Helsinki’s fishing waters

Kaisaniemenranta offers a rare opportunity to fish in the very center of Helsinki. The waters and shoreline structures attract perch and cyprinid species especially during the warmer seasons. Zander fishing is most productive in autumn. Remember to be mindful of boat traffic while fishing.

What fish can you catch here?

The most common catch species are perch, zander (pike-pearch), roach, and bream.

How to succeed?

Try jig fishing for perch and zander

The key to jig fishing is using the correct jig head weight together with a firm rod about 2.0–2.30 meters long and a spinning reel. Use approximately 0.12–0.17 mm non-stretch braided line so the jig sinks quickly. The Kaisaniemenranta area is 2–4 meters deep, so a suitable jig head weight is 5–10 g. 
 

Fishing technique

Cast the jig into the water and let it sink to the bottom. Reel slowly for a few turns and then pause – the jig should bounce close to the bottom. Fish often strike during the pause, so maintain contact with the lure at all times.

Suitable jigs

Because of the murky water in Kaisaniemenranta, brightly coloured jigs work best. Green, yellow, and white are always reliable choices. On sunny days, you can also try more natural colors. Suitable jig types include shads (paddle tail), curly tails, and grub-style jigs in sizes around 7–12 cm. A fluorocarbon or steel leader is recommended to prevent the line from wearing out or breaking when fishing close to the bottom.

Casting with wobblers, spintails, spinners, or spoons for perch

At Kaisaniemenranta, it is recommended to use crankbait wobblers with large diving lips, spintails, chatterbaits, blade baits, and small metal spoons so the lure reaches the correct depth.

Fishing technique

• Wobblers should be reeled quickly almost to the bottom and the retrieval continued all the way back. Perch often strike during movement. 
• Weighted spinners, also known as spin tails, are fished at different depths with a steady retrieval and occasional pauses. Traditional spinners are retrieved relatively close to the surface with a steady pace. 
• Chatterbaits and blade baits are retrieved steadily at a fast pace. 
• Small metal spoons are retrieved briskly to create vibration in the water that attracts perch.

Worm fishing is effective for cyprinid species and perch.

Handle fish properly

If you intend to keep a fish for food, remember to stun it with a quick strike above the eyes and bleed it immediately afterward by cutting the gills (this severs the gill artery to the heart). Bleed the fish with a knife or scissors and rinse away the blood. After bleeding, the fish can be gutted, which reduces spoilage and makes handling easier. Most importantly, keep the fish cold as quickly as possible (around 2–3 °C) so it remains fresh until you get home.
 

Kalasatama is one of the most interesting urban fishing spots in Helsinki. The former harbor and industrial area has transformed into a modern seaside district where deep waters, structures, and sheltered bays attract a diverse range of fish species. Remember to be mindful of boat traffic while fishing.

What fish can you catch here?

The most common catch species are perch, zander (pike-perch), pike, roach, and bream

How to succeed?

Try jig fishing for perch and zander

The key to jig fishing is using the correct jig head weight together with a firm rod about 2.0–2.30 meters long and a spinning reel. Use approximately a 0.12–0.17 mm non-stretch braided line so the jig sinks quickly. The deep shoreline areas of Kalasatama require a heavy jig head: use a 12–17 g jig head.

Fishing technique

Cast the jig into the water and let it sink to the bottom. Reel slowly for a few turns and then pause – the jig should bounce close to the bottom. Fish often strike during the pause, so maintain contact with the lure at all times.

Suitable jigs

Because of the murky water in Kalasatama, brightly coloured jigs work best. Green, yellow, and white are always reliable choices. On sunny days, you can also try more natural colors. Suitable jig types include shads (paddle tail), curly tails, and grub-style jigs in sizes of around 7–15 cm. A fluorocarbon or steel leader is recommended to prevent the line from wearing out or breaking on pike teeth or when fishing close to the bottom.

Casting with wobblers, spinnerbaits, or spoons for perch and pike

Due to the deep shoreline areas in Kalasatama, when fishing with wobblers it is best to use so-called crankbaits with large diving lips. Spoons should preferably be metal spoons so the lure reaches the correct depth.

Fishing technique

• Wobblers should be reeled down quickly to depth and the retrieval continued all the way back. Perch often strike during movement, while pike frequently strike during pauses.
• Weighted spinners, also known as spin tails, are fished at different depths with a steady retrieval and occasional pauses.
• Spoons should be cast as far as possible and allowed to sink close to the bottom before being reeled back slowly with occasional pauses. 
• Spoon fishing is especially effective for pike.

Worm fishing is effective for cyprinid species and perch.

Handle fish properly

If you intend to keep a fish for food, remember to stun it with a quick strike above the eyes and bleed it immediately afterwards by cutting the gills (this severs the artery connecting the gills to the heart). Bleed the fish with a knife or scissors and rinse away the blood. After bleeding, the fish can be gutted, which reduces spoilage and makes handling easier. Most importantly, keep the fish cold as quickly as possible (around 2–3 °C) so it remains fresh until you get home.

Herttoniemensalmi is a well-known fishing spot where flowing water, vegetation, and bridge structures attract fish. The canal area serves as both a migration route and a habitat for many fish species, so you can catch a diverse variety of fish there. Remember to watch out for boat traffic while fishing.

What fish can you catch here?

The most common catch species are perch, zander (pike-perch), pike, roach, and bream.

How to succeed?

Try jig fishing for perch and zander

The key to jig fishing is using the correct jig head weight together with a firm rod about 2.0–2.30 meters long and a spinning reel. Use approximately a 0.12–0.17 mm non-stretch braided line so the jig sinks quickly. The deep shoreline areas of Kalasatama require a heavy jig head: use a 12–17 g jig head.

Fishing technique

Cast the jig into the water and let it sink to the bottom. Reel slowly for a few turns and then pause – the jig should bounce close to the bottom. Fish often strike during the pause, so maintain contact with the lure at all times.

Suitable jigs

Because of the murky water in Kalasatama, brightly coloured jigs work best. Green, yellow, and white are always reliable choices. On sunny days, you can also try more natural colors. Suitable jig types include shads (paddle tail), curly tails, and grub-style jigs in sizes of around 7–15 cm. A fluorocarbon or steel leader is recommended to prevent the line from wearing out or breaking on pike teeth or when fishing close to the bottom.

Casting with wobblers, spinnerbaits, or spoons for perch and pike

Due to the deep shoreline areas in Kalasatama, when fishing with wobblers it is best to use so-called crankbaits with large diving lips. Spoons should preferably be metal spoons so the lure reaches the correct depth.

Fishing technique

• Wobblers should be reeled down quickly to depth and the retrieval continued all the way back. Perch often strike during movement, while pike frequently strike during pauses.
• Weighted spinners, also known as spin tails, are fished at different depths with a steady retrieval and occasional pauses.
• Spoons should be cast as far as possible and allowed to sink close to the bottom before being reeled back slowly with occasional pauses. Spoon fishing is especially effective for pike.

Worm fishing is effective for cyprinid species and perch.

Handle fish properly

If you intend to keep a fish for food, remember to stun it with a quick strike above the eyes and bleed it immediately afterwards by cutting the gills (this severs the artery connecting the gills to the heart). Bleed the fish with a knife or scissors and rinse away the blood. After bleeding, the fish can be gutted, which reduces spoilage and makes handling easier. Most importantly, keep the fish cold as quickly as possible (around 2–3 °C) so it remains fresh until you get home.

Hiekkajaalanranta in Kallahti is an urban harbor area where fishing takes place along a built shoreline. Piers, stone embankments, and other structures provide shelter and habitat for fish, attracting especially perch, zander, and cyprinid species. Please be mindful of harbor traffic and other water traffic while fishing.

What fish can you catch here?

The most common catch species are perch, zander (pike-perch), roach, and bream.

How to succeed?

Try jig fishing for perch and zander

In jig fishing, it is essential to use the correct jig head weight together with a responsive rod about 2.0–2.30 meters long and a spinning reel. Use approximately 0.12–0.17 mm non-stretch braided line so the jig sinks quickly. The Hiekkajaalanranta area is 3–5 meters deep, so a suitable jig head weight is 7–15 g.

Fishing technique

Cast the jig into the water and let it sink to the bottom. Reel slowly for a few turns and then pause – the jig should bounce close to the bottom. Fish often strike during the pause, so maintain contact with the lure at all times.

Suitable jigs

Because of the quite murky water in Hiekkajaalanranta, brightly coloured jigs work best. Green, yellow, and white are always reliable choices. On a clear day or in clearer water, you can also try more natural colors. Suitable jig types include shads (paddle tails), curly tails, and worm-style lures in sizes of about 7–12 cm. Using a fluorocarbon or steel leader is recommended to prevent the line from wearing out or breaking on pike teeth or when fishing close to the bottom.

Casting with wobblers, spintails, spinners, or spoons for perch

At Hiekkajaalanranta, it is recommended to use crankbait wobblers with large diving lips, spintails, chatterbaits, blade baits, and small metal spoons so the lure reaches the correct depth.

Fishing technique

• Wobblers should be reeled quickly almost to the bottom and the retrieval continued all the way back. Perch often strike during movement.
• Weighted spinners, also known as spin tails, are fished at different depths with a steady retrieval and occasional pauses. 
• Traditional spinners are retrieved relatively close to the surface with a steady pace. 
• Chatterbaits and blade baits are retrieved steadily at a fast pace. 
• Small metal spoons are retrieved briskly to create vibration in the water that attracts perch.

Worm fishing is effective for cyprinid species and perch.

Handle fish properly

If you intend to keep a fish for food, remember to stun it with a quick strike above the eyes and bleed it immediately afterwards by cutting the gills (this severs the artery connecting the gills to the heart). Bleed the fish with a knife or scissors and rinse away the blood. After bleeding, the fish can be gutted, which reduces spoilage and makes handling easier. Most importantly, keep the fish cold as quickly as possible (around 2–3 °C) so it remains fresh until you get home.

Aurinkolahti offers urban fishing while still being close to the open sea. Long piers, shoreline embankments, and sheltered coves create spots where perch, cyprinid species, and zander thrive. Occasionally, pike may also surprise anglers. Please be mindful of harbor traffic and other water traffic while fishing.

What fish can you catch here?

The most common catch species are perch, zander (pike-perch), pike, roach, and bream.

How to succeed?

Try jig fishing for perch and zander

In jig fishing, it is essential to use the correct jig head weight together with a responsive rod about 2.0–2.30 meters long and a spinning reel. Use approximately 0.12–0.17 mm non-stretch braided line so the jig sinks quickly. The Aurinkolahti area is 1.5–2 meters deep, so a suitable jig head weight is 5–10 g.

Fishing technique

Cast the jig into the water and let it sink to the bottom. Reel slowly for a few turns and then pause – the jig should bounce close to the bottom. Fish often strike during the pause, so maintain contact with the lure at all times.

Suitable jigs

In Aurinkolahti, the water is often clearer than in places such as Kalasatama. Here, you can try natural colors, but remember to also bring green, yellow, and white jigs, which are consistently effective in Helsinki. Suitable jig types include shads (paddle tails), curly tails, and worm-style lures in sizes of about 7–12 cm. Using a fluorocarbon or steel leader is recommended to prevent the line from wearing out or breaking on pike teeth or when fishing close to the bottom.

Casting with wobblers, spintails, spinners, or spoons for perch & pike

At Aurinkolahti, it is recommended to use crankbait wobblers with large diving lips, spintails, chatterbaits, blade baits, and small metal spoons so the lure reaches the correct depth.

Fishing technique

• Wobblers should be reeled quickly almost to the bottom and the retrieval continued all the way back. Perch often strike during movement. 
• Weighted spinners, also known as spin tails, are fished at different depths with a steady retrieval and occasional pauses.
• Traditional spinners are retrieved relatively close to the surface with a steady pace. 
• Chatterbaits and blade baits are retrieved steadily at a fast pace. 
• Small metal spoons are retrieved briskly to create vibration in the water that attracts perch. 
• Spoon fishing is most effective for pike. 
• When the water is warm, it is worth trying fast-retrieved chatterbaits, blade baits, and spintails.

Worm fishing is effective for cyprinid species and perch.

Handle fish properly

If you intend to keep a fish for food, remember to stun it with a quick strike above the eyes and bleed it immediately afterwards by cutting the gills (this severs the artery connecting the gills to the heart). Bleed the fish with a knife or scissors and rinse away the blood. After bleeding, the fish can be gutted, which reduces spoilage and makes handling easier. Most importantly, keep the fish cold as quickly as possible (around 2–3 °C) so it remains fresh until you get home.

The best fishing areas in the bays are: Laajalahti, Seurasaarenselkä, Vanhankaupunginselkä, Kruunuvuorenselkä, Vartiokylänlahti and Kalasatama. The pike-perch is fished mainly by lure fishing, spinning and with nets. 

The mouth of the Vantaanjoki river is a good spot for fishing for whitefish, trout and salmon with a rod, when the migratory fish rise to spawn in the river. However, please note that from 1 September to 30 November, whitefish, trout and salmon are protected and may not be fished from the river. According to ELY’s decision, however, it is allowed to fish for whitefish in the lower course of the Vanhankaupunginkoski rapids from 1 October onwards.

Trout thrive in rapids and flowing water. The rapids of the Vantaa River in the Helsinki area include Vanhankaupunginkoski, Ruutikoski, Pitkäkoski, and Niskalankoski. A good time for trout fishing is, for example, August. Remember, you need a separate fishing permit for rapids and flowing water areas.

After the start of the protected period in autumn, from September to the end of November, scoop net fishing for whitefish is popular in the Vanhankaupunginkoski rapids.  

Kaitalampi in the Luukki outdoor recreation area in Espoo is a popular spot for catching rainbow trout.

There are plenty of perch fishing spots off the coast of Helsinki, as perch can be caught almost anywhere. 

People fishing for herring with a tackle rod are a frequent sight on the Lauttasaari bridge and on the shores of Kaapelitehdas. 

The surest spot for catching pike is at the mouth of the Vantaa river after the ice has melted. Later in the summer, pike can be found near the reeds, for example, in Vanhankaupunginlahti. In Vanhankaupunginlahti, please observe the fishing restrictions that are effective in nature reserves, which you can find on the map of fishing waters. 

Other fish species that can be caught with a rod and line in the waters of Helsinki around the year include the carp, asp, whitefish, crucian and cyprinids.