Finland halts fishing at multiple sites as waters overheat

Finland’s state forest agency Metsähallitus suspended fishing permits on Monday at five rapids across the country—Kotka’s Langinkoski, Salo’s Latokartanonkoski, Virrat’s Kotalankoski, Leppävirta’s Konnuskoski, and Heinävesi’s Karvionkoski—after water temperatures exceeded 21°C, reducing oxygen levels to a point where released salmonids may not survive.

The agency warned that additional sites could close if the heatwave persists. In a statement, fishing specialist Teijo Hyytiäinen urged anglers to target more heat-tolerant species such as bream, pike-perch, perch, and pike, and to avoid salmonid fishing elsewhere if waters grow too warm.

Those who have already purchased permits are asked to cancel them via the Eräluvat customer service. This marks the sixth consecutive summer that fishing sites have been closed due to high water temperatures, a practice that began after regular monitoring of water conditions was introduced.

Metsähallitus will reassess permit sales next Monday.