Part 1 – Fishing in Finland: A Hidden Top Destination in Europe under Ecological Review

How would you describe the current ecological state of Finland’s lakes and rivers?

A large proportion of Finnish lakes are in good to very good ecological condition – especially the larger lakes and those in the northern parts of the country, which exhibit remarkably intact natural ecosystems. These waters benefit from low levels of human impact, comparatively minimal agricultural runoff, and Finland’s generally low population density, making them valuable refuges for many fish species. Particularly in comparison to Central Europe, Finnish lakes perform significantly better in terms of both water quality and fish stocks.

Another striking difference is the sheer abundance of water bodies: Finland has tens of thousands of lakes and an extensive network of rivers. This diversity of habitats results in not only a much richer variety of fish species but also in fish populations that are overall in better condition than in many Central European regions.

Even in southern and southwestern Finland, where smaller, shallow lakes are affected by eutrophication – the over-enrichment of water with nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which leads to excessive algal growth and declining water quality – positive developments are increasingly visible. Thanks to strengthened environmental protection measures and more sustainable agricultural practices, some of these lakes have already been stabilized or improved in terms of water quality. Ongoing habitat restoration projects and growing environmental awareness are expected to lead to further improvements.

As for rivers, the situation is generally stable despite certain pressures such as sediment input, channel modifications, and migration barriers. These factors certainly present challenges, yet around 65% of Finnish rivers are still classified as being in good ecological condition – with a positive trend. Conservation initiatives and new fish migration structures are helping to restore biodiversity and support migratory species such sea trout in re-establishing their populations. Nonetheless, Finland, like many other countries, must actively counter the decline of migratory fish species caused by habitat loss and river fragmentation.

One particularly positive aspect is the overall excellent chemical water quality found in Finland. The low levels of heavy metals and industrial pollutants are a major asset and demonstrate that Finnish waters rank among the cleanest in Europe – an outstanding foundation for sustainable fishing in the country.

Are there specific regions that are particularly vulnerable or especially well-preserved?

Are there areas in Finland where you would say: “We need to be especially careful here” – or, on the other hand, “This region is doing a lot of things right”?

In Finland, larger and deeper lakes are generally in better ecological condition than smaller, shallower bodies of water. One particularly positive example is the vast lake district in the east and center of the country – known as the Finnish Lakeland. This stunning landscape of tens of thousands of interconnected lakes is considered to be in very good ecological shape overall and stands out as a unique natural paradise.

The situation is less favorable in the southwest of Finland. In this region, nutrient inputs from agriculture place considerable stress on many water bodies. Shallow, nutrient-rich lakes (eutrophic lakes) located in intensively farmed areas are especially affected. In these cases, water quality is often significantly impaired – making targeted conservation measures and sustainable land use all the more important.

What effects have climate change and environmental pollution had on Finnish waters in recent years?

We often hear about global climate change – but how are these changes specifically noticeable in Finland’s lakes and rivers?

Climate change affects Finland’s inland waters in multiple ways. A noticeable increase in water temperatures is particularly evident in shallow lakes. At the same time, water quality often deteriorates and oxygen levels decrease — especially during warmer periods.

The duration of ice cover has also changed: lakes freeze later and thaw earlier. These climatic changes directly impact the living conditions of many aquatic organisms, including fish. The distribution ranges of numerous fish species are shifting. Some species are migrating further north or adapting to new conditions, while others are increasingly disappearing from certain regions.

 What does this mean for anglers?

For anglers, climate change can in the short term even lead to better catch rates for certain species: pike-perch (zander) and perch are currently benefiting from rising water temperatures. They find improved living conditions in many Finnish waters (e.g., an increase in prey fish), and the pike-perch is spreading more widely into northern waters. Perch has always been widely distributed, but the populations are getting stronger. Pike-perch used to be found only in the southern Finnish lakes; now it can be fished all the way up to the latitudes of Kuusamo—much farther north than just a couple of decades ago. Those planning a fishing trip to Finland today and targeting these species have excellent chances in many places—especially in the southern regions or in shallower lakes.

However, this positive effect should not obscure the fact that climate change—like everywhere else in the world—is also causing serious ecological problems in Finland. Valuable species such as salmon and trout are declining in some areas, water quality suffers from higher temperatures, and entire ecosystems may change in the long term.

Therefore, it is particularly important to focus on sustainability when fishing in Finland, to respect nature, and to carefully observe changes in the waters. Only by doing so can fishing in Finland remain a unique natural experience for the future.

How is the biodiversity of fish species in Finland’s inland waters?

How would you describe the current status of biological diversity in Finland’s lakes and rivers, and have there been noticeable changes over the past years?

Biodiversity in many Finland’s inland waters has improved significantly over the past decades, thanks to better wastewater treatment. Nevertheless, challenges such as eutrophication (nutrient over-enrichment) in lakes, sedimentation in rivers, and climate change persist.

Migratory fish species are particularly threatened by river constructions such as hydropower plants. Species like the landlocked salmon in Lake Saimaa are considered endangered. To counteract this, Finland is implementing a national strategy to restore fish passage, undertake river restoration projects, and carry out extensive fish stocking programs.

The goal is to protect natural habitats, remove migration barriers, and ensure sustainable fisheries in the long term. At the same time, overfishing is being combated and the preservation of diverse fish populations actively promoted.

This is also crucial for fishing tourism in Finland: healthy fish stocks and stable ecosystems form the foundation for a high-quality, sustainable fishing experience. The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) regularly provides data and analyses that help fisheries and tourism operators plan responsibly.

What issues do invasive species and fish population declines pose for Finnish waters?

What measures is Finland taking to manage issues related to non-native species and decreasing fish stocks?

An increasing problem for the biodiversity of inland waters is invasive species. One example is the pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus), originally from North America. It has already been detected in small water bodies in southern Finland. In other parts of Europe, this species has caused significant ecological damage. If it spreads into larger Finnish lakes, controlling it will become nearly impossible — with potentially severe consequences for native fish species.