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Landlocked salmon - wanderer of open lake areas

 

Photo: Jari Tuiskunen
Landlocked salmon (Salmo salar sebago). Lake Kuolimo, Savitaipale.
Landlocked salmon (Salmo salar sebago). Lake Kuolimo, Savitaipale.

The landlocked salmon is the freshwater form of salmon, remaining in Lake Saimaa as a result of the Ice Age. The natural stock of landlocked salmon was destroyed as a result of power plant construction and game stocks are now maintained by means of restocking.

Photo: Petteri Kontila 
Landlocked salmon is one of the most sought-after game species when trolling.
Landlocked salmon is one of the most sought-after game species when trolling.
 

   
The species is pursued on Finland's major lakes using trolling lures. In addition to Lake Saimaa, well-known landlocked salmon waters include Lakes Pielinen, Päijänne, Puula, Höytiäinen and Näsijärvi.

At its best, a landlocked salmon can grow to weights of over 10 kilos. A typical game fish weighs between 2 and 5 kilos.

Photo: Matti Kettunen 
Lake Höytiäinen, Kontiolahti.
Lake Höytiäinen, Kontiolahti.
 

Good fishing season extends from May to July before the waters really warm up and from October to December, when the water temperature has fallen to 10 degrees and below. At that time, lanclocked salmon most often bite at the surface or close to the surface.

In late summer and early autumn, salmonoids dive deeper to escape warm water, and they are sought at a depth of 5–20 m with divers and downriggers.

Photo: Ismo Kolari 
Late autumn is the peak season for trolling landlocked salmon.
Late autumn is the peak season for trolling landlocked salmon.
 

 
 
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Typical size: 2–5 kg
Record catch in Finland since 2000: 12,40 kg
Statutory minimum size: 60 cm
Other notes: Landlocked salmon are protected on the water systems of Vuoksi and River Hiitolanjoki. Protection does not concern fishing for salmon whose adipose fins are clipped, except on the area of Lake Saimaa water system and Lake Pielinen marked on a map attached (PDF) (blue colour) where closed season is 1st June to 31th August.

Closed season 1st August to 30th November on rivers and brooks.

Catch quota one landlocked salmon per angler per day on Vuoksi water system.

Additional information