Fishing in the Northern Lakeland: Kainuu and Kuusamo

Towns and starting points

Kajaani is the centre of Kainuu and is associated with the work of Elias Lönnrot. Kuhmo lies amongst forests and lakes and is known for its chamber music festival and its focus on the Kalevala. Suomussalmi provides access to further nature areas in northern Kainuu. Further north-east lies Kuusamo, home to the holiday resort of Ruka. These towns serve different parts of the extensive travel region.

What makes the Northern Lakeland so special?

Kainuu and Koillismaa offer guided brown bear watching opportunities from specialised huts. A sighting remains a natural experience and is not guaranteed. The region is closely linked to the Kalevala tradition. In Kuhmo, this cultural heritage can be combined with a visit to the internationally renowned chamber music festival.

Places of interest

In Hossa National Park, the Julma-Ölkky canyon lake and the rock paintings at Värikallio are among the places to visit. Oulanka National Park near Kuusamo offers river gorges and sections of the Karhunkierros hiking trail. In Kuhmo, the Juminkeko Cultural Centre is dedicated to the Kalevala and regional folklore. Choose hiking and canoeing trips based on difficulty, weather and current accessibility.

Scenic highlights

Kainuu is characterised by wooded hills, lakes and bogs. In the Kuusamo and Koillismaa regions, striking river valleys and rapids are also found, including Kiutaköngäs on the Oulankajoki and Jyrävä on the Kitkajoki. Depending on the route, these landscapes are ideal for hiking, photography and guided excursions. For a day’s fishing, choose a section of water that is expressly authorised for fishing.

The region’s waters

Oulujärvi and Kiantajärvi offer vast lake landscapes with fishing grounds for pike and perch. Around Kuusamo, the Kitkajoki, Oulankajoki and Kuusinkijoki rivers are renowned for their trout waters; the protection of migratory stocks makes local regulations particularly important. In Hossa National Park, clear lakes and rivers complement the landscape. Not every body of water in the national park is open for fishing. Check permits, closed sections and closed seasons for the specific area you wish to visit.

Getting there

Flights: Kajaani and Kuusamo are possible arrival airports. Check the connections for your travel dates and plan your onward journey to your accommodation or to your chosen fishing spot.

Car: Alternatively, the journey by car takes you through the lake district, for example via Kuopio and further north – a route which is an experience in itself.

Tip: Stop-offs at the national parks in the southern part of the Lake District can easily be incorporated into your journey.

Flora and fauna

Brown bears, wolves, wolverines and lynx are all part of the wildlife found in the eastern forests. Trout and grayling are found in the rivers of Koillismaa. Oulanka National Park is also renowned for its diverse flora. Observation tours with experienced operators offer insights into this landscape, though they do not guarantee encounters with specific animals.

Activities

Guided wildlife spotting, walks along sections of the Karhunkierros trail and days’ fishing on designated rivers and lakes can all be combined. Hossa offers canoeing routes and excursions to the rock paintings; the route and level of difficulty should be suited to the group. In winter, the Vuokatti and Ruka winter sports resorts complement the programme. With a base near your preferred tours, the daily journeys remain manageable.

Your fishing holiday in the Northern Lakeland with FISHERMANS-LODGE

Plan your fishing holiday in the Northern Lakeland using the offers currently listed on FISHERMANS-LODGE. Choose between accommodation and fishing experiences in the Kainuu and Kuusamo regions and the wider inland areas, and bear in mind the travel times to your preferred fishing spots.

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Local fishing regulations

Before your day’s fishing, check the permits and current conservation rules for your specific stretch of water. Your host or guide will help you with your planning; the conditions set by the relevant authorities and the fishing area are decisive.