Fish and Fishing at Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay

At Vanhankaupunginlahti bay, where river Vantaa brings fresh water into the brackish water environment of the Baltic Sea, both freshwater and marine species of fish are found. Of the migrating fish, whitefish, salmon and sea trout arrive to Vanhankaupunginlahti bay every autumn. They swim up river Vantaa to spawn. These populations are strengthened by regular stocking. These migrating fish are the most valuable fish species in Vanhankaupunginlahti bay and a popular catch among recreational fishermen.

The permanent fish population at Vanhankaupunginlahti bay reflects the eutrophic nature of the water. The most common species are roach, bream, rudd and silver bream. Fishermen eagerly pursue two other common species, pike and pikeperch. These are caught in nets and trolling. Vanhankaupunginlahti bay is one of the major pikeperch spawning areas in Helsinki region. Baltic herring and flounder are among the more marine species that can be caught in Vanhankaupunginlahti bay.

Fishing in Vanhankaupunginlahti bay is subject to licence. Licences and further information on fishing in Helsinki is available in City of Helsinki Sports Department.