Fly Fishing in Lapland – An Angler’s Paradise in Untouched Nature: Interview with Teemu Vehviläinen, Grayling Guide

Who is Teemu Vehviläinen – the “Grayling Guide” from Lapland?

Teemu lives in Palojoensuu, Enontekiö, in the far north of Finland. In addition to fly fishing, he also enjoys spin fishing and ice fishing. His true passion, however, is dry fly fishing for Arctic char and grayling.

Teemu spent 20 years working as a primary school teacher, during which time he organized numerous multi-day camps and courses focused on fly fishing and outdoor skills. Today, he dedicates himself fully to guiding and fishing.

His loyal companion is Bruce, a Finnish Lapphund over ten years old, humorously nicknamed "Springsteen." Bruce is a reindeer dog without reindeer and accompanies Teemu on many of his tours.

Teemu describes himself as a hardworking guy who doesn’t take life too seriously. His fishing trips are all about enjoying nature and having fun—without pressure or fixed schedules. One of his core values is showing respect for nature:

“I don’t leave trash behind and only keep the fish we eat. The really big ones we release, so future generations can also enjoy this wilderness.”

When he’s not out fishing, Teemu enjoys working on old motorcycles and cars. He used to be a hurdler and volleyball player, but nowadays he devotes his time entirely to angling and guiding.

His main goal?

“That you can relax during our fishing days together – and, of course, catch a few fish.”

What Makes Lapland So Special for Fly Fishers?

Lapland is a true paradise for fly fishing. With only a few people living in the region, it’s easy to find river stretches and lakes where you can spend days without seeing another soul. We breathe clean air, drink fresh water straight from the rivers, and catch wild fish surrounded by stunning nature. What more could an angler ask for?

Summer in Lapland is relatively short, so the fish make the most of every feeding opportunity – which means dry fly fishing often works exceptionally well, especially for grayling, trout, Arctic char, and whitefish. Lapland is especially famous for its large grayling. There are very few places in the world where you can catch 50 cm grayling on a daily basis.
And then there’s the Midnight Sun: in June and July, the sun barely sets – so you can fish all through the night.

Which Fish Species Are Typical in the Region?

The most common species is grayling. Grayling here can grow very large and are relatively easy to catch, even for beginners. There is also a strong population of whitefish, which are more challenging to catch on a fly – but incredibly rewarding.
Some rivers still hold Atlantic salmon, although their numbers have declined in recent years. In certain areas, you’ll also find Arctic char and brown trout.

Are There Specific Rivers or Lakes You Would Recommend?

In northwestern Lapland, in the municipality of Enontekiö, there are many rivers and small lakes well known among fly fishers. Popular rivers include the Könkämäeno, Rommaeno, Poroeno, and Lätäseno.

In northeastern Lapland, especially in Inari and Utsjoki, you’ll find vast, remote areas with excellent fishing waters. The Juutuanjoki River is the most famous trout river in Lapland.

When Is the Best Time to Go Fly Fishing in Lapland?

July and August are considered the best months for fly fishing in Lapland. June can also offer excellent fishing conditions when the water levels are right. In early September, fly fishing is still good in some rivers, but most are closed for fishing later in the month.

What Gear Do You Recommend for Beginners?

A 4- or 5-weight fly rod is ideal for grayling, whitefish, trout, and Arctic char. Pair it with a reliable reel with a solid drag, a floating line, and a 9–12 foot leader.
For leaders and tippets, I recommend 3X (0.20 mm) or 4X (0.18 mm) – depending on your fishing location and target species.

What’s Your Most Unforgettable Fly Fishing Experience in Lapland?

Last September, I guided an American father and his son to a river in northwestern Lapland. As we arrived and started fishing, the first thing we saw was an eagle circling overhead. About 30 minutes later, the son caught a massive grayling – we were thrilled.

Suddenly, a huge salmon jumped right in front of us. We kept fishing, and soon the father had a grayling on the line. As it got within two meters of the shore, a huge pike came out of nowhere and grabbed the grayling at the surface. The father was totally shocked – now he was fighting the pike on his fly rod.

Moments like that only happen in true wilderness. During that three-day trip, we didn’t see a single other angler.

👉 Click here to visit Teemu’s profile and learn more about his guided tours: Fishing Guide Grayling Guide