
Fishing Xperience	Helsinki, Finland
Kalastus Saario Fishing	Pello, Finland
Predator Fishing Finland	Kotka, Finland
Galddoaivi Safaris Ky – Atlantic Salmon Fly	Näätämö, Finland
Aland Outdoors	Hammarland, Finland

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Atlantic Salmon

The best time to fish for Atlantic salmon in Finland is from June to August. Atlantic salmon are more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for fishing Atlantic salmon in Finland are the Tornionjoki River, the Simojoki River, the Näätämö River, and the Teno River, where you can find prime salmon fishing spots.

Baltic Herring

The best time to fish for Baltic herring in Finland is during the summer and early autumn months, from June to September. Baltic herring are more active during early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations for fishing Baltic herring in Finland are the coastal areas of Helsinki, Turku, Kotka, and the Åland Islands, where you can find abundant schools of herring during the peak season.

Halibut

The best time to fish for halibut in Finland is during the summer months of June to August. Halibut are usually more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for halibut fishing in Finland include the coastal areas of Vaasa, Oulu, Raahe, and Kokkola, where you can find deeper waters and rocky or sandy bottoms preferred by halibut.

Sea Trout

The best time to fish for sea trout in Finland is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Sea trout are more active during early morning or late evening. The best fishing locations for sea trout in Finland include the coastal areas of Turku, Helsinki, Tampere, and the Åland Islands, where river mouths, estuaries, and rocky shorelines are ideal spots for catching sea trout.

Pollock

The best time to fish for pollock in Finland is during the summer and early autumn months, from June to September. Pollock are more active during daylight hours, so it’s recommended to fish during the daytime. Some of the best locations for pollock fishing in Finland are the coastal areas of Turku, Helsinki, Kotka, and the Åland Islands, where you can find rocky areas and deeper waters that are known to be frequented by pollock.

Cod

The best time to fish for cod in Finland is during the colder months of autumn, winter, and early spring, from September to April. Cod are more active in colder waters. Fishing during the early morning or late evening is recommended as these are the times when cod are most likely to feed. Some of the best locations for cod fishing in Finland are the coastal areas of Helsinki, Turku, Oulu, and the Gulf of Bothnia, where you can find deeper waters and rocky or sandy bottoms favored by cod.

Turbot

The best time to fish for turbot in Finland is during the summer months of June to August when the water is warmer. Turbot are most active during early morning and late evening hours, so it’s ideal to fish during those times. Some of the best locations for turbot fishing in Finland are the coastal areas of Vaasa, Oulu, Raahe, and Kokkola, where you can find sandy or gravelly bottoms preferred by turbot.

Flounder

The best time to fish for flounder in Finland is during the spring and autumn seasons, particularly in April to May and September to October. Flounder tend to be more active during low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. Some of Finland’s best locations for flounder fishing are the coastal areas of Espoo, Porvoo, Naantali, and Rauma.

Mackerel

The best time to fish for mackerel in Finland is during the summer months of June to August when the water is warmer. Mackerel are most active during early morning and late evening hours, so it’s ideal to fish during those times. Some of Finland’s best locations for mackerel fishing are the coastal areas of Helsinki, Turku, and the Åland Islands.

Sea Bass

The best fishing months for sea bass in Finland are typically from May to September. Sea bass fishing is most successful during the early morning or late evening when the fish are actively feeding. Some of the best locations for sea bass fishing in Finland include the Archipelago Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia, and the Turku archipelago.

Haddock

Haddock is not commonly found in Finnish waters, as it is primarily a saltwater fish. However, if you happen to be in Finland and wish to fish for haddock, it is more likely to be found in the coastal areas of the Baltic Sea during the summer months. Early morning or late afternoon is a good time to fish for haddock. Some potential locations to try fishing for haddock in Finland include Helsinki, Turku, and Åland Islands coastal areas.

Arctic Char

The best time to fish for Arctic char in Finland is during the summer months, from June to August. Arctic char are most active in the early morning and late evening hours. Some of the best locations for fishing Arctic char in Finland are rivers such as River Teno, River Tornionjoki, and River Kemijoki.

Brown Trout

The best time to fish for brown trout in Finland is during the spring and autumn, from April to June and September to October. Brown trout are more active in the early morning and late evening hours. Some of the best locations for fishing brown trout in Finland are rivers such as River Tornionjoki, River Kemijoki, and River Kymijoki,

Rainbow Trout

The best time to fish for rainbow trout in Finland is typically during the summer months, from June to August. Rainbow trout are more active in the early morning and late evening hours. Some of Finland’s best locations for fishing rainbow trout are rivers such as River Tornionjoki, River Kemijoki, and River Kymijoki, where they can be found in clear, flowing waters.

Lake Trout

The best time to fish for lake trout in Finland is during the spring and autumn months, from April to June and September to October. Lake trout are often more active in the early morning and late afternoon. Some of Finland’s best locations for lake trout fishing are Lake Saimaa, Lake Inari, and Lake Pielinen, where they can be found in deeper waters and near rocky areas.

Pike

The best time to fish for pike in Finland is during the spring, summer, and autumn months, from April to October. Pike are most active during early morning and late evening hours. Some of Finland’s best locations for pike fishing are Lake Saimaa, Lake Inari, and Lake Oulujärvi, where they can be found near weedy areas, submerged structures, and shallow bays.

Perch

The best time to fish for perch in Finland is from May to September when the waters are warmer. Perch are more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the best locations for perch fishing in Finland are Lake Saimaa, Lake Päijänne, and Lake Näsijärvi, where they can be found near vegetation, piers, and drop-offs.

Zander

The best time to fish for zander in Finland is typically from April to October. Zander are most active during dawn and dusk, making early morning or evening fishing trips more successful. Some of the best locations for zander fishing in Finland are Lake Saimaa, Lake Oulujärvi, and Lake Pielinen, where they can be found near rocky areas and underwater structures.

Bream

The best time to fish for bream in Finland is during the warmer months of May to September. Bream are more active during the early morning and late evening hours. Some of the best locations for bream fishing in Finland are Lake Saimaa, Lake Päijänne, and Lake Näsijärvi, where they can be found near underwater structures and reed beds.

Best Fishing in Finland on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lake Inari: Experience ice fishing in the frozen waters of Lake Inari and try your luck at catching perch, pike, and whitefish during the winter season.
Gulf of Bothnia: Explore the frozen Gulf of Bothnia and engage in fishing for Baltic herring and cod during the wintertime.
Lake Saimaa: Enjoy ice fishing for perch and pike in the frozen expanse of Lake Saimaa, a popular winter fishing destination.
Lake Pielinen: Venture to Lake Pielinen and drill a hole in the ice to catch whitefish, perch, and pike during the winter months.
Oulujärvi Lake: Try your hand at ice fishing in Oulujärvi Lake, where you can target pike, perch, and burbot during the winter season.
Tornionjoki River: Experience the excitement of fishing for grayling and trout in the Tornionjoki River, known for its rich winter fishing opportunities.

Spring

Tornionjoki River: Fish for Atlantic salmon as they return to spawn in the Tornionjoki River during the spring season.
Lake Päijänne: Catch perch and pike in Lake Päijänne as the waters warm up and fish become more active in the spring.
Simojoki River: Experience the thrill of fishing for Arctic grayling and trout in the Simojoki River during the springtime.
Lake Oulujärvi: Enjoy the spring fishing season at Lake Oulujärvi, where you can reel in pike and zander.
River Teno: Explore the River Teno and try your luck at catching Atlantic salmon and brown trout during the spring months.
Lake Saimaa: Head to Lake Saimaa to fish for perch and whitefish, which are abundant during the spring season in this scenic lake.

Summer

Lake Saimaa: Explore the pristine waters of Lake Saimaa and try your luck at catching pike and perch during the summer months.
Gulf of Finland: Head to the coastal areas of the Gulf of Finland to fish for Baltic herring and sea trout during the summertime.
Lake Päijänne: Enjoy fishing for whitefish and vendace in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Päijänne throughout the summer season.
Archipelago Sea: Discover the beautiful Archipelago Sea and reel in Baltic salmon and perch during the summer months.
Lake Oulujärvi: Visit Lake Oulujärvi and try your hand at catching pike and zander, which are plentiful during the summer season.
Teno River: Experience world-class salmon fishing in the Teno River, known for its abundance of Atlantic salmon during the summer months.

Fall

Lake Inari: Fish for Arctic char and grayling in the clear waters of Lake Inari during the fall season.
Tornionjoki River: Experience the thrill of salmon fishing in Tornionjoki River, where you can catch Atlantic salmon during the autumn months.
Lake Saimaa: Head to Lake Saimaa to reel in pike and perch, which are plentiful during the fall season.
Kemi River: Enjoy the beauty of autumn while fishing for grayling and trout in the Kemi River.
Oulujoki River: Explore the scenic Oulujoki River, where you can target salmon and brown trout during the fall.
Lake Pielinen: Cast your line in Lake Pielinen to catch whitefish and perch, which are abundant during the autumn months in this beautiful lake.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Sweden, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Iceland, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Norway, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Denmark, check out this guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Germany.