Fishing

The Kiiminkijoki river basin is well-suited for trolling from the riverbanks and fly-fishing in particular, using light spinning equipment. The width of the river varies from 15 to 90 metres, and it is a good-sized river suitable for wading. The water is rich in humus and thereby brownish in colour. Nourishment for the fish is provided by, among other things, the multiple varieties of insects.

Sea trout and salmon rise from the sea into the river during the outset of summer. In addition, fish native to the area are graylings, pike and perch . Within the vicinity of each municipality, there are one to four special areas of rapids for fishing, in which sea trout of appropriate catch-size are transplanted each week during the fishing season. The amount of fish inserted totals thousands of kilograms annually.

A combination lure permit, in use with the Kiiminkijoki River, provides the right for both fly-fishing and with a standard lure with respect to all species of fish along the entire length of the main waterway from Puolanka's Lake Kivarinjไrvi to the estuary at Haukipudas a total distance of 170 km.

I n addition to the combination lure permit, all those between the ages of 18 and 64 should have a State fishing licence card. Children under the age of 12 do not require a fishing permit. A provincial lurefishing card does not give the right to fish on the Kiiminkijoki River. An exception applies in the case of the lake extensions in the municipality of Utajไrvi (Lakes Kaihlanen, Hako, Juorkuna, Mไtไs and Hamarinjไrvi).

A fishing permit for the Kiiminkijoki River can be purchased directly on the internet or at one of the innumerable outlets offering permits in the riverside area.

Good services and amenities are provided for those in the special fishing areas of the Kiiminkijoki River, including lean-tos, Lapp tepees and campfire facilities. About a kilogram of sea trout is likewise transplanted to these areas on a weekly basis. The trout and grayling catches came to an approximate total of 5400 kg in the year 2000.

The upper course of the river represents the unique fly-fishing area of the Kalhamajoki River, which observes the CATCH AND RELEASE principle. The lake offers an abundant and native grayling population.

Antti Kanniainen caught a 12-kilogram, 110-cm long salmon at the headwaters of the Kiiminkijoki River at the Nuorittajoki River, Isokallio.

The lure was a Kuusamo Rไsไnen / 11 g, copper within, silver exterior, red pearl.