General rules

• in public water, everyone in the Nordic countries has the right to fish for housing needs
• angling is free in the municipality where you are registered
• on private and communal waters, the water owner's permit is required, partly arranged through the sale of fishing licenses
• spin fishing and other trawling is prohibited from land from 15.4 to 15.6.
• one should not fish near another's inhabited shore, boat dock or other gear
• catching substandard fish is prohibited. Substandard fish are individuals of the species below that are smaller than the prevailing minimum size.

Minimum dimensions

Catching substandard fish should be avoided. In Åland, the following minimum dimensions apply:

• Salmon 60 cm
• Sea trout 50 cm
• Pike, with the support of the provincial government's decision, 55 cm
• Gös 37 cm
• Braxen 42 cm
• White 35 cm

The length is measured from the jaw tip to the end of the tail fin. Live and undamaged fish must be released immediately.

For crayfish, a minimum length of 10 cm applies from the tip of the forehead to the posterior edge of the middle flap of the knocked out tail.

Substandard fish or crayfish may not be kept in stock, transported, sold, bought or served for a fee.

Illegal fishing and surveillance

Anyone who fishes in someone else's water area without permission is guilty of illegal fishing or what is called poaching. Since the fishing right belongs to the owner of the water area, he is also responsible for monitoring any illegal fishing. The Fisheries Act, § 75 and § 76, stipulates the supervision and disposal of goods. Anyone who wants to report illegal fishing should contact the police.

Illegal fishing

Illegal fishing refers to fishing activities that violate what is stipulated in the fishing legislation, such as closed seasons, minimum measurements and unauthorized gear. Illegal fishing is monitored by the authorities.

Shelter times

In Åland, the following closed seasons apply:

• Cancer 1.9 - 20.7 kl. 20.00
• Pikeperch, with the support of the provincial government's decision, 1.6 - 30.6

During closed seasons, it is forbidden to fish, keep in stock, transport, sell, buy or, for a fee, serve protected fish or crayfish.