Fishing in Savonlinna and on Lake Saimaa

Lake Saimaa is a true fisherman’s paradise, and the Savonlinna region offers some of Finland’s most diverse fishing waters. Here, fishing is not only a holiday activity but part of local life, shaped by island living, clean waters and generations of knowledge of the lake.

From sheltered bays and island channels to open lake views and crystal-clear waters, the region offers rewarding fishing in a landscape unlike anywhere else. One of its best-known treasures is Lake Puruvesi, famous for its exceptional clarity and for Puruveden muikku, a local vendace with protected designation of origin status in the EU.

Whether you fish independently, join a guided trip or simply want to experience Saimaa through its waters, local food and lakeside way of life, the Savonlinna region offers an unforgettable fishing experience.

Saimaa Offers for Anglers

Special fishing in Finland, Lake Saimaa deals inspired by Outdoor Riga fair in Latvia.

Book packages directly with trusted local providers and experience real Finnish fishing life, where cabins by the water, clean lakes and genuine hospitality meet.

Ruoke Holiday Village

Fair offer -25% discount on accommodation.

Ruoke Holiday Village offers high quality tourism services on the shore of Saimaa in North Karelia. 

Fully equipped cottages, restaurant, crystal clear lake Puruvesi with good fishing possibilities all year round. 

Offer valid for booking periods 01/05 – 15/06/ 2026 & 14/08 – 25/10/2026

Use coupon code 9Q3CHSTP 

Resort Naaranlahti

Come and experience a personal holiday in Lake Saimaa.
-25% discount on motorboat rentals for the 2026 season

Valid for bookings (min. 7 nights) made by 30 April, when combined with cottage accommodation.
Perfect for dedicated anglers looking to explore Lake Puruvesi.

Oravi Village

-20% on all 4-bedroom villas in Oravi
For stays of 3–7 nights between 1–31 May 2026 and 1 Sep–31 Oct 2026

Relax and fish in peaceful lakeside surroundings on Lake Saimaa. All villas are fully equipped and located by the water, with sauna, private pier, rowing boat and fire pit.

Campaign code: RIGA26

Make your reservation in the online store by 20th April 2026 

NOTE. When making a booking in our online shop, please select the correct dates and the number of nights. Enter the code in the ‘Campaign code’ field. 

Pajuranta Holiday Homes

Unforgettable fishing holidays on beautiful Lake Saimaa in Finland.

Fair Offer

Ask about the last available weeks for summer 2026
Book your 2027 fishing holiday at current prices
100 € fair discount for new bookings

Pajuranta Holiday Homes offers 11 lakeside cottages and 11 fully equipped fishing boats, making it an ideal choice for groups looking for excellent pike, zander and perch fishing.

Visit us at the fair and start planning your next fishing adventure in Finland.

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Fishing Trips in Järvisydän

Spin Fishing Trip to Linnansaari National Park

Spend a half-day guided fishing trip on Lake Saimaa with talented fishing guides of Järvisydän. Catch perch, pike and zander and enjoy a fresh island lunch.

5 h | 690 € / boat | max 4 persons
Available May–September

Includes: guide, boat, gear, lunch & permits
(Excl. national fisheries fee)

kalastusretket_norppamajat – muokattu

Fishing trip and Grayfish trip on Lake Saimaa

On Norppa-Majat you can book a fishing trip or grayfish trip to your cottage holiday. Trips available only if you stay at Norppa-Majat.

Muikkuretki Puruvedelle saimaa naaranlahden matkailutila

Vendace Trip on Lake Puruvesi

Discover the world of the EU-protected Puruvesi vendace, a local delicacy known for its tender bones and rich flavour. During this guided boat trip, you will learn about the life of vendace and the unique lake environment where it thrives. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a Saimaa ringed seal.

Why fish in the Savonlinna region

In the Savonlinna region, life has always been shaped by water. For generations, fishing was one of the most important ways to gather food, especially in island communities where everyday life depended on the lake and its seasons.

That close relationship with the water still lives on today. At the same time, the region offers a wide variety of fishing waters, from sheltered bays and island routes to broader open waters and exceptionally clear lakes such as Puruvesi.

2025_Lake Saimaa_norppasafari_Linnansaari_hires--27
Puruvesi kalastus muikku saimaa savonlinna

Fish species and local fish culture

The clean waters of the region are home to species such as pike, perch, pike-perch, whitefish and burbot. Lake Puruvesi is especially known for its exceptional clarity and for Puruveden muikku, a local vendace with protected designation of origin status in the EU.

Muikku is an important part of local food culture and one of the most authentic tastes of Saimaa.

Read more about delicious muikku – vendace

Fishing and cottage life by the lake

For many anglers, a good fishing holiday means having the lake close at all times. In the Savonlinna region, a cottage stay makes that easy. You can head out by boat when the conditions feel right, return to shore when you want and enjoy the day at your own pace.

Every cottage includes a rowing boat, and some also offer an outboard motor or an electric motor suitable for fishing. Some local providers also rent larger boats and arrange fishing trips with an experienced guide.

Savonlinna-LIVE-Oravi-cottage

Winter fishing in the Savonlinna region

Winter changes fishing on Lake Saimaa completely. When the lake freezes, the landscape becomes quieter and the pace slows down. Beneath the ice, perch, pike-perch and pike still offer rewarding fishing, and winter is also the season of traditional vendace seine fishing and burbot.

Guided ice-fishing trips are a good way to experience winter fishing with local knowledge, proper equipment and attention to safety.

Open-water fishing on Lake Saimaa

From spring to autumn, Lake Saimaa offers a wide variety of waters for different kinds of fishing. You can explore sheltered bays, island routes, open lake areas and clear-water lakes such as Puruvesi, while long days and bright evenings give plenty of time on the water.

Open-water fishing is also easy to combine with cottage life, sauna and summer days by the shore.

Explore more about fishing in Lake Saimaa

Guided fishing and local services

Fishing in the Savonlinna region can be experienced in many ways. Some visitors prefer to explore independently, while others want the support of a local guide, rental equipment or a more complete fishing package.

Below you can find local fishing services, accommodation and experiences to help you plan your stay.

Fishing permit in Finland


In Finland, most anglers aged 18–69 need to pay the Fisheries Management Fee when fishing with a lure, traps or for crayfish. In some areas, an additional local permit may also be required. Anglers under 18 and over 70 are exempt.

Book online!

Combine fishing with the best of Saimaa