Saari- and Pajakkakoski
Overview and Target Fish Species
The Pajakkajoki River is divided into two fishing zones: Pajakkakoski and Saarikoski. Saarikoski is often overshadowed by Kuhmo’s more well-known rapids – unfairly so. The stream holds an abundant grayling population, and stories of massive wild trout echo along its banks. Wild trout naturally thrive in Saarikoski.
Saarikoski is the final rapid of the Pajakkajoki River and is part of the same lure fishing permit area as Pajakkakoski. Both grayling and trout can be caught using either flies or lures.
Please note: Akonkoski, located between Saarikoski and Pajakkakoski, is an eco-fishing zone and is not included in the same permit. It requires a separate fishing license.
More about Pajakkakoski and Saarikoski Fishing Areas
Saarikoski and Pajakkakoski
Saarikoski is roughly 300 meters long and tens of meters wide. A long stone jetty runs through both the main current and a southern side channel, ending at an island that splits the lower part of the rapid. Wading gear is essential if you plan to reach the main current from the jetty. When water levels are high, crossing the side channel can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the area.
That said, the side channel along the southern bank also offers excellent fishing – especially for grayling, which prefers the smaller, calmer flow. Fishing is allowed from both banks of Saarikoski, though the southern bank tends to be the more popular choice among anglers.
Pajakkakoski is located right in the center of Kuhmo. The northern bank of Pajakkakoski follows the traditional tar boat towpath, making it easy to walk along—even in light shoes—and casting distance easily reaches the productive central current. The southern bank, on the other hand, is more varied and demands a bit more effort but offers a more interesting challenge.
On the southern side, the broken shoreline creates small islands and pockets of calmer water beside the main flow—ideal hiding spots for fish. Even large fish that dwell in the deeper midstream areas often come out to feed near the edges of these pockets at night. Pajakkakoski offers good fishing opportunities all the way from the head of the rapid down to the lower pool.
Natural Stock and Access to Saarikoski
No fish stocking is done in Saarikoski – it relies entirely on a naturally reproducing population. In contrast, stocking efforts in the Pajakkajoki River are focused on Pajakkakoski. Large trout migrate upstream into Saarikoski from Lake Ontojärvi, and the grayling population is strong.
Grayling can be caught throughout the entire length of the rapid, especially in the wide upper pool, where rising fish may be tempted with a dry fly. Anglers targeting larger, brightly spotted trout should focus on the main current, carefully fishing its edges, as well as the long tail-out downstream of the island on the northern side.
Getting to Saarikoski is easiest from the south via Saarikoskentie. The drive from Kuhmo town center takes about 10 minutes. At the end of the road, there is a parking area and an information board. From there, it’s a short 200-meter walk along a well-maintained path to the riverbank.
Saarikoski can also be accessed from the north via Akonkoskentie.
Fishing Permits and Fees
€4.00 / season / per unit
Seine (nuotta) – 30 units
Trap net (rysä) under 1.5 m – 1 unit
Trap net over 1.5 m – 30 units
Gillnet (3 m per 30 m) – 1 unit
Gillnet over 3 m per 30 m – 2 units
Fish trap (katiska), 2 pcs – 1 unit
Longline (100 hooks) – 1 unit
Crayfish trap – 1 unit (not available for purchase)
Katiska (fish trap) – free of charge
Permits and Regulations for the Pool Area (Suvantoalue)
Fishing with one rod is allowed with the national fisheries management fee. Rod fishing from the shore, ice fishing, and worm fishing are free of charge. Shore fishing is permitted with only one rod. For multiple rods from a boat, a joint permit from the local water owners’ association is required. This permit allows up to 8 rods. Rod fishing permit price: €20 / valid for the calendar year
Permits are available from local vendors, including the Pääkkönen & Piirainen fishing and hunting store and Hotel Kainuu in Kuhmo town center. For mobile permit purchase instructions, visit: kalallakainuussa.fi