Hiking and fishing: top destinations for beginners

Text: Senior Specialist, Communications Tanja Vallo and Specialist, Communications Katri Suhonen, Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland

When a fishing spot can be found directly along the trail, fishing becomes a convenient part of the trip. We have collected easy fishing destinations for beginners around Finland. The tips are suitable for both day trips and longer hikes, and there are also accessible fishing sites.

Evo Hiking Area (Hämeenlinna)

Easy starting spot in Southern Finland

Evo is an excellent choice for a beginner fisher in Southern Finland. The area has several lakes and ponds with easily accessible shores. Evo is also an accessible fishing site.

• Suitable for angling and lure fishing

• Try catching rainbow trout, perch, pike, whitefish or trout

• Short routes and easy shore spots

• A good place to start fishing together with the family. One of the lakes is reserved for people under 15 years of age.
  You can take a day trip to Evo and easily combine fishing with hiking and breaks.

• Fishing in Niemisjärvi, Evo:

  • You need a fishing permit for all fishing, including angling and ice fishing. You can get the permits here: Niemisjärvi Lakes (eraluvat.fi)
  • Also remember the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi)

• Evo Hiking Area

Ruunaa Hiking Area (Lieksa, North Karelia)

Rapid and river fishing for the first time

Ruunaa is one of the most well-known fishing destinations in Finland, and for good reason. The magnificent rapids, good signs and clear trails also make the area suitable for beginners.

• Rapids and river fishing from the shores
• The target species here: e.g. grayling, rainbow trout, pike-perch, whitefish, ide and trout
• Wide range of guided trails and campsites
• In the area, you can combine a short hike and fishing for the same day
• Fishing in Ruunaa:
  • You need a fishing permit for all fishing, with a few exceptions. You can get the permits here: Area 7525 Ruunaa Rapids eraluvat.fi)
  • Also remember the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi)
• Ruunaa Hiking Area

Hossa National Park (Suomussalmi, Kainuu)

Fishing as part of hiking

The Hossa eskers and clear lakes offer a peaceful environment for your first fishing experiences.

• Suitable for angling and lure fishing, and there are plenty of fishing spots in ponds and lake waters.
• Catch-sized rainbow trouts are stocked in Huosilampi and Keihäslampi ponds located near the Hossa Visitor Centre. The ponds are located next to the national park, but they are not part of the national park.
• The trails run right by the waters.
• For hikers who wish to combine fishing and hiking.
• Fishing in Hossa:
  • You need a fishing permit for all fishing, with a few exceptions. You can get the permits here: Area 5502 Hossa (eräluvat.fi)
  • Also remember the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi)
• Hossa National Park

Kylmäluoma Hiking Area (Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia)

Go fishing by a mountain bike!

Kylmäluoma is known for its clear-water lakes and clear trail network.

• Many easily accessible lakes and ponds for experimenting with angling and lure fishing
• Routes and campsites run right by the waters
• For families, beginners and trips for several days
• Fishing in Kylmäluoma:
  • Fishing in Kylmäluoma requires a different permit for different water bodies.
  • Area 4525 Kylmäluoma (eraluvat.fi) next to Iso-Pajuluoma Campground
  • Area 4501 Koillismaa, state-owned waters (eraluvat.fi)
  • 4502 Iijoki, state-owned waters (eraluvat.fi)
  • Also remember the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi)
• Kylmäluoma Hiking Area

Manamansalo (Oulujärvi, Kainuu)

Expansive lake views and esker ponds

Manamansalo in Oulujärvi offers expansive lake views and a peaceful environment for your first fishing experiences. The island’s clear road connection and easily accessible shore areas also make the site great for the whole family.

• From Särkinen, you can try to catch a rainbow trout that has been stocked catch sized.
• Several easily accessible ponds, campsites and lean-to shelters for fishers.
• For hikers who want to include fishing as part of other activities, not as a separate main activity.
• Fishing in Manamansalo:
  • You need a fishing permit for all fishing, including angling and ice fishing. You can get the permits here: Area 5571 Manamansalo (eraluvat.fi)
  • Also remember the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi)
• Oulujärvi Hiking Area

Ahvenlampi (Sodankylä)

By Luosto Visitor Centre

Located on the side of Ukko-Luosto fell, Ahvenlampi is about five hectares in size.

• Suitable for lure fishing.
• In particular, perch, rainbow trout and whitefish may be caught.
• Fishing destination for the whole family.
• Fishing in Ahvenlampi:
  • You need a fishing permit for all fishing, including angling and ice fishing. You can get the permits here: Area 3510 Ahvenlampi (eraluvat.fi)
  • Also remember the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi)

Inari Hiking Area (Lapland)

Vast waters with a single permit

The Inari Hiking Area is an excellent starting spot if you want to combine easy travel on the trail and fishing.

• Suitable for ice fishing and lure fishing
• See if you can catch an Arctic char or even a whitefish
• For families and beginners, as the site is easily accessible
• Fishing in the Inari Hiking Area:
  • The need for a fishing permit depends on the type of water and the number of rods and lures being used. You can get the permits here: Area 1506 Inari Hiking Area (eraluvat.fi)
  • Also remember the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi)
• Inari Hiking Area

• Always check fishing permits and local restrictions
• Start with easily accessible shore sites
• Combine fishing with a short trip or break
  You can check up-to-date fishing permits, permitted areas and any restrictions in state-owned areas in advance from the Eräluvat.fi service.