Fishing in the Aura River
General Information
In the slower-flowing sections of the Aura River, recreational fishing with rod and line is allowed with a valid state fisheries management fee. The Aura River is a migratory fish waterway, so fishing in flowing and rapids areas requires permission from the owner of the water area or the holder of fishing rights. On the Aura River, permits can only be obtained for Nautelankoski and Halistenkoski.
The Aura River has a rich fish population, and a total of 38 fish species have been recorded below Halistenkoski, including sea trout, whitefish, and perch. Halistenkoski is the most species-rich rapid in the entire river, as it is the first obstacle encountered when migrating from the sea. To ensure that migratory fish can reach the upstream waters, a fish ladder was built at Halistenkoski in 1995. The ladder consists of 22 gravel-bottomed pools and a fish lift.
Rules and Regulations
The Aura River is a migratory fish waterway, and the fishing restrictions specified by the fishing law for migratory fish waterways apply. Ice fishing and angling under everyman’s rights are only allowed outside the river’s rapids and fast-flowing areas. For lure fishing, individuals aged 18–64 must pay the state fisheries management fee.
The closed season for salmonids is from September 1 – November 30. (With an exception for the area between Halistenkoski and the sea, where the closed season is October 1 – November 30.) During this time, all salmonids must be released. The closed season applies throughout the entire Aura River.
More detailed information on restrictions and protected species can be found on the Kalastusrajoitus.fi website.
GILLNET FISHING IS PROHIBITED IN THE ENTIRE AURA RIVER!
General restrictions for rapids and fast-flowing areas in a migratory fish waterway
- Angling and ice fishing are prohibited.
- Lure fishing is only allowed with permission from the water area owner or the holder of fishing rights, along with the state fisheries management fee.
There are also area-specific restrictions and exceptions.
Fishing-related matters for the Aura River are managed by the Southwest Finland Fisheries Area. For more information, contact johanna.piipanoja@kalatalouskeskus.fi, phone +358 44 755 0941.
Turku Halistenkoski
The Halistenkoski recreational fishing area extends from the pedestrian bridge crossing the Aura River at Halistenkoski downstream to Martinsilta. With a valid Halistenkoski fishing permit, fishing with lures and flies is allowed. Angling and the use of natural bait (such as worms or fish) are prohibited in the main rapids area and within a 200-meter stretch below the Halisten Dam, marked by white signs stating “use of natural bait is prohibited”.
Fishing at Halistenkoski focuses on catching migratory fish species ascending from the sea into the river, including sea trout, salmon, rainbow trout, and whitefish. In the Aura River, the regular closed season for salmonids (salmon, trout, and whitefish) is from early September to the end of November. However, at Halistenkoski and its downstream section, the closed season is from October 1 to November 30. When the river flow is sufficient, sea trout can ascend the river throughout the open-water season. The main migration of sea salmon occurs in late autumn, and during this time, large numbers of migratory whitefish gather below Halistenkoski.
A maximum of two salmonids that meet the minimum size requirements (salmon, trout, whitefish, or rainbow trout) may be taken per fishing day. According to fishing regulations, any undersized or protected fish must be released, even if it is in poor condition or dead.
In the rapids area, lure fishing requires a Halistenkoski fishing permit, and the state fisheries management fee must be paid (for individuals aged 18–69). Note! At Halistenkoski and its downstream section, the closed season for salmonids is exceptionally from October 1 to November 30.
The main rapids area of Halistenkoski is completely closed to fishing between October 1 and November 30.
Halistenkoski Fishing Permits and Sales
State fisheries management fee for individuals aged 18–69:
www.eraluvat.fi
Everyone fishing at Halistenkoski requires a Halistenkoski fishing permit:
www.kalakortti.com
or Meri ja Metsä Raisio (Kuloistentie 10, Raisio)
Minimum size for sea salmon: 60 cm.
Minimum size for zander (pike perch): 42 cm.
Minimum size for adipose-fin-clipped trout: 50 cm.
Adipose-finned trout (see image) is fully protected (Fishing Regulations 1 and 2 §).
Hooking fish from the outside or using a lifting hook is prohibited. Undersized fish and fish caught anywhere other than the mouth must be released immediately.
Fishing for whitefish and smelt with a dip net is permitted with a Halistenkoski fishing permit.
NOTE: When the dam gates at Halistenkoski are opened, the water facility will signal with a sound, at which point fishers must immediately move to the shore side.
The main rapids area of Halistenkoski is completely closed to fishing from October 1 to November 30.
Nautelankoski rapids in Lieto
The longest rapids area of the Aura River (approximately 800 m), Nautelankoski, is a nature reserve, so movement within the area must follow the given guidelines. Stocking of catchable-sized rainbow trout and freshly hatched salmon is carried out in the area. Note! Salmon with a fat fin is fully protected in this area (Fishing Regulations)! There is no minimum size for rainbow trout.
Only fly fishing is allowed in specifically designated areas, provided that the state fisheries management fee (for those aged 18–64) and the Nautelankoski fly fishing permit are obtained. Note! Exceptionally, during the autumn protection period for salmonids, from September 1st to November 30th, it is allowed to fish for rainbow trout with a fly after acquiring a permit. Other salmonids must be released during this period.
Nautelankoski fishing permits and sales:
- Prices for catch and release permits: 12-hour permit €6, annual permit €60.
- Prices for catch permits (catch limit 1 salmonid/day): 12-hour permit €10, annual permit €80.
Permits are sold online at www.kalakortti.com. Permits are no longer sold at the Lieto Station SEO service station, the Aura River Visitor Center in Turku, or via mobile.
State Fisheries Management Fee
All individuals aged 18–69 who engage in fishing activities other than angling or ice fishing must pay the state fisheries management fee.
The fisheries management fee is personal, and it can be paid for a calendar year (€45), or for 1 or 7 days.
More information and payment can be found at
eraluvat.fi.