Angling permit area

1504 Inarijärvi

Lake Inarijärvi is sometimes referred to as a wilderness sea, which is a very good description of Finland’s third largest lake. Its large open waters, more than 3,000 islands and many shallow areas make this lake a unique destination. Despite numerous islands and a long shoreline, there is little settlement and very few cottages on the shores of Lake Inarijärvi. Especially in the northern parts of the lake, visitors are really on their own, far from the sounds of engines or urban activity.

Lake Inarijärvi is particularly popular with trolling enthusiasts and anglers looking to catch some grayling. Whitefish is a common catch for fly fishing enthusiasts. The large open waters are the best place when trolling for trout. Lake Nitsijärvi, which is connected to Lake Inarijärvi, is also a popular trolling destination.

The best place to find trout is at the edges of banks with a steep drop. The prime grayling spots are the rocky shallows near the shores and around the lake’s numerous islands. Grayling is most often found at depths of less than 2 metres. When trying to catch char, relatively deep waters (at depths of 10–20 metres) are the best choice.

Ice fishing for grayling and perch is popular throughout the lake. Ice fishing is also a good way to catch whitefish in the winter. The best ice fishing spots are located in Jokisuunselkä, where the perch waters begin a few hundred metres out of Veskoniemi fishing harbour.

Map files and brochures

Basic details of the area

Municipality: Inari
Region: Lappi
Fishing period: Primarly 1 January–31 December. Check the permit terms for any fishing period exceptions.
Permitted fishing methods: Casting (fishing with spinning rod), fly fishing, hook and line fishing, ice fishing, trolling
Required permits and fees: Angling permit, fisheries management fee. Always check "Permits needed for fishing".
Hook and line fishing and ice fishing: Permitted free of charge in still waters
Angling permits for the area: 24 hours, 7 days, seasonal permit
Targeted catch: Arctic char, grayling, landlocked salmon, perch, pike, trout, whitefish
Fisheries management: Fry stocking of natural fish stocks, natural fish stock (no stockings)
Area characteristics: Suitable for people with reduced mobility, suitable for trolling
Special features of the area: Inarijärvi is an excellent trolling destination. Angling permit is specific to the boating party, meaning it is sufficient that one person in the boat has a permit.
Restrictions: Check the restrictions carefully in the permit terms.

Keep in mind in this area

The number of angling permits is limited. Please check the availability of permits beforehand.

Familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations of the fisheries area

You can find the fishing regulations for the Inari fisheries area on the Inari fisheries area’s website (inarinkalatalousalue.fi ) (in Finnish).

Permits needed for fishing

The need for an angling permit depends on how many rods and lures you will use.

In this permit area, you will need an angling permit when fishing with multiple rods or lures. You will also be required to pay the fisheries management fee, unless you are under 18 years of age, over 70 years of age, or are 65 years of age or older as of 31 December 2023.

If you are lure fishing with only one rod and lure, payment of the fisheries management fee is sufficient.

Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are permitted free of charge with one rod. If you are hook and line fishing or ice fishing with more than one rod, you are required to purchase an angling permit and pay the fisheries management fee.

Angling permit for this permit area is specific to boating party, meaning it is sufficient that one person in the boat has a valid permit.

Waters and area-specific restrictions in the permit area

Always make sure to check the location of the permit area. Please see either the map window or the PDF map on this page. Enlarge the map window to view the location of the permit area more clearly.