Urho Kekkonen National Park 1505

Permit terms for the area

Fishing period: The calendar year as a general rule. Check the permit terms for exceptions to the fishing period.

Exceptions to the fishing period

Fishing in the Kiertämäjoki, Torkojoki, Anterijoki and Jaurujoki Rivers is only permitted from 16 June to 31 August.

The river and stream waters are protected between 1 September and 30 November, so fishing is prohibited during that time.

When do you need a permit

The need for an angling permit depends on the type of waters and the number of rods and lures being used.

Urho Kekkonen National Park angling permit 1563 is needed when you fish

• with more than one rod
• in running waters.

This means that fishing with a lure is permitted in running waters when you purchase an angling permit: simply paying the fisheries management fee does not grant the right to fish with a lure. However, hook and line fishing and ice fishing are prohibited in running waters regardless of whether the person has an angling permit or not.

General fishing rights apply to other still waters included in the permit area. This means that you do not need to purchase an angling permit or pay the fisheries management fee for hook and line fishing or ice fishing. Lure fishing with one (1) rod is also permitted in these still water areas for persons who have paid the fisheries management fee or who are under 18 years of age, over 70 years of age or have reached the age of 65 or more by 31 December 2023.

Water areas not included in the angling permit and regional restrictions

Fishing is prohibited in the Kulasjoki, Muorravaarakanjoki and Anterijoki Rivers downstream of the Anterinmukka Cabin since they are protected throughout the year.

In the Kopsusjoki River there are private water areas. This angling permit does not grant the right to fish in those waters. Check the borders of the permit area in the Excursionmap.fi service.

Fishing in the border zone is prohibited.

The Urho Kekkonen National Park angling permit 1563 does not allow fishing in the Luttojoki and Suomujoki Rivers. These rivers belong to the angling permit areas Luttojoki 1545 and Suomujoki 1551.

Fishing gear, bait and waste

In the municipalities of Upper Lapland (incl. the Urho Kekkonen National Park angling permit area) it is prohibited to use bait fish when hook and line fishing, ice fishing or lure fishing. This is to prevent the spread of the Gyrodactylys salaris parasite. To prevent the spread of other parasites, it is recommended to bury the waste after gutting the fish you have caught.

In order to prevent the spread of the Gyrodactylus salaris parasite and Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis), fishing gear brought from outside to the Urho Kekkonen National Park angling permit area must be completely dry. It is also recommended to disinfect fishing gear at disinfection points before starting fishing. Fishing gear can be disinfected

• at SEO service station in Ivalo and
• Inari fish harbour.

These actions to stop the Gyrodactylys salaris parasite are based on the decree by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. More information about the Gyrodactylys salaris parasite and how to prevent spreading it: Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in Lapland, Finnish Food Authority (ruokavirasto.fi) and Nationalparks.fi.

Watercraft

Use of motor boats is prohibited in the Urho Kekkonen National Park.

Trash and navigating in the national park

For navigating the national park you will need the Urho Kekkonen National Park outdoor map (1:100 000) or the Saariselkä-Sokosti outdoor map (1:50 000).

Anglers and hikers are responsible for bringing their own trash and waste back from the wilderness to the eco stations. Metsähallitus has been concentrating the waste management of wilderness destinations to waste management stations, or eco stations, situated along the roads leading to the destinations. Rest stops now have fewer garbage bins and Metsähallitus has increased its waste awareness work.

The park's regulations must be adhered to at all times. More information on the rules and regulations of the Urho Kekkonen National Park may be found at Nationalparks.fi.

Catch quotas

The maximum number of fish that an angler may catch is indicated in the table below:

Species	MAXIMUM CATCH DURING A 24-HOUR PERIOD
Trout	1 fish
Grayling	3 fish

There is no fishing quota limit for other fish species in this permit area.

Catch sizes and protection periods

The following catch sizes and protection periods for fish species are in effect for this permit area:

Species	Catch size	Protection period
Trout	At least 50 cm	In rivers and streams 1.9.–30.11. (All fishing in river and stream waters is prohibited 1.9.–30.11.)
Grayling	At least 30 cm; in the Kiertämäjoki, Anterijoki and Jaurujoki Rivers at least 35 cm	Grayling do not have a protection period in this permit area, but all fishing in river and stream waters is prohibited 1.9.–30.11.

Anglers must observe the catch sizes and protection periods specified in the Fishing Decree for other fish species.

Water temperature has a significant impact on the survival of salmonids after they are released. When water temperatures approach +20 °C, you should use judgement before you decide to fish for salmonids. In waters warmer than this, fishing for salmonids should be avoided. In such situations, it is advisable to focus on species that are more resistant to heat, such as zander, pike and perch. See guidelines for responsible fishing.