Backwoods Fishing

Kuhmo’s countless forest ponds, lakes and rivers invite anglers on a mysterious wilderness adventure. Here you can catch large perch and pike, and even fish waters that may not have been visited by anglers for decades. The wild nature of Kuhmo surprises with its diversity, while the region’s vast mires evoke the ancient magic of Kalevala – the very swamps where, according to the epic, Joukahainen was sung into the mire.

Backwoods fishing in Kuhmo takes you far from the beaten track to secluded forest ponds and quiet wilderness lakes. There, crystal-clear waters, complete tranquillity and uncrowded fishing await. Along the way, the only sounds are often the wind in the trees and the whistle of your fishing line. This is fishing on nature’s terms – a step into the forest, a cast into the wilderness.

For an unforgettable outing, explore the wilderness shelters maintained by Metsähallitus, many of which are located on the shores of remote lakes and ponds.

Lean-to Shelters and Rest Areas

Lean-to shelters and rest areas along the shores of remote wilderness lakes and ponds provide excellent bases for independent fishing trips. Explore, for example, the sites maintained by Metsähallitus on the Luontoon.fi website, many of which are located beside secluded lakes and forest ponds. Fishing at these destinations only requires payment of the Finnish fisheries management fee.

Hidden Secrets of the Backwoods

There are around 1,500 lakes in Kuhmo. Most of them are small wilderness lakes and forest ponds hidden among dense woodlands and vast mires. Many of these waters have remained virtually untouched for decades, giving anglers the chance to land the catch of a lifetime – perhaps even Väinämöinen’s legendary pike.