Clupea harengus membras
The Baltic Herring
Finland's Bread-and-Butter Fish
The Baltic Herring — called Silakka in Finland — is the country's most important commercial fish. Over 100,000 tonnes are harvested from the Baltic each year, more than any other species. The Silakka is a subspecies of the Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus membras), distinguished by its considerably smaller size.
The Helsinki Herring Market (Silakkamarkkinat) is Finland's oldest traditional event — it has been held every October at the Market Square since 1743. Fishers from the entire archipelago bring their fresh and processed herring products to the capital. The market is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage candidate and attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
Unlike the Atlantic Herring, which reaches 30 cm and more, the Finnish Silakka typically stays under 20 cm. The low salinity of the Baltic Sea (5 — 8 ‰ versus 35 ‰ in the Atlantic) and the shorter growing season explain this difference. What the Silakka lacks in size, it makes up for in sheer abundance and culinary versatility.
Seasonal Data
Coastal presence of the Baltic Herring in Finnish waters — with migration peaks in spring and autumn.
Diet Spectrum
The Herring is a plankton feeder that primarily eats tiny crustaceans and zooplankton — quite unlike predatory fish.
Growth by Age
The Finnish Baltic Herring (Silakka) is considerably smaller than its Atlantic relative — an adaptation to the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea.
| Age (Years) | Length | Weight | Relative Size |
|---|
Habitat Requirements
Water Temperature
Cold-water fish. Avoids surface layers in midsummer and moves to deeper, cooler zones.
Salinity
Perfectly adapted to Baltic brackwater. The low salinity is one reason for the Silakka's small size.
Depth
Forms dense schools at depth during the day and rises to feed at the surface at night.
Proximity to Coast
Spawns preferentially in sheltered bays and among skerries. The archipelago coast provides ideal nurseries.
Plankton Density
Follows plankton blooms. Spring bloom and autumn production determine the coastal migrations.
Spawning Substrate
Attaches eggs to Fucus algae and other submerged vegetation at 2 — 10 m depth. Spawning period April to June.
Fishing Techniques for Baltic Herring in Finland
Herring fishing in Finland is a blend of tradition and efficiency. While commercial fishing uses gillnets and trawlers, sport anglers have several proven methods that are especially successful during the coastal runs in spring and autumn.
Particularly popular is fishing from a pier or harbour jetty with a simple hand line or light rod — a perfect entry-level method that is also popular with children and families in Finland. Sabiki rigs with multiple hooks enable multiple catches at once.
Sabiki Rig / Herring Strip
Apr — JunPaternoster rig with 4-6 small hooks and fish-skin imitations. The most effective method during the spring run.
Jigging from a Boat
May — OctLight jigs or lures jigged vertically under the boat. A sonar helps find the schools at depth.
Gillnet
Year-roundTraditional commercial method. Requires a permit in Finland. Mesh size 16-22 mm for Silakka.
Hand Line from a Pier
Jun — AugSimplest method — perfect for beginners and families. One hook, one worm or strip, done.
Where to Catch Herring in Finland
Herring are found along the entire Finnish Baltic coast. These regions are particularly productive and easily accessible.
Helsinki Archipelago Coast
60.2°N, 25.0°ESilakkamarkkinat — City-close fishing
The skerries off Helsinki offer excellent Herring fishing right on the city's doorstep. In spring, schools swim directly past the islands. The historic Herring Market in October makes Helsinki the centre of Finnish herring culture.
Turku Archipelago
60.2°N, 21.5°EWorld's largest archipelago
With over 20,000 islands, the Turku Archipelago forms the world's largest archipelago. The sheltered bays between islands are ideal spawning grounds. Traditional fishing villages offer access and local knowledge.
Åland Islands
60.1°N, 19.9°EAutonomous region, rich fishing grounds
The autonomous Åland region lies between Finland and Sweden and has a long fishing tradition. The slightly higher salinity produces larger Herring. Åland's fishers have supplied the Helsinki Herring Market for centuries.
Gulf of Bothnia
63.0°N, 21.0°ELowest salinity, smallest Silakka
In the northern Gulf of Bothnia, salinity drops below 3 per mille. The Herring here are Finland's smallest, but especially prized for smoking. The town of Kalajoki is a well-known Herring fishing centre.
Culinary Tradition — Silakka on the Plate
Savustettu silakka — Hot-smoked Herring, probably the most popular preparation. Golden-brown and aromatic, a treat straight from the smokehouse.
Paistettu silakka — Breaded in rye flour and fried in butter. A Finnish summer classic, often served with mashed potatoes and dill sauce.
Silakkalaatikko — Herring casserole with potatoes, onions and cream. Traditional everyday dish.
Suolasillakka — Salt-cured Herring using a centuries-old method.
Silakkapihvit — Herring patties from minced fillet with onions and spices.
The Helsinki Herring Market (Silakkamarkkinat), held every October since 1743, is the best place to sample the full range of Finnish herring specialities.
