Sunrise Ice Fishing at Estonia’s Lake Peipus

Why Estonia and lake Peipus?

Estonia, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, offers a unique winter experience for outdoor enthusiasts —extreme ice fishing on Lake Peipus. As Europe’s fourth-largest lake, Lake Peipus is a stunning natural wonder that transforms into a frozen playground during the winter months. Ice fishing, a time-honored tradition in Estonia, provides an exciting and serene way to connect with nature while indulging in the thrill of the catch.

The Magic of Lake Peipus:

Lake Peipus, situated on the eastern border of Estonia, is a vast freshwater lake. In winter, the lake’s surface freezes over, creating a mesmerizing icy expanse that beckons adventure seekers. The frozen landscape provides a pristine setting for ice fishing, drawing locals and visitors alike to partake in this time-honored winter activity.

Lake Peipus, renowned for its abundant fish population, has become a mecca for not only locals but also hobby fishermen from neighboring countries such as Latvia. The allure lies in the high probability of a significant catch, drawing enthusiasts who are willing to travel for hours to fulfill their dream of experiencing ice fishing at its finest. The promise of bountiful perch and the occasional prized zander, pike, or whitefish make Lake Peipus a magnet for those seeking not just a fishing adventure but a chance to bring home a frozen treasure trove of memories. The journey to this icy paradise is a testament to the lake’s reputation as a haven for anglers eager to make their winter fishing dreams a reality.

Preparing for the Adventure:

Before embarking on an ice fishing expedition, it’s essential to prepare properly. In Estonia, hobby fishers are required to obtain a fishing permit, which is both affordable and easily accessible. The cost of a fishing permit for a week is 3€/person. Permits can be conveniently purchased online from the government website – kalaluba.ee. Mobile patrols are in place on the lake to periodically check for permits, emphasising the importance of adhering to regulations.

Fishing limits in Estonia:

There are daily limits on how much fish you are allowed to catch:

• 5 pc pikes
• 5 pc zanders
• 15kg of perch

Clothing and fishing gear

Clothing:

• Ensure you have warm clothing, including insulated layers, to protect against the cold temperatures.
• Invest in waterproof gear to stay dry in case of snow or ice contact.
• Choose sturdy boots that provide insulation and protect your feet from the cold.

Fishing Equipment:

• Purchase necessary fishing equipment, including ice augers, fishing rods, and bait.
• Fishing gear can be obtained from numerous fishing stores available in towns throughout Estonia.
• Consider checking online shops like Jahipaun.ee or Voblafishing.ee for a wide selection.
• Complete ice fishing kits, typically ranging from 100-150 euros, offer a comprehensive package for your needs.

Shopping in Tallinn:

If you arrive at Tallinn airport, Sikupilli shopping centre is conveniently located. Make a short 20-minute walk to Sikupilli to find the closest Jahipaun store. Seek advice from the knowledgeable staff at the store for guidance on selecting the right gear for your ice fishing adventure.

Regulations and safety:

Before heading out, always verify if the authorities have officially opened the lake for ice fishing activities. The government page – https://www.politsei.ee/et/jaeaeolud provides real-time updates about ice thickness maps and guidelines based on current conditions. Conditions in the beginning of January 2024 are excellent due to long period of cold weather and ice thickness 25-30cm that promises a long and stabile ice-fishing season for the current winter.

When it comes to timing, it’s crucial to plan your ice fishing activities thoughtfully. Consider starting your ice fishing expedition on sunrise and make sure to conclude your activities well before sunset. This approach ensures that you maximize daylight visibility, reducing potential risks associated with navigating on the ice.

Always carry a fully charged mobile phone with you. Additionally, consider bringing an extra power bank to ensure your phone remains operational throughout the trip.

Carry a compass as a handy tool in case weather conditions change, and visibility becomes challenging. A compass can help you maintain your direction and find your way back to the shore.

Choosing the Right Spot:

For optimal fishing, target areas where the water reaches a depth of 3-5 meters. To access these ideal spots, you’ll need to venture approximately 1-2 kilometers onto the frozen lake. If you’re exploring on foot without a snowmobile, Nina village emerges as an excellent starting point. Here, the lake’s depth reaches 3-5 meters relatively close to the shore, requiring only a short stroll of a few hundred meters onto the ice to commence your fishing adventure. Conveniently, free parking is available near the Nina church and lighthouse, serving as a gateway to numerous paths leading onto the lake. Observing other fishermen and heading in the direction where they congregate is a savvy strategy; they often hold valuable insights into recent successful catches.

The Catch:

The lake boasts a diverse array of fish species, including perch, pike, bream, and roach. During the winter months, anglers predominantly target perch, a pursuit that promises both excitement and a delectable reward. While some adventurous fishermen may try their luck with roach, this requires live maggots as bait and a bit more angling expertise. For a satisfying and tasty experience, sticking to perch is highly recommended.

Occasionally, a stroke of luck might reward you with catches like zander, pike, or whitefish, the latter being considered a delicacy in Estonia.

The technique for catching perch is straightforward yet effective. Drill holes through the thick ice, drop your lines with a jig to the lake bottom, and give it a subtle kick upwards, causing it to move about 20cm. Allow it to rest briefly before repeating the motion. At times, dropping the jig to the lake bottom for a couple of seconds before moving it up can also attract perch, especially when it attacks just after the jig has come to a halt.

When the perch are in an eating mood, it’s not uncommon to haul in an impressive catch of up to 50 or more from a single hole. Ice fishing, however, is a game of unpredictability. There are instances where hours of patience yield nothing, and suddenly, as the sun begins to set, the action starts. Moving from one hole to another may be necessary, and the beauty of ice fishing lies in the uncertainty of when it begins and the surprise of which fish emerges from the icy depths.

Catch of the day

Where to stay:

Discovering suitable accommodations is an essential aspect of planning your ice fishing adventure on Lake Peipus. Fortunately, there are numerous guesthouses in neighboring fisherman villages, offering a range of options to suit different preferences. For those seeking a cozy stay, consider exploring guesthouses in Nina, Kolkja, Varnja, Alatskivi, and Ranna.

Nina Kordon Guesthouse: The closest guesthouse is Nina Kordon – right on the shoreline in Nina village. You can find more information and make reservations on their website: Nina Kordon.

Alatskivi Castle: For a touch of luxury and a truly unique experience, consider staying at Alatskivi castle, a real castle located only a few kilometers from Lake Peipus.

Whether you opt for a charming guesthouse in one of the fisherman villages or the regal atmosphere of Alatskivi Castle, your choice of accommodation can enhance the overall enjoyment of your ice fishing excursion on Lake Peipus.

Cultural Delights:

Beyond the thrill of fishing, visitors to Lake Peipus can immerse themselves in the local culture. The lake region is known for its charming villages, each with its unique traditions and hospitality. Try traditional Estonian cuisine at Kolkja Fish & Onion restaurant, and don’t miss the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals who are always willing to share their stories and fishing wisdom.

Wrapping Up

Ice fishing on Lake Peipus in Estonia offers a magical winter experience for those seeking adventure and tranquility. The frozen beauty of the lake, coupled with the thrill of the catch and the warmth of local hospitality, makes it a must-try activity for both locals and tourists. So, bundle up, grab your fishing gear, and embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the frozen wonders of Lake Peipus.

I absolutely love ice fishing on Lake Peipus during the winter. It’s not just about catching fish; I keep coming back for the beautiful nature that surrounds the frozen lake. Watching the sunrise in winter is always amazing and makes the whole experience even more special.

Mel, the author.