Resident’s fishing rights in Northern Lapland
As a rule, residents of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki can fish on state-owned waters free of charge. However, the salmon and trout migration areas are an exception, and residents can obtain a seasonal permit for these areas at cost price.
Provisions on the fishing rights of the residents of the municipalities in Northern Lapland are laid down in the Fishing Act (finlex.fi).
Free fishing permit for the area of the municipality of residence
Residents of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki can obtain a free fishing permit covering the area of their home municipality. The permit entitles the holder to fish with a rod or a trap in state-owned water areas, except for the salmon and trout migration areas.
Metsähallitus has decided to extend the validity of all current free-of-charge fishing permits for Northern Lapland until 31 December 2025. The permit is valid on the condition that the person's municipality of residence has not changed. Everyone whose municipality of residence has not changed will also receive a new permit by mail in spring 2024.
There are no permit quotas, which means that all residents can obtain the permit.
New residents can obtain a permit from the Eräluvat service number +358 20 69 2424 (weekdays 9–15), the Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida or the Fell-Lapland Visitor Centre.
Seasonal permit for the salmon and trout migration areas
The residents of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki can obtain a seasonal permit covering the area of their home municipality, a so-called resident’s angling permit for rivers, at cost price. The permit entitles the holder to fish with a lure in the state-owned water areas that are salmon or trout migration areas.
The seasonal permit costs 40 euros per season. The price has been defined in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s fees regulation. The seasonal permit for persons aged under 18 is free. There are no permit quotas, which means that all residents can obtain the permit.
Seasonal permits should be primarily purchased from the Eräluvat service number +358 20 69 2424 (weekdays 9–15). The permit can also be purchased from the Northern Lapland Visitor Centre Siida and the Fell-Lapland Visitor Centre.
Read more about the sites and permit conditions on the pages of the permit areas.
Angling permit area
1300 Resident's angling permit for rivers, Utsjoki
Angling permit area
1400 Resident’s angling permit for rivers, Enontekiö
Angling permit area
1500 Resident's angling permit for rivers, Inari
Permit sales and advisory services
Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida
Inarintie 46
99870 Inari
Check additional information and opening hours
Senior Specialist, Fisheries (Northern Lapland)
Juha Heinonen
Ivalo
Senior Specialist, Fisheries (Northern Lapland)
Jarmo Huhtamella
Ivalo
Fisheries management fee
If you are 18–69 years old and fishing with lure or traps or catching crayfish, remember to pay the fisheries management fee!
Fishing permits
Fishing permits are divided into angling and trap permits in accordance with the fishing method. Angling permits allow you to fish using e.g. a spinning rod. You need a trap permit when fishing with nets or traps.
Crayfishing permit
You can catch crayfish in Metsähallitus’ crayfish waters after you have purchased a crayfishing permit for the site.
Public water areas
Fishing in public waters is often permitted without a separate fishing permit, as long as the fisheries management fee has been paid.
Fisher’s information bank
The fisher’s information bank contains instructions for responsible fishing and more detailed information on catch sizes and protection periods.
Planning of fishing
Planning ensures sustainable fish stocks. Read more about how fishing is restricted in state-owned waters.