Angler's Guide: The Lapväärti River

The Lapväärti River flows just 100 metres from B&B Lapväärti. Recognised as the most species-rich river system in Ostrobothnia, it is home to around 25 fish species and remains one of the rare Finnish rivers where wild sea trout still return to spawn. The river is part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network.

Fish Species

Species	Best time	Notes
Sea trout	May–August	Wild individuals (intact adipose fin) must always be released
Grayling	June–August	Regionally endangered migratory stock
Whitefish	Autumn	Migratory whitefish in the lower reaches
Perch	May–September	Common; large individuals in deeper pools
Pike	May–September	Found in slower-flowing sections

Note: Salmon are not considered native to this river. The Lapväärti River is primarily a sea trout river.

Fishing Permits

Two separate permits are required:

1. National Fishing Management Fee

Required for anyone aged 18–64 who fishes with lures or flies. Purchase at eraluvat.fi.

Duration	Price (2025)
Annual	47 €
Weekly	16 €
Daily	6 €

Those under 18 and over 65 are exempt. Simple rod and ice fishing do not require this fee.

2. Local Permit: Lappfjärds Fiskelag

This is the water-owner permit for the lower Lapväärti River. Without it, lure fishing and angling on the river are prohibited.

Permit	Price (2025)
Local resident	20 €
Cottage owner	30 €
Day permit (24 h)	40 €
Season permit	150 €

Under 18: free.

Prices are indicative and may change. Always check current prices on the permit seller’s website before purchasing.

Buy online: lappfjard.fiskelag.fi or lapvaartti.kalastuskunta.fi

Important Rules for Non-Residents

• Wild sea trout with an intact adipose fin must always be released. This is a national rule.
• Non-residents may only fish Thursday to Sunday. Restrictions are stricter during the winter season from 1 December to 31 May.
• Closed season: 1 September to 31 January. Fishing is heavily restricted during the spawning period.

Rules may change. Always check the current regulations at Lappfjärds Fiskelag before heading out.

Conservation Values

The Lapväärti River valley is home to the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel. Only an estimated 100 to 150 individuals remain, all over 100 years old. The mussel’s larvae need the gills of sea trout to complete their development, which means protecting the trout is directly protecting the mussel.

In 2018, the demolition of the Villamo hydroelectric dam restored a free-flowing connection all the way to Lauhanvuori National Park. It was a landmark conservation achievement for the region.

Tips for B&B Guests

1. Buy your permits online before you arrive. Check current prices at lappfjard.fiskelag.fi
2. Book your stay Thursday to Sunday if you are not a local resident
3. Best time to visit: May and June, when sea trout are running and the season is at its finest
4. The lower river near the village of Lapväärti is well suited for angling and lure fishing. Pike, perch, and migratory whitefish are all within reach.
5. Vanhankylä rapids (upstream in the municipality of Isojoki) are a fly fisher’s paradise. Note that a separate permit is required there.
6. Breakfast first: Take your time over the B&B breakfast, then head down to the river for a morning session. After a sauna, the covered terrace is a fine place to swap stories about the day’s catch.

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The Lapväärti River is just a 100-metre walk from B&B Lapväärti. Book your stay and try your luck.

Sources: Lappfjärds Fiskelag, Fishing management fee, eraluvat.fi, Environment.fi: Lapväärtinjokilaakso Natura 2000