Fishing in Enontekiö

Fishing in Enontekiö

A year-round fisherman's paradise of crystal-clear lakes and sparkling mountain rivers, with salmon, grayling, whitefish and trout to be caught.

Fishing possibilities are almost endless in Enontekiö's crystal-clear lakes and sparkling mountain rivers and streams. It is a year-round fisherman's paradise — salmon and grayling in rivers like the Könkämäeno or Lätäseno, whitefish and brown trout in large accessible lakes like Lake Pöyrisjärvi, or in one of the many remote fell lakes.

  • Year-round fishing — salmon, grayling, whitefish, brown trout, pike, perch and burbot
  • Angling and ice fishing covered by Everyman's Rights (except flowing waters in wilderness areas)
  • Best salmon fishing: early July to mid August; fly-fishing: late June to end of August
  • Famous local events: the Enontekiö ice fishing competition and Kilpisjärvi's 'Only Two Fish'

Permits and Everyman's Rights

Angling and ice fishing are Everyman's Rights in all but flowing waters of the wilderness area. All other fishing, and any fishing in the wilderness areas, needs the landowner's permit, payment (for those aged 18 to 64) of the annual state fishing management fee, and fishing permit 1551 for Enontekiö.

A provincial lure fishing permit lets you fish the wilderness area's lakes. Permits are sold via the Metsähallitus netstore, at Skierri (the Fell-Lapland Nature Centre), at other Metsähallitus customer service points and at local tourist enterprises. Every fisher also needs a Hetta shareholder association permit, available from private tourist services. Fishing is forbidden in most parts of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

Where to Fish

Ice fishing is very popular on Lake Ounasjärvi and Lake Muotkajärvi. In summer, fishing spots near Hetta include the Rivers Ounasjoki and Närpistöjoki; for lure fishing from a boat, you can rent one locally and try your luck on Lake Ounasjärvi.

The River Pöyrisjoki and several other wilderness rivers are ideal for fly and lure fishing. Common catches include whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), pike (Esox lucius), perch (Perca fluviatilis), burbot (Lota lota), grayling (Thymallus thymallus) and trout (Salmo trutta). The same species inhabit Lake Pöyrisjärvi, where the dominant whitefish weigh 200 to 300 grams.

Best Seasons and Local Events

Salmon fishing is best from the start of July to mid August, and fly-fishing from late June to the end of August.

While the rest of Finland prepares for summer, Enontekiö enjoys its best ice-fishing season. The classic Enontekiö ice fishing competition is held at the end of April or start of May. Each year thousands take part in the famous 'Only Two Fish' competition in Kilpisjärvi, and a Fly Fishing Contest is held in Karesuvanto at the beginning of August.