Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking

Cold water, warm fire, real skills.

This Lapland winter outing in Ivalo mixes traditional ice fishing with open fire cooking right on Rahajärvi, so the day feels practical, hands-on, and very northern.

I especially love learning the old-school methods, from drilling holes through the ice to fishing under it. I also like that the meal is tied to your catch, so you end up eating something that feels earned and fresh.

One possible drawback: you need to show up ready for Arctic cold. If you pack light on winter layers, the day can feel tougher than it needs to be, even with safety gear provided.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Traditional Lappish ice fishing methods like kairaaminen (drilling), pilkkiminen (ice fishing), and juomustus (net fishing under the ice)
• Cook your catch outdoors on an open fire, with multiple cooking styles
• Rahajärvi lake time in the forest gives you the calm, quiet feeling people come for
• Warm campfire support even if you are new, including help for families
• Included safety and tableware, so you focus on fishing and eating, not gear
• Small-group feel since the trip runs with a minimum of 2 participants

Arctic fishing in Ivalo, what the day actually feels like

This is the kind of Lapland experience that works because it has a rhythm. You start with preparation, you do the work on the ice, and then you slow down around fire heat with food that comes from that same lake.

The value here is not just seeing winter. It is learning how people fish in cold conditions, then tasting the results. You get a clear “do this, then this” structure, guided from the first moment you arrive.

Meeting at Eräsoppi, getting outfitted for the right kind of cold

The day starts at 10:00 at the Xwander shop in Eräsoppi, Ivalontie 12. Arrive by 9:45 so the guides can handle the quick prep and get everyone squared away before the drive to the lake.

If you are staying in Ivalo, you get a complimentary pick up. For Inari, Nellim, Saariselkä, and Kiilopää, you need to contact the operator ahead to book a transfer.

One of the practical advantages: winter clothes are not included. So you will want to treat this like a do-it-yourself cold-weather checklist, not like a tour where the operator supplies everything.

The short car ride to Rahajärvi, where the day becomes real

After you meet, you head to Rahajärvi near Ivalo by car. That drive matters because it gets you out of town and into the real winter fishing setting: ice, wind, and stillness.

Once you are at the lake, you are not waiting around for a “view moment.” You shift into work mode right away: finding your spot, getting organized, and preparing for the ice.

This is also where you understand the biggest lesson of ice fishing. The ice is not just a backdrop. It is the tool, and you handle it with respect.

Drilling with kairaaminen, pilkkiminen, and juomustus

The heart of the trip is learning the traditional methods used in Lappish winter fishing. The guides teach and demonstrate, then help you try it yourself.

Kairaaminen: drilling holes through the ice

First up is kairaaminen, drilling holes. You will likely see how much effort and technique goes into getting a clean hole fast. If your hands get tired, you are not stuck. The guides will guide you on the approach so you can keep moving and stay safe.

This part is often the most “hands-on” moment, and it is also the one that turns a first-timer into a confident participant.

Pilkkiminen: ice fishing at your own hole

Next comes pilkkiminen, ice fishing using your line through the hole. Here you learn what to watch, how to react, and what patience looks like when the day is cold and the action can be subtle.

Even if you do not catch every time, the guide instruction is the payoff. You come away knowing how the technique works and what changes when conditions shift.

Juomustus: net fishing under the ice

Then you get juomustus, net fishing under the ice. This adds a different feel to the day, because it is not only one line in one hole. It is more like coordinated fishing, with the guide showing how the net approach fits into winter water conditions.

In one English-language group I joined, the guide named Julian was especially good at keeping the process clear, even for kids and grandparents who wanted to help.

Fishing with the group, why the guide style matters

I love when a guide teaches the “why,” not just the “do this.” That is exactly how this trip comes across. You get demonstrations, then support as you try the steps yourself.

You are also in a setting where a small problem can become a big frustration if nobody explains it. That is why the guide presence matters so much for value. You spend less time guessing and more time fishing, then cooking, then eating.

It also helps that this can work for mixed groups. One family I heard from had young kids and older relatives, and the guides kept things organized and kid-friendly while still making sure adults felt in charge of their own fishing.

Open fire cooking, from catch to campfire meal

After you fish, the trip shifts from cold work to warm reward. Food is cooked over an open fire, and the day is designed so your catch becomes the main ingredient.

You do not just receive a meal. You watch cooking happen, learn different fish-cooking styles, and then eat while staying warm in the tent and by the fire.

What you might eat over the fire

The cooking can include things like salmon soup, and you may also get a richer style dish such as a cream stew with bread and fish. If you have ever wanted proof that northern winter eating is both comforting and practical, this is it.

And yes, roasting sweets can be part of the campfire rhythm. In one group experience, people ended the meal with marshmallows by the fire.

Why open fire matters

Cooking on open fire is not only a “cool photo.” It changes the feel of the meal and ties the experience together. You are not rushing to a kitchen after freezing outside. You stay in the moment, warm up gradually, and eat something that matches the day you just had.

Timing and how to pace yourself in a 5-hour trip

The total duration is around 5 hours, and you return to the shop around 15:15. Since winter conditions change quickly, pacing matters.

Plan to:

• Start strong during drilling and fishing, but do not exhaust yourself early
• Stay patient during line fishing, because action can be slow when you are learning
• Use the fire time to warm up fully before you head back

The trip runs in winter conditions, so you will want to keep your body warm enough that you can enjoy the whole flow. If you get cold early, you will feel it most during the “waiting while fishing” parts.

Price and value: is $167 per person worth it

At $167 per person for a 5-hour guided experience, the value comes from what is included and what is taught.

You get:

• Open fire food
• Cooking equipment and tableware
• Safety equipment
• A live guide (Finnish, English, French)

What is not included:

• Transfer to the meeting place (though pick up is complimentary for Ivalo)
• Winter clothing

So is it expensive? It depends on your baseline. If you already have proper winter gear and you are in the Ivalo area, this can feel like good value because it bundles instruction, safety, gear support, and a true campfire meal. If you are short on cold weather clothing, factor in the extra cost. That does not make the tour bad, it just changes your total trip budget reality.

What to bring so the day stays fun

Even with safety equipment included, your comfort is on you. Bring:

• Warm, windproof winter clothing
• A camera
• Snacks
• Water

I also suggest you bring a small plan for comfort. Snacks and water help you keep energy up between active fishing and the fire. A camera is a must because the ice and fire scenes are the kind you will want later.

Who this ice fishing and fire-cooking trip suits best

This works best if you want a hands-on Lapland day, not a passive snow walk.

You will likely enjoy it if you:

• Want to learn actual techniques (not just watch)
• Like food that connects to what you do outdoors
• Travel with family members who want structure and support
• Are okay with cold conditions and dressing properly

If you are the kind of traveler who hates waiting and prefers fast action, ice fishing might test your patience. The trick is viewing the quiet moments as part of the experience, not time lost.

Should you book Arctic Fishing and Open Fire Cooking with Xwander?

If you want an authentic northern winter day with real skills, this is an easy yes. The strongest reasons to book are the combination of traditional ice fishing methods and open fire cooking where the food comes from your catch.

I would book it if:

• You have proper winter clothing or can get it before you go
• You want guided help learning kairaaminen, pilkkiminen, and juomustus
• You value included safety gear and an outdoor meal, not just access to a frozen lake

I would think twice if:

• Cold weather clothing is a big question mark for you
• You dislike outdoor cooking setups and want indoor dining only

The trip has a 4.7 rating from 12 reviews, and the comments I saw focused on warm food, good guide support, and the satisfaction of catching and cooking the fish. That is the kind of consistency you want when you are paying to spend a winter day on the ice.

FAQ

Where is the trip meeting point?

The trip starts at the Xwander shop in Eräsoppi, address Ivalontie 12.

What time does the activity start and how long is it?

It starts at 10:00 and lasts about 5 hours. You return to the shop around 15:15.

Do I get picked up from my hotel?

Pickup is complimentary for Ivalo. For Inari, Nellim, Saariselkä, and Kiilopää areas, you need to contact ahead to book a transfer.

Do I need winter clothing?

Winter clothing is not included. You should bring warm and windproof clothing because winter conditions can change quickly.

What fishing techniques do you learn?

You learn traditional methods including kairaaminen (drilling holes), pilkkiminen (ice fishing), and juomustus (net fishing under the ice).

Is the food included?

Yes. Open fire food is included, and cooking equipment and tableware are provided.

What should I bring with me?

Bring warm clothing, a camera, snacks, and water.

How many people are needed for the trip to run?

The trip is executed with a minimum of 2 participants.