Fishing in Sottunga – a fisher’s guide to Sottunga and Strandhugget
Sottunga is a great base for a fishing trip in the Åland archipelago. You can arrive with your own boat, bring your boat on a trailer, and after a day of fishing enjoy a shower, sauna and dinner – ideally with your own catch on the plate.
Strandhugget is located right next to Sottunga guest harbour, making it easy to head out for a day of fishing. And if you prefer to stay on land, fishing from the shore is also possible.
When is Strandhugget open?
Strandhugget is normally open from the end of May until the end of August.
If you would like to visit for a fishing trip outside our normal season, feel free to contact us. Sometimes we can arrange accommodation outside the regular opening period as well.
What fish can you catch around Sottunga?
The waters around Sottunga offer the chance to fish for, among others:
pike
perch
zander
sea trout
whitefish
salmon
The catch naturally depends on the season, weather and location. Always check the current fishing permits, closed seasons, minimum sizes and other regulations before heading out. The Åland fishing map provides information about the different fishing areas and their current rules and permits. (fiskekarta.visitaland.com)
When is the best time to fish?
Pike is especially interesting in spring and autumn.
Perch can be caught during much of the season, with autumn being a particularly good time for many anglers.
Zander is especially interesting in late summer and autumn.
Sea trout is mainly targeted in spring and autumn, but the species is subject to specific closed seasons and fishing regulations.
Whitefish can be targeted particularly in spring.
Fishing conditions vary considerably, so local knowledge can be useful. If you are planning a fishing trip to Sottunga, feel free to ask us for tips before your visit.
Do I need a fishing permit?
It depends on where and how you fish. The Åland fishing map provides information about permits and regulations for the different fishing areas. (fiskekarta.visitaland.com)
Always check the current regulations before you start fishing.
Fishing regulations and closed seasons can change, so older information found online may no longer be up to date.
Can I fish with a simple rod?
Absolutely.
Fishing with a worm is an easy way to get started and is especially suitable for families with children.
Around Sottunga, you can try fishing from the shore and near the harbour. Sometimes a simple fishing rod and a harbour pier are exactly the kind of fishing trip children remember best.
Can I bring my own boat to Sottunga?
Yes.
You can also bring your boat to Sottunga on a trailer. There is a boat ramp right next to Strandhugget, making it easy to launch and retrieve your boat.
If you are arriving by boat, we recommend contacting us in advance. Let us know the length and draft of your boat and your estimated arrival time.
What if the guest harbour is full?
July can be a busy time in Sottunga guest harbour. If there is no space in the guest harbour itself, we will try to arrange a berth somewhere else on Sottunga.
So a full guest harbour does not necessarily mean that your fishing trip has to be cancelled.
Sauna after a day of fishing
After a day on the water, it is nice to have a shower and sauna.
The Sottunga guest harbour service building has showers, toilets and a sauna. (book.visitaland.com)
We think a good fishing day can be very simple:
go fishing → return to Sottunga → shower and sauna → good dinner → sleep.
But we have one option that makes the whole experience a little more special.
Your own catch for dinner
This is one of Strandhugget’s specialities.
If you have been fishing and caught some fish, bring your catch to us. We will prepare it for dinner, together with suitable side dishes.
The fish you caught yourself can therefore end up on your own plate the same evening.
The price is €20 per person.
This service needs to be arranged in advance so that we have time to prepare the fish and the meal.
Where is dinner served?
Dinner is served in Strandhugget’s breakfast room, or outside on the terrace if the weather allows.
A summer evening with your own catch on the plate, the archipelago around you and dinner on the terrace is hard to beat.
We do not have a licence to serve alcohol, so you are welcome to bring your own drinks if you wish.
Is there anywhere else that offers this?
At least we have not come across the same kind of service anywhere else in Åland.
So we dare to say that “Your own catch for dinner” is at least a very unusual service – perhaps even unique in Åland or in Finland.
If you know another place offering something similar, let us know. We would genuinely be interested to hear about it.
What if I don't have a boat?
That is not a problem.
You can come to Sottunga without your own boat and fish from the shore. If you would like to go out by boat but do not have one, contact us well in advance. There is no dedicated fishing boat rental company on Sottunga, but if you ask early enough, we can try to help arrange a boat.
Why choose Strandhugget for a fishing trip?
Because it is easy to combine fishing with everything else that makes a good archipelago holiday.
accommodation right next to the harbour
your own boat can be brought on a trailer
we can try to arrange a berth even during the busiest period
shower and sauna nearby
a good breakfast waiting for you the next morning
Salteriet restaurant is right next door
and best of all: your own catch can be prepared for dinner
The perfect way to end a fishing trip?
We think so.
A day on the water. Your own catch. A sauna. Dinner made from the fish you caught yourself. And a night in the archipelago.
That sounds like a pretty good reason to come fishing in Sottunga.
