Fishing in Enontekio

Fishing in Enontekio

Enontekio is a year-round fisherman's paradise — salmon and grayling in the rivers, whitefish and trout in the lakes, plus famous ice-fishing competitions.

Fishing possibilities are almost endless in the crystal-clear lakes and sparkling mountain rivers and streams of Enontekio — a year-round fisherman's paradise. Seek salmon or grayling in rivers like the Konkamaeno or Lataseno, or whitefish and brown trout in large accessible lakes like Lake Poyrisjarvi and the many high, remote fell lakes.

  • Year-round fishing: salmon and grayling in rivers, whitefish and trout in lakes
  • Angling and ice fishing are free under Everyman's Rights (except flowing wilderness waters)
  • Wilderness fishing needs Enontekio permit 1551 plus the state fishing management fee
  • Famous 'Only Two Fish' ice fishing competition in Kilpisjarvi
  • Salmon season: early July to mid-August; fly-fishing: late June to end of August

Permits and Everyman's Rights

Both angling and ice fishing are considered Everyman's Rights in all but flowing waters in the wilderness area. All other forms of fishing, and any fishing in the wilderness areas, need the landowner's permit, payment (for those between 18 and 64) of an annual state fishing fee, and fishing permit 1551 for Enontekio.

If you have a provincial lure fishing permit, you can fish in the wilderness area's lakes. Every fisher also needs a Hetta shareholder association permit, which can be bought from private tourist services. Fishing is forbidden in most parts of Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. Permits can be bought from the Metsahallitus netstore, at Skierri (the Fell-Lapland Nature Centre), and at local tourist enterprises.

Where and when to fish

During summer, fishing destinations near the village of Hetta include the Rivers Ounasjoki and Narpistojoki. If you like lure fishing from a boat, you can rent one from a local enterprise and try your luck at Lake Ounasjarvi. During winter you can ice fish at Lake Ounasjarvi or Lake Muotkajarvi.

The River Poyrisjoki and several other rivers in the wilderness area are ideal for fly and lure fishing. Common catches include whitefish, pike, perch and burbot, as well as grayling and trout. The best time for salmon fishing is between the start of July and mid-August, and for fly-fishing between the end of June and the end of August.

Ice-fishing competitions

While the rest of Finland prepares for summer, in Enontekio we enjoy the best ice fishing season. The classic Enontekio ice fishing competition is held at the end of April or start of May. Each year thousands of people take part in the infamous 'Only Two Fish' ice fishing competition in Kilpisjarvi — prizes are big and catching fish is such a low probability that some enter just to get into the prize draw. At the beginning of August there is also a Fly Fishing Contest organised in Karesuvanto.

Fishing management fee

Finland applies a fishing management fee system based on the Fishing Act. The fee for a calendar year is 24 euros (valid until 31 December) and the seven-day fee is 7 euros. The provincial lure fishing fee is 31 euros for a calendar year and 7 euros for seven days. Persons under 18 or over 64 may fish free of charge. Angling, jigging and ice-fishing are included in everyman's rights and require no licence.