Summary of sport fishing
To describe fishing in this part of the world is a major task. We have some of the world’s richest waters on the Atlantic Golf Stream. Inland waters offer an array of rivers, streams, lakes and the large brackish Baltic Sea. But, we will concentrate this on sport fishing opportunities in fresh water and in the mountains. Don't hesitate to get more information on other fishing as well. Drop us a line :)
Fishing in Sápmi is one of the best in Europe for brown trout, Arctic Char and Grayling. So it is a fly fisherman’s paradise. But, beware of the short seasons and the mosquito plague during certain weeks. It can be distracting.
The Sámi own exclusive fishing rights in many parts of Sápmi, particularly in the mountain regions. Traditionally fishing has been a means to survive and the fishing rights to fish with mesh nets are usually restricted to the Sámi. Sámi themselves are not keen sports fishermen or fly fishermen. They fish to contribute to family food supply and will use other fishing methods. Sometimes though sport fishing can yield a catch of importance and the Sámi therefore know how to use the methods. Some Sámi companies that offer fishing do have Sámi guides that know how to fish with rod and reel and they understand the fly fisherman’s needs. But, any Sámi guide will know where the fish are.
If you want to know more about traditional Sámi fishing visit:
same.se traditional fishing
Winter time!
Ice fishing is practiced even into May. Some of the most exciting moments are studying the lure through the hole in the ice and seeing some big Arctic char close in to the baited hook. Standard equipment include a drill to get a hole in the ice, a lure with a single hook baited with maggots, a miniature rod and a line good enough to hold kilo sized fish. You won’t need to buy equipment before coming. These are things the camps have. Just like they will provide you with a warm reindeer skin to rest on.
Summer and Autumn
Still water, local ways
There are some local ways to fish for Arctic Char and Brown Trout still used in lakes. You might see or take part in some places. These can be restricted to preserve fish stocks. One method focus on slow trolling using spinning lures attached to the same line and ending in a hook baited with worms or maggots. The boat is rowed while the line is released behind the boat. A small outboard engine makes it easier. When the British came over to Sápmi for hunting and fishing in the 19: th century they brought with them fly fishing. First thing the locals did was to learn how to tie flies similar to those the British used when fly casting. Then they created a fishing contraption that included a small vessel fastened to a line. The vessel pulled out away from shore when you walked or away from the boat if you rowed. Along the released line thinner lines with flies at the end were attached. Doing this they could have 30 – 40 flies fishing at the same time. Sports? No it was for food. Otherwise the Sámi usually fish with mesh nets for catching the winter need of proteins. Wisely used this has allowed the Sámi to harvest enough fish sustainably, still catching an amount of fish that makes a contribution to survival on food available in the mountains.
Still water, sport fishing
Swapping to wobblers, spinners or traditional lures you can increase speed and go for predatory Brown Trout, either casting or trolling. In some lakes they grow very big. Down riggers, eco finders, dead bait etc. is used in some areas where boat fishing for large Brown Trout is practiced. The Arctic Char is more difficult to catch this way. Baited hooks are preferred, or flies.
Popular among families fishing is to use a rod and real armed with a floater, sinker and hook. Hook is bated with maggots or worms and it is cast out into the lake as an angling method. This way you can relax more since the kids don’t tangle so much when waiting for the floater to sink. You will also get out far enough so the fish are less afraid.
Still water fly fishing is practiced in many places and offer exiting encounters since many lakes have large fish that are wild. The Arctic Char is often seen feeding on hatching chironomids. They cruise and eat at the same time and are rarely lured off their course if you try and tease them with a fly. They are difficult to catch and very exciting to try and outfox. Brown Trout are easier to catch, at least the smaller ones. Predominant in Sápmi waters are different species of sedges. In June stoneflies and Mayflies can be abundant during some days. If you are real lucky you might come when the Ephemera Vulgata or Danica is hatching. These big May flies will get the attention of most fish in the lake. But standard flies to have are the sedges (Europe-12, Streaking Caddies, Muddlers etc.). Sport shops in the mountain regions are often well stocked with flies that work well.
We think still water fly fishing in Sápmi is unparalleled in Europe – and mostly unknown.
Rivers and streams
Sport fishing in rivers and streams is very popular in Scandinavia and it is almost impossible to find virgin waters. From the famous Salmon rivers of Norway to the mountain brooks with Brown Trout the Scandinavian angler is always around. The enormous exploitation of rivers for hydro electrical power decreased the number of free flowing rivers and increased the fishing strain on the still free flowing rivers. One of the missions in VisitSápmi is to try and offer high quality fishing in rivers and streams run by Sámi. Using their unique fishing rights it is possible to steer the fishing towards sound eco fishing principles. Fishing we recommend are working according to sustainability and good management.
Insect life is the same in rivers as in lakes in many ways. Lakes are clear and the zone closest to land similar to conditions in running water. Therefore, the same dominance from sedges is found in rivers. Certain parts of the mountains are rich in lime and minerals creating better yield and a larger variety of insect fauna. At the same time it is important to note that these waters are less productive than many other parts of Europe because of cold climate.
For those used to fishing in other parts of Europe the Sápmi rivers often feels larger than comfortable. Scandinavians are used to fish big rivers and might not notice this. At the same time there are plenty of smaller rivers to explore. Waders might be useful in larger rivers in forested areas. In smaller rivers long rubber boots are enough.
Seasons
Winter fishing is good depending on how far North you are:
- in Mid-November – December
- in March – Mid-May
Summer season is good depending on how far North you are:
- in Mid-June – August
- in September fishing might be closed in rivers and due to reindeer herding.
Published 767 days ago by lennart@sapmi.se
