Kiekinjoki

The Kiekinjoki route begins from the streams and brooks in the southern part of the Elimyssalo Nature Reserve. The actual Kiekinjoki River and paddling route start at the southwestern corner of Kivi-Kieki, which is accessible by car (see route marker on Google Maps). In this sparsely populated region, narrow river sections alternate with scenic lakes, and you’re more likely to encounter a deer or moose than another angler.

You can plan your fishing trip to focus on a specific section of the Kiekinjoki River or one of the lakes along the route, as the forest road follows the waterway. Alternatively, paddlers can traverse the entire river route by canoe, though some portages and carries around rapids or obstacles are required.

In the upper sections, the river mainly flows gently and narrows into calm streams. There are a few rapids at the beginning, especially under forest roads, where it’s wise to get out of the canoe and scout the area. You can stop at promising river bends that smell of fish, or focus your fishing efforts on the lakes, which are often rich in perch. Pike also strike eagerly in both flowing and still waters. Brown trout and grayling can be caught as well, though they are more common in the lower parts of the river.

There are only a few marked campfire sites along the route. One is located on the eastern shore of Iso-Kukkonen, where you’ll find a beautiful natural sandy beach and firepit – easily accessible by car. The next official fire site is found after Kiekinkoski, near the local swimming beach of the village with the same name. About a kilometer further, at the eastern end of Lake Mäntyjärvi, there is a lean-to shelter.