Your First Ice Fishing Experience in Lapland
Ice fishing is one of those classic Lapland activities that sounds simple — drill a hole, drop a line, wait — but the magic is in the setting. Sitting on a frozen lake surrounded by snow-draped pines, the silence broken only by the crackle of a nearby BBQ fire. I've been ice fishing on Lake Kemijärvi, Lake Olkkajärvi, and a dozen smaller spots across Lapland. Here's my honest guide to getting started.
What to Expect on an Ice Fishing Tour
A typical ice fishing tour in Rovaniemi runs 3-4 hours. Your guide picks you up, drives to a frozen lake, drills holes through the ice (which is usually 50-80 cm thick by January), sets up your gear, and shows you the basics. Most tours include a BBQ lunch or snacks — grilled sausages, salmon soup, or muikkurakka (whitefish wrapped in dough) cooked over an open fire. You'll fish for perch, pike, or arctic char depending on the lake and season.
What Gear Do You Need?
Every tour operator provides the fishing gear: ice auger, rod, bait, and a bucket or stool to sit on. You don't need to bring anything fishing-specific. What you do need is proper winter clothing — thermal base layers, a fleece mid-layer, a windproof jacket, insulated trousers, wool socks, and sturdy winter boots. Most operators offer thermal suit and boot rental if you're not prepared.
What Clothing to Wear for Ice Fishing
Standing still on a frozen lake is colder than moving on a husky safari. Here's my tested layering system:
- Base layer: Merino wool thermal top and bottoms. Synthetic works too, but wool stays warmer when damp.
- Mid layer: Fleece or thin down jacket. I use a Patagonia better sweater or similar.
- Outer layer: Windproof and insulated snow trousers (overalls are ideal) plus a insulated winter parka.
- Footwear: Insulated winter boots rated to -30°C. I wear Sorel Caribous with a removable liner.
- Accessories: Wool beanie, neck gaiter or balaclava, and two pairs of gloves — thin liners under thick mittens so you can handle bait without freezing.
Most tour operators provide padded winter suits and boots as part of the package or for a small rental fee. If you're travelling light, this is the way to go.
Don't wear cotton. I made this mistake my first winter out — a cotton sweater under a jacket. Once you stop moving, the damp cold seeps right through. Merino or synthetic only, especially for base layers.
Top Ice Fishing + BBQ Combo Tours
Ice Fishing Safari with BBQ Lunch
Best ComboThis is the tour I recommend to first-timers who want the full ice fishing experience. Your guide picks you up from Rovaniemi, drives about 30 minutes to a secluded lake, drills holes, and helps you set up. The highlight is the BBQ lunch — fresh salmon soup cooked over an open fire, grilled sausages, and hot berry juice. Fishing is slow sometimes (that's the nature of it), but the setting and meal make up for it.
The guides are experienced locals who know which spots are producing. They provide all gear including thermal suits and boots. Small groups of 6-8 people. Bring a camera — the low winter light on the frozen lake is worth capturing.
Best for: First-timers, families with kids 8+, anyone who values the full experience (fishing + BBQ + nature).
Lapland Ice Fishing Experience with Open Fire Lunch
Great ValueA shorter, more budget-friendly option that still delivers the core experience. You'll fish on a lake about 20 minutes from Rovaniemi, with all gear provided. The open-fire BBQ includes grilled sausages, roasted marshmallows, and hot drinks. The shorter duration makes this a good choice if you're pairing it with another activity the same day.
Groups are slightly larger (up to 12 people), but the fishing area is spread out so it never feels crowded. The guides are knowledgeable and patient — they'll help beginners with technique and even gut your catch if you want to take it home (though most people release).
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, those combining activities, families with older kids.
Ice Fishing Tours Comparison
| Feature | Ice Fishing Safari with BBQ | Lapland Ice Fishing Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89 | $72 |
| Duration | ~4 hours | ~3 hours |
| Rating | ★ 4.8 (210 reviews) | ★ 4.7 (95 reviews) |
| Group size | 6-8 people | Up to 12 people |
| Pickup included | Yes | Yes |
| Thermal suit rental | Included | Available ($15) |
| Lunch included | Salmon soup + BBQ | BBQ sausages + drinks |
| Best for | Full experience seekers | Budget-conscious travellers |
Is Ice Fishing Right for You?
Who it IS for
- Anyone who wants a calm, slow-paced Lapland experience away from crowds
- Families with patient kids (the BBQ makes it worthwhile for children)
- Photographers who want to capture Lapland's winter landscapes from a unique vantage point
- Couples looking for a quiet, romantic outdoor activity
Book a morning slot. The light is at its best between 10 AM and 1 PM in winter, and the fish are more active earlier in the day. Plus, you'll finish in time for a sauna session at your accommodation.
Who it's NOT for
- Impatient thrill-seekers. Ice fishing is slow. You might catch nothing for an hour. If you need constant action, book a snowmobile or husky safari instead.
- Those who don't handle cold well. Standing still on ice is colder than any other Lapland activity. Even with thermal suits, your feet will get cold eventually.
- Very young children. Kids under 6 tend to get bored and cold. The BBQ helps, but consider a reindeer farm visit instead for toddlers.
Mia's Ice Fishing Stories
The one that got away. My first ice fishing trip, I felt a massive tug on the line — the rod bent double. I fought it for a good five minutes, heart racing, sure I'd caught something epic. Turned out I'd hooked a submerged log. The guide laughed and said "That's the biggest perch I've ever seen!" Fair warning: sometimes the catch is just a story.
BBQ in a blizzard. One January trip, a sudden snow squall rolled in while we were grilling sausages. The guide built a wind barrier with snow blocks (showed us how the Sámi did it), and we huddled around the fire eating blackened sausages while snow piled on our shoulders. It's still my favourite ice fishing memory. The weather added to the adventure.
The fashion police. I took a friend from Sydney ice fishing who showed up in designer jeans and fashion boots. Cute, but not practical. She spent most of the trip in the heated shelter while the rest of us fished. Now I always include a "what to wear" section when I invite friends — no jeans on the ice, ever.
Practical Tips for Ice Fishing Beginners
- Use your wrist. Jigging is a subtle wrist motion, not an arm movement. Small, gentle twitches attract fish better than aggressive yanking.
- Watch your line. In clear ice, you can sometimes see fish approaching. If there's snow on top, watch the bobber or line for the slightest movement.
- Bring a thermos. Most tours provide hot drinks, but having your own thermos of coffee or tea means you can stay out longer without heading back to the fire.
- Hand warmers. Pack disposable hand warmers (HotHands or similar). Stick them inside your mittens and boots. They make a big difference on -20°C days.
- Book in advance. Ice fishing tours sell out in December and February. Book at least a week ahead, especially for Christmas and New Year periods.
About the Author
Official Resources
These official sites provide additional planning information:
- Visit Finland — Official tourism site for Finland
- Visit Rovaniemi — Rovaniemi's official travel guide
- Finnish Meteorological Institute — Weather and aurora forecasts