Lake and pond fishing
Fishing can be practiced in the Jyväskylä Region all year round. During winter when the lakes are covered with ice, Finnish fisher’s pack up their core drill, camping stool and a large thermos bottle full of coffee for their ice fishing trips. Ice fishing is a form of fishing where a hole is drilled onto the ice and fishing is carried out through the hole. Many fisher’s find ice fishing to be very soothing and relaxing – sitting outside on the ice surrounded by the silence of nature is told to be very therapeutic.
No matter how thick the ice is, ice fishing carries a risk – therefore precautions need to be made. When ice fishing, always carry ice picks with you so you can drag yourself out of holes in case an accident happens. Before stepping onto the ice, always check its thickness from the local weather forecast first. Possible current spots can be asked from the local fishers.
Ice fishing is a part of everyman’s right which means that the majority of Finland’s lakes, rivers and ponds allow ice fishing without any fees or permits. Nevertheless, remember to check areal limitations before heading out to ice fishing – on some water areas fishing might be forbidden altogether.
In Finland a state fishing license is compulsory. Many water areas also require an areal permission. The easiest way to get familiar with the region’s amazing fishing waters is to attend on a private fishing tour lead by a professional guide. The guides lead you to the greatest fishing spots and take care of the licensing for you. Here’s a list of the service providers that arrange fishing tours in the region.
- Varjola (Laukaa)
- Kapeenkoski Travel (Äänekoski)
- Willen Jahdit (Konnevesi) in Finnish
- Erä’s Pete (Konnevesi)
- Fishing guide services Happonen (Keuruu)
- Accommodation & fishing Vonkale (Keitele area, Äänekoski)
- Erävaris (Viitasaari)
The Jyväskylä region is a fisherman’s and -woman’s dream with its foaming rapids and crystal-clear lakes. Päijänne, Keitele and Konnevesi are the largest of the many lakes dotting the landscape of the Jyväskylä Region.
But where exactly do you want to cast your lure in the Jyväskylä region?
Lievestuoreenjärvi
Lievestuoreenjärvi, a lake of surpassing clarity and beauty in Laukaa, is an enduring favourite among Jyväskylä Region anglers. The islands dotting the southern part of the lake offer excellent opportunities for lakeshore casting. If fishing isn’t all you came to do, birdwatching is also a great option on Kirvessaari, Kivisaari and Lokkisaari islands. Migratory birds stop there to rest, and many species nest on the islands.
The depth of the lake varies from a couple of metres up to seventy, offering habitats for many different fish. The most important species of the fishery include the vendace, the pike, the whitefish, the perch, the lake trout and the pikeperch. Pikeperch, whitefish and trout are stocked into the lake. The scenery at Lievestuoreenjärvi is second to none. On the western shore of the lake rises the rugged Hyyppäänvuori.
Permitted fishing methods on Lievestuoreenjärvi include casting, fly-fishing, as well as single-pole, single-reel, single-lure trolling. Trollers are permitted one heavyweight trolling lure or a diver. All fishers between ages 18 and 64 require a valid state fishing license that can be purchased here. No additional permits are required.
Keurusselkä
One of the Jyväskylä Region’s finest vendace fisheries, the lake Keurusselkä stretches between Keuruu and Mänttä-Vilppula. The pikeperch is also found in its deeper reaches, most numerous in the central expanse north of Korpisensaari island. Other species making their home in Keurusselkä’s waters include perches and pikes.
All fishers between ages 18 and 64 require a valid state fishing license that can be purchased here. No additional permits are required.
Tuomiojärvi
A lake teeming with fish just off the centre of a city? It’s more than a fantasy, it’s Jyväskylä’s lake Tuomiojärvi, a bottom-fisher’s dream come true. Catches are practically guaranteed thanks to the fish populations the lake is stocked with, among them pikeperch and rainbow trout.
The most common fishing methods used on Tuomiojärvi include trolling from a rowboat, casting or bottom-fishing with a ledger and dough. Some good shore fishing sites can be found in Haukkala, Kiviniemi, Viitaniemi and Tähtiniemi. Please note that fishing on public beaches intended for bathing is not permitted.
Tuomiojärvi is a special fishery governed by the City of Jyväskylä. Spin-fishing requires a fishing permit sold by the city. Licenses can be purchased here (website in Finnish) or via e-mail info (at) kalastusluvat.net. Both daily and seasonal fishing passes are available. In addition to the city permit, all fishers between ages 18 and 64 require a valid state fishing license.
Keitele
One of the Jyväskylä Region’s largest lakes, Keitele offers you a myriad of fishing opportunities. Keitele can be accessed just off No. 4 Road. It offers a bountiful catch of pike, perch and pikeperch. Large numbers of pike can be found hiding in the many reed-covered inlets. The shores of Keitele boast many boat coves, as well as campfire and bivouac sites.
All fishers between ages 18 and 64 require a valid state fishing license that can be purchased here. No additional permits are required. Permitted fishing methods on Keitele include casting, fly-fishing, as well as single-pole, single-reel, single-lure trolling.