When Is Open Water Fishing Season in Helsinki?

The waters around the Helsinki area may look like the sea, but they are actually brackish, not fully saltwater. This means the water freezes more easily compared to regular seawater.

The target species here are similar to those found in freshwater: perch, pike, trout (rare), and others. Our main targets are pike (large), perch (not so large), and zander (also relatively small). These species are highly active in the inner archipelago, where ice forms earlier and melts later than in open water areas.

According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the waters around Helsinki typically freeze around January 10th and thaw by April 4th. You can check the ice statistics for more details here (look for the Suomenlinna table). On average, the ice cover lasts about 68 days per year.

This year (2025), the winter has been warmer than usual, so the open water areas are not frozen. However, fishing spots closer to shore are covered with ice, although it doesn't seem very solid this year. Normally, the ice cover begins in late November and lasts until mid-April. This means the open water fishing season typically runs from the second week of April to the third week of November.

During the ice-covered period (about 100 to 120 days), fishing is limited unless you're ice fishing. In warm winters, ice fishing near Helsinki can also be unreliable, so heading to other areas may be necessary.

If you'd like regular updates on the water and fishing conditions in Helsinki, please follow this blog. We post updates frequently, usually once a week.

Tight Line

Rent Fishing Raft in Helsinki. Easy and relax way to Fishin Rent Today!!

Check Our Website

⭐️Reel and Ride⭐️