Mertsjaure
northern clear oligotrophic forest lake · 66°N
clarity 1.2 mmax depth 6 mpH 7.7oligotrophicstatus moderateno road · 50 min for the last stretch
Character of the water
Mertsjaure lies in the cold north — a northern clear oligotrophic forest lake.
The surroundings
The lake lies remote, ringed by forest and bog far from any road. Few find their way here — the water is untouched and the stock undisturbed.
Moderately deep (6 m) — shallow bays, the odd reef and a deeper channel through the middle.
Permits & rules
Fishing permit required — Mertsjaure FVOF. Day permit ~60 kr · annual permit ~300 kr.
- Pike: keep at most one over 75 cm per day.
- Handheld tackle only. Respect the protected zones at the inlets and outlets.
Species in Mertsjaure
perch predatory fish
typically ~22 cm · can reach 45 cm
Here perch lives on the small stuff — and rewards those who fish small and fine.
pike predatory fish
typically ~62 cm · can reach 120 cm
Pike is a sight-hunter here — the clear water means long follows before the take.
roach coarse fish
typically ~18 cm · can reach 32 cm
Here roach lives on the small stuff — and rewards those who fish small and fine.
ruffe perch family
typically ~12 cm · can reach 22 cm
Ruffe holds the bottom even in clear water — shade and depth are its cover.
Fishing Mertsjaure
The species list of Mertsjaure runs to 4. The predators — perch and pike — hunt where the baitfish gather, and on a water this size you soon learn where it holds its fish.
The fishing here follows the water's own rhythm: dawn and dusk have their windows, fronts close and open them, and the season moves the fish. No two sessions at Mertsjaure are alike.
The catch board
- 1Johan Björkpike57 cm
- 2Stefan Karlssonpike54 cm
- 3Emil Vainiopike49 cm
- 4Jukka Vogelroach16 cm
- 5Ole Hedlundroach15 cm
- 6Rickard Brandtruffe10 cm
Species records here
pike49 cmEmil Vainio
roach15 cmOle Hedlund
ruffe10 cmRickard Brandt
The same water, for real
