Do you like fishing – and Finland?

The Sea

The Eastern Gulf of Finland is a place of contrasts – either reedy or rocky. Along the mainland shore, you’ll find countless shallow bays covered in reed beds, often just 1–2 meters deep. These spots hold pike and perch year-round.

Besides small cyprinids, the waters also offer larger species such as ide, bream, and tench. Most Finnish anglers don’t target these, since the real passion here lies in big predators. Only a handful of enthusiasts focus on traditional coarse fishing.

A bit further out lies the archipelago zone, stretching 3–10 kilometers before the open sea begins. Here it’s rocks, rocks, and more rocks – both above and below the surface. This type of rugged archipelago is rare anywhere else in the world.

For anglers, that means endless possibilities. The area is prime water for pike, perch, and sea trout. In summer, you’ll find pike and perch hunting along the stony shores. Come autumn, they move into the nearest large shallow bays.

Sea trout season runs from September to December – right up until the ice sets in. Spring brings a short, more challenging period when trout briefly visit the shallows before heading back into deeper waters.

The Gulf’s waters are at their clearest in spring and late autumn, especially toward the open sea. After heavy rains, river mouths get murky, but they clear within a few days. The water is never truly crystal clear; it always carries the greenish tint typical of the Gulf of Finland.

There’s no single “best” spot here – fishing is fairly similar across the region. Around bigger towns, the shoreline is more built-up and fishing pressure is higher, but just a little further away you’ll find unique, untouched archipelago landscapes right at your fingertips.

No talk about the Gulf of Finland is complete without mentioning its rivers. The largest is the Kymijoki, splitting into several branches before meeting the sea – each with its own fishing grounds. Even without a boat, you can fish many species right from the riverbank.

The most sought-after fish are salmon and sea trout. Anglers cast lures or flies from shore, and the river also has a strong tradition of trolling for salmon. For decades, big salmon and trout have been caught by rowing, inspiring local lure makers to craft special baits for the river.

Each salmon river in Finland has its own lure-making culture – true craftsmanship made with passion. You can still find these small-batch lures in local tackle shops, such as Kymi Fishing Shop in Kotka.

No talk about the Gulf of Finland is complete without mentioning its rivers. The largest is the Kymijoki, splitting into several branches before meeting the sea – each with its own fishing grounds. Even without a boat, you can fish many species right from the riverbank.

The Kymijoki also holds plenty of pike, perch, and zander.

For an easy outing, especially with kids, the middle section of the river is perfect.

There you’ll find campfire sites, beautiful riverside scenery, and easy access. The area is regularly stocked with rainbow trout as well.

Active local anglers have put together a detailed info site about fishing on the Kymijoki, which you can explore.

Scattered near the shoreline are small lakes, some directly connected to the Kymijoki. While they hold perch and pike, their real treasure is big zander or pike.

If you want to break your personal best, a local fishing guide will give you the best chance.

Conditions on these lakes can change quickly, but guides always know what’s happening and where.

Modern “live fishing” technology makes giant predators fishing especially exciting. With live sonar, you can see both the fish and your lure in real time.

Skilled guides can track down trophy fish in the open water – places where finding them otherwise would be nearly impossible. Some of the largest zander caught with local guides have measured over a meter, with record fish weighing more than 13 kg.

One of the best-known specialists is Antti Pajunen, whose Instagram feed is full of massive zander.

Kayak Fishing

On the Eastern Gulf of Finland there’s a small but active group of anglers who head out in specialized fishing kayaks. These kayaks are highly equipped – some even with sonar and electric motors. For them, it’s about the full experience: paddling between rocky bays, camping overnight on islands, and cooking perch into gourmet meals by the campfire.

Thanks to Finland’s “everyman’s right,” you can camp on almost any island, as long as it isn’t private yard space or a restricted military area. The shallow, rocky bays of the Eastern Gulf are perfect for this style of fishing.

One of the pioneers of kayak fishing in Finland is Janne Koivisto, also known as one of the country’s most talented lure painters. He’s IG is full of lure art and kayaking photos.

Sea Trout Shore Fishing

If you’ve already fished for sea trout in Denmark or Gotland, maybe it’s time to try Finland. There aren’t as many shore spots, but the experience is worth it. Typical fish are around 50 cm, but 60–70 cm trout are fairly common. Gulf of Finland trout are fat, feeding on herring and sprat – a 65 cm fish can weigh around 4 kg.

Some spots can be fished from dry land, so waders aren’t always necessary (though they help). You find style of seatrout shore fishing in this YouTube video with English subtitles.

In Finland, only stocked trout may be kept; wild fish must be released. Breaking this rule carries a fine of over €3,000! Wild fish are recognized by their intact adipose fin, while hatchery trout have it clipped.

Good shore spots in the Eastern Gulf include the large islands of Kaunissaari and Haapasaari (both accessible by public ferry). Part of the adventure is doing your own research with Google Maps to find the right places.

For an easier option, you can book accommodation at Vimpa Island on Rakinkotka, a privately owned island with 3.7 km of shoreline. Fishing there alone won’t keep you busy for many days, but with the rent boat – or a local guide – the whole sea opens up. The best-known local sea trout specialist is Tomi Zerhat, who guides in English and fluent French.

Cottage Fishing

Out of Finland’s 5.6 million people, about one million fish. The most common image is the “mökkikalastaja” – the cottage fisherman. Picture this: you walk out onto your summer cottage pier, cast a worm on a simple rod or toss a lure …or you drop the easiest trap into the water – the traditional Finnish trap net “katiska”. You catch a fish or two – the species doesn’t really matter. Then you heat up the sauna, crack open a beer, and while the sauna warms, you smoke the fish. The feast is enjoyed on the porch by the water after a proper sauna session.

And what’s at the end of a Finnish angler’s line? Most likely a copper-colored Kuusamo Räsänen or Professor – legendary lures that have been in use for decades and are still made in Finland.

Fly Fishing

If you’re looking for fly fishing in Southern Finland, the Kymijoki River is the place. This is mostly strong 8-9 single handed or two-handed rod fishing – long casts are needed, and salmon here often weigh 8–12 kg. The river is quite similar in size to Sweden’s famous Mörrum.

If you prefer DIY fishing, study the excellent info created by local anglers. Otherwise, hire a guide – you’ll find them at places like Kalastuspiste or Kymi Fishing.

Live Ice Fishing

Everyone knows traditional ice fishing, but what about “live ice fishing”? Finnish anglers are pioneers in using sonar under the ice to target species like pike and zander.

It’s active fishing: covering long distances – 10 km in a day is nothing – drilling holes directly above the fish. It’s trickier than it sounds, since big fish spook easily. But with persistence, several good-sized catches are likely by the end of the day. It’s a fascinating method that demands focus and stamina.

One of Finland’s most famous live-ice anglers is Mika Tuominen, who spends dozens of winter days fishing this way.

Watch the technique in action (video with English subtitles).

Local guides also use the same method. One of the area’s perch specialists is Pyry Granlund, who offers both open-water and ice fishing trips. He’s IG is full of fishing pics and he create IG stories quite often.

Seasons

Perch June–October
Pike May–December
Sea trout September–December
Zander May, August–October
Salmon July–October

Families with kids

Head to the Kymijoki River. Pack a proper picnic and fish from the riverbank. There’s a lean-to shelter at a spot called Kuovinkallio where you can enjoy your meal right by the water.

Fly fishers

Go chase salmon on the Kymijoki River, or target pike with a float tube. Late August to September works perfectly for this, for these both species.

Active anglers

Rent a cabin and go pike fishing in September–October. Expect great action: 20–30 fish in a day is realistic, and breaking the one-meter mark is very likely. Make sure your accommodation has a small boat for rent – or bring your own.

The exclusive angler

Book a cabin on Rakinkotka Island via Vimpa Island. Hire a guide through the company and let them recommend the best fishing method for the season.

Monkey Lure Factory

As mentioned earlier, kayak angler Janne Koivisto is one of Finland’s most famous lure painters. Big jerkbaits give him plenty of space to create – this isn’t just lure-making, it’s pure contemporary art.

Janne once made lures full-time for over 10 years. Nowadays, he produces small batches, often seen dangling from lines in the eastern Gulf of Finland.

Lord Lures

About 30 years ago, Petri Jääskeläinen, a keen Kymijoki fisherman, started carving his own wobblers. His lure has a unique look and a swim tuned exactly for salmonids in the Kymijoki.

Can a lure be designed to work for a specific river? We anglers believe it can – that’s the beauty of this sport: the trust in a certain lure can feel almost magical.

At first, Petri’s baits were used only by his close circle, but later they became available in small batches at tackle shops.

Pike Flies

Markus Männistö is one of the pioneers of pike fly fishing in the area. He began fly fishing for pike and tying big flies in the early 2000s. His biggest pike on a fly is 12.6 kg.

A float tube is perfect for targeting pike in the archipelago – just scout spots on Google Maps and anyone can find world-class action. Alongside fly fishing, Markus also got into lure crafting, known for his colorful, artistic designs.

Other goodies

Finnish outdoor culture isn’t only about fish – many anglers also forage berries and mushrooms during trips. Thanks to everyman’s rights, this is free for all, unlike in many countries. Mushrooms appear from July through October. Blueberries peak in July, lingonberries around late August–September.

Finland’s legendary president Mannerheim’s favorite dish was zander with mushroom sauce, a specialty still served in many restaurants. The easiest mushroom to recognize is the bright yellow chanterelle, which makes an excellent sauce for white fish.

Ecology

Our waters are so important that we restore and maintain fish spawning grounds with both volunteer work and public funding. The Kymijoki has been improved for salmon and sea trout for years with huge resources invested. Volunteers also restore smaller trout streams with shovels and wheelbarrows and catch broodstock for hatcheries.

Pike and perch benefit too. In Kotka, a large “pike factory” has been built – a man-made spawning area where pike and perch can reproduce naturally. Even cyprinids make use of it.

Commercial fishing

Want to buy fish? One of the area’s best-known pros is Micke Lindholm. In open water season he fishes salmon and whitefish with traps, and in winter he nets fish for local markets and Helsinki’s market halls.

He also sells directly at local markets. Even though fishing is his profession, Micke still enjoys rod fishing, and sea trout is one of his favorites. Follow his archipelago lifestyle on Instagram.

The quirkiest fishing event

Kalamaraton in Kotka is an annual tradition where dozens of teams compete for 24 hours. The goal: catch as many different species as possible. The event started in Helsinki but also landed in Kotka, the biggest coastal city in eastern Finland.

These anglers are real specialists – fishing under headlamps on sandy beaches for tiny species or casting spinners in city ponds. Pure dedication. The event usually takes place in August. Foreign challengers are very welcome – fishing fanatics around the world, come join us! The site is in Finnish, but you can translate it with ChatGPT or Google