Ice fishing turns winter quiet into real fun. On a frozen lake near Levi, you learn how to use a drill to make your own hole, then you fish for wild Perch, a common Finnish species. I also love that it is built for beginners, so you spend more time learning and less time guessing.

My favorite part is how active the experience is. You are not just watching, you are doing the drilling, setting up, and trying your luck with live bait for perch. A possible drawback is the cold reality check: winter clothing is not included, and rental costs extra if you do not already have proper gear.

Because it is a small group, capped at 7 participants, the guide can answer questions and help you adjust your technique. It runs in English, and the whole outing is short enough to feel doable even if you are already spending days outside in Lapland.

Key things to know before you go

• Hands-on drilling and setup: You get shown how to use the drill to reach the water below the ice.
• Wild Perch fishing: You target perch with live bait, and the lake is known for plenty of this species.
• Small group pace: With a limit of 7, you get more direct attention when conditions change.
• Warm drinks and snacks: Small comfort boosts while you wait for bites.
• English instruction: Clear guidance for first-timers, including how to fish through the ice.

Ice fishing near Levi: why a frozen lake is such a different experience

There is a specific kind of calm that hits you when you stand on a frozen lake in Lapland. The world feels quiet in a way that is hard to get on land, and the small flick of a fishing line becomes the main event. Then, when you actually get a bite, it cuts right through the stillness.

This trip keeps the focus simple and practical. You head to a nearby lake area, walk out to your fishing spot, and then you fish through a hole in the ice. That format is traditional here, and it is a great way to experience winter without needing advanced skills before you arrive.

I like that the activity does not pretend you are guaranteed fish. It gives you the right tools, the right target species, and guidance for the technique. After that, you are “trying your luck” in a way that feels genuine, not staged.

The small-group advantage with a 7-person cap

A big difference here is the group size. With a maximum of 7 participants, the guide can keep an eye on what everyone is doing, especially when people are learning the drill and handling the basic rig.

That matters because ice fishing is not just about patience. Early on, people often need quick fixes: how to position the hole, how to keep the line manageable, and how to react when a perch taps the bait. In a larger group, those moments can get lost. In a small group, you stay in the flow.

You also end up sharing the experience with people at a similar pace. If you are traveling solo, this kind of setup helps you feel included without feeling crowded.

Getting to the lake: how the 15-minute transfer fits the day

The meetup is at the Levi tourist information office parking place. From there, expect a short 15-minute car ride to the Levi area fishing location. After that, there is a short walk to reach the lake spot.

This timing is a smart choice. You do not lose half your trip to long logistics, and you still get that real “on the ice” feeling once you arrive. The total duration is 2.5 hours, with 1.5 hours of guided time once you are at the fishing area.

Practical note: even a short walk on snow can surprise you if you are wearing boots that are fine indoors but not ideal for slick, uneven ground. Wear winter boots with decent grip, and plan your camera access before you head out.

What the 1.5 hours really includes: drilling the hole and fishing for perch

The core of the trip is learning the key step: making the hole. You will be taught how to use the drill to cut through the ice so fishing is possible. This is the part that turns a winter photo op into an activity where you actually participate.

Once the hole is ready, you fish using a hook with live bait. Your target is wild Perch, a very common species in Finland. The lake you fish is described as having a plentiful perch population, which is exactly what you want for an intro-focused outing.

While you wait for bites, you are not stuck in freezing silence. Warm drinks and snacks are included, which helps you stay comfortable while you focus on your line. The guide’s job is to help you understand what to do when perch are active, and what to adjust if the bite slows.

One small detail that adds charm: ice fishing here has a strong rhythm, and if the timing lines up, you may experience fishing as the light changes. Some experience reports mention catching fish during sunset-like conditions, which sounds like a magical time to be on the ice, even for short sessions.

What’s included, what you need to bring, and why comfort matters

Included:

• Guided ice fishing experience
• Fishing license
• Drilling equipment
• Live bait
• Warm drinks and snacks

Not included:

• Winter clothing

This is where your planning can make or break the experience. You can rent warm clothing on the spot for 20 EUR per person if you do not have suitable winter attire. If you already own good cold-weather gear, great. If not, treat this as a priority, not an afterthought.

Bring warm clothing, plus essentials that help you stay functional outdoors:

• Hat
• Sunscreen (yes, even in winter)
• Water
• Waterproof camera

Sunscreen surprises people, but bright snow glare can be real. If you wear glasses, consider sunglasses too, since snow can be harsh on the eyes. And if you bring a phone, keep it in a pocket close to your body so it does not lose battery fast in the cold.

Also note what is not allowed: smoking, alcohol and drugs, and littering. That keeps the lake environment respectful and the focus on safety and fishing.

Price and value: is $104 for 2.5 hours worth it?

At $104 per person for about 2.5 hours, the value depends on what you would otherwise do. If you are in Levi already and trying to fit an authentic winter activity into a short window, this is fairly priced for what it covers.

You are not paying just for being on a lake. The price includes the fishing license, the drilling equipment, live bait, and the guided instruction. For many visitors, the hidden cost is gear and know-how, and this trip handles both.

The other side is clothing. Winter clothing rental can add extra cost if you need it. If you arrive with proper layers and outerwear, you can treat the $104 as closer to all-in. If you do not, budgeting for the 20 EUR rental per person helps you avoid a last-minute surprise.

Also, the small group size adds value. More attention from the guide means you learn faster, and it usually increases the satisfaction even if the fish bite rate is just okay.

When the bite happens: how perch fishing feels on the ice

Perch fishing through a hole can feel like a mix of concentration and waiting. You spend time watching your line and responding quickly when you feel movement. Unlike some fishing styles, ice fishing keeps you tied to one spot once the hole is drilled.

Perch are a good match for this style of trip. They are common in Finland, and the lake is described as having a plentiful population here. That matters, because it gives you a better chance of having fish activity during your outing.

You might catch only a few, or you might get several small bites. Either way, the “you did it” feeling is the point. One account describes getting multiple small fish and framing the trip as a solid way to learn how to fish under the ice. That is consistent with why this works well as an introduction.

If you want the best odds, stay engaged. Keep your rig in good shape, listen when the guide explains adjustments, and do not rush the line just to entertain yourself. In ice fishing, quick movements can sometimes make bites harder to read.

Who this Levi ice fishing trip suits best

This is a strong fit for:

• First-timers who want real instruction, not just a walk outside
• Small groups of friends who enjoy hands-on activities
• People who want a winter experience that is short, focused, and beginner-friendly

It is also a good choice if you enjoy nature but do not want a long hike. The walking portion is short, and most of your time is spent at the ice fishing spot with guidance and included snacks.

It is not suitable for children under 4 years. If you are traveling with toddlers or very young kids, you will need a different activity. And if you hate cold environments, you might find the outside time challenging unless you rent proper winter clothing.

Finally, this is ideal if you are traveling in English-speaking mode and want a guide who can teach the basics clearly.

Practical tips that will help you enjoy it more

A few things can turn a good ice fishing session into a great one.

First, dress for wind and cold, not just for temperature. Ice fishing usually means you stand still for stretches. Warm layers under your outer gear matter, and a hat is essential.

Second, protect your electronics. A waterproof camera is recommended, and it is worth following that advice. You will be near ice and water, and your hands may be busy with the line.

Third, drink and snack even if you think you are fine. Warm drinks and snacks are included, and using them keeps your energy steady while you wait for bites.

Fourth, plan a calm mindset. Ice fishing is not fast-paced. When you are relaxed, it is easier to notice the subtle changes that suggest a perch is interested.

Fifth, follow the guide’s lead on drilling. Drilling is the step where people can feel unsure. Once you are shown how to do it, you are set.

Quick reality check on logistics and rules

Meeting point is the Levi tourist information office parking place. From there you go on a short transfer, then you walk out to the lake. The whole thing is about 2.5 hours, with guided time lasting about 1.5 hours at the fishing location.

Rules are straightforward. No smoking, no alcohol or drugs, and no littering. The vibe is outdoorsy and practical, with a clear focus on fishing safety and respect for the frozen lake.

Should you book this Levi ice fishing trip with Juki Tours?

If you want a hands-on winter activity that is short, beginner-friendly, and built around a real Finnish fish target, I think it is a great book. The value is strong because the license, drilling equipment, live bait, and guidance are included, and the small group limit helps you get real help as you learn.

I would only skip it if cold weather gear is a problem for you. Since winter clothing is not included, you either need to bring your own suitable layers or budget for the on-site rental.

Overall, with an average 4.6 rating across 18 reviews, this is the kind of experience that tends to work for a wide range of visitors, especially people who want to do something authentic on a frozen lake without turning the day into a complicated mission.

FAQ

How long is the ice fishing experience in Levi?

The total duration is 2.5 hours, with 1.5 hours of guided ice fishing time in Levi.

What fish will I try to catch?

You will fish for wild Perch using live bait.

How big is the group?

The group is limited to a small size, up to 7 participants.

Is the guide fluent in English?

Yes, the instructor provides the experience in English.

What is included in the price?

The guided ice fishing experience includes a fishing license, drilling equipment, live bait, and warm drinks and snacks.

What should I bring with me?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a waterproof camera.

Is winter clothing included?

No. Winter clothing is not included, but you can rent it on the spot for 20 EUR per person.

Where do I meet for the trip?

Meet at the Levi tourist information office parking place. The fishing spot is in Levi and involves a 15-minute car ride from the meeting point.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.