Fishing Information Pack

Fishing in Kuhmo

With its thousands of lakes, hundreds of rapids and more than 4,000 kilometres of flowing waters, Kuhmo is one of Finland’s premier fishing destinations. From large lakes and rushing rivers to secluded wilderness ponds, anglers can enjoy an extraordinary variety of fishing experiences surrounded by pristine nature.

The landscapes around Kuhmo’s fishing waters are just as diverse as the waters themselves. You may find yourself fishing in open pine forests, remote woodland, beside vast mires or along crystal-clear rivers. These untouched wilderness environments offer an authentic Kuhmo experience—one defined by silence, tranquillity and a deep respect for nature. When exploring the outdoors, always follow the principles of responsible recreation, stay on marked trails where required and remember that the wilderness is also home to bears, wolves and other wildlife.

Much of the land surrounding Kuhmo belongs to the Finnish state, meaning that many fishing destinations only require the Finnish fisheries management fee. Numerous sites are located along hiking trails maintained by Metsähallitus, where lean-to shelters, campfire sites and rest areas make it easy to enjoy longer fishing trips.

Kuhmo’s waters are home to pike, perch, pike-perch (zander), brown trout, grayling and whitefish, while two destinations are regularly stocked with rainbow trout.

Lake Fishing

Methods: Trolling • Spinning • Jig Fishing • Ice Fishing • Kayak Fishing

Large lakes such as Lentua, Lammasjärvi, Iivantiira, Kellojärvi, Änättijärvi, Lentiira, Jonkeri and the regulated Ontojärvi offer excellent fishing throughout the year. Several lakes are stocked with species such as zander and whitefish. During summer they are popular for trolling, while winter brings excellent opportunities for ice fishing. Fishing from a boat, kayak or float tube allows anglers to explore productive jigging and lure-fishing areas.

Wilderness Lakes and Forest Ponds

Methods: Spinning • Jig Fishing • Ice Fishing • Traditional Rod Fishing • Hiking Fishing

Kuhmo is home to approximately 1,500 remote wilderness lakes and ponds. Many have seen very little fishing activity for decades, giving anglers the opportunity to catch trophy-sized pike and perch in peaceful surroundings. Most destinations are located along Metsähallitus hiking trails and offer lean-to shelters, campfire sites and clearly marked routes.

Rivers and Wilderness Waters

Methods: Spinning • Jig Fishing • Kayak Fishing • Hiking Fishing

With more than 4,000 kilometres of rivers and streams, Kuhmo offers endless opportunities for river fishing. These waters support a wide variety of fish species and range from gentle wilderness rivers to fast-flowing rapids.

Rapids Fishing

Methods: Fly Fishing • Spinning

Kuhmo is famous for its rapids, with more than 200 named rapids throughout the municipality. Well-known destinations include Lentuankoski, Änättikoski, Pajakkakoski, Saarikoski and Vuonteenkoski.

Many lesser-known rapids also provide excellent opportunities for independent anglers. Exploring new fishing spots is part of the adventure, but always check local permits and regulations before fishing.

Kuhmo also features two EKO Rapids—Kaarneenkoski and Akonkoski—where sustainable fisheries management is emphasised.

Slow-flowing River Sections

Every rapid is connected to calmer river stretches where fishing has become increasingly popular. These waters can be fished from the shore, by boat, kayak or float tube using lures, jigs, traditional rods or ice fishing gear, depending on the season. Always follow the regulations set by the local water owners’ associations.

Accessible Fishing

Accessible fishing facilities are available at Pajakkakoski, Lentuankoski (Isokoski), Änätti and Maakunnanranta, making it possible for more people to enjoy fishing in Kuhmo’s beautiful natural surroundings.

Fishing Permits

Finnish Fisheries Management Fee

The Finnish fisheries management fee allows lure fishing with one rod and one lure in most waters across Finland. It is also required in addition to local permits for most other forms of fishing if you are 18–69 years old.

The fee is not required for traditional hook-and-line fishing or ice fishing.

Lure Fishing Permits

Fishing with more than one rod on waters managed by local fisheries associations requires an additional lure fishing permit. This applies to several of Kuhmo’s larger lakes, including Lentua, Lammasjärvi, Iivantiira, Kellojärvi, Änättijärvi, Lentiira and Ontojärvi.

State Waters Multi-Rod Permit

Fishing with multiple rods on state-owned waters requires both the Finnish fisheries management fee and an additional State Waters Multi-Rod Permit.

Rapids Fishing Permits

Fishing in rapids requires both the Finnish fisheries management fee and a site-specific rapids permit.

A convenient three-day joint permit is available for:

  • Pajakkakoski
  • Saarikoski
  • Iso-Lentuankoski
  • Pieni-Lentuankoski
  • Änättikoski

Where to Buy Permits

Fishing permits are available from:

  • Eräluvat
  • Kalakortti
  • Käyttölupa
  • LentuaMind online store
  • Pääkkönen & Piirainen
  • Local fisheries associations

Some permits can also be purchased using mobile services.

Permits for Lentuankoski are also available directly from the Lentuankoski Camping Area, where boat rentals and accommodation are offered.

Fisheries Management

Kuhmo has 16 local fisheries associations in addition to extensive state-owned fishing waters managed by Metsähallitus. Fisheries management is carried out in cooperation between local associations, Metsähallitus, the Regional Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) and the regional fisheries authority.

Extensive work has been undertaken to restore rapids, protect native brown trout populations and monitor fishing activities, ensuring that Kuhmo’s exceptional fishing opportunities remain sustainable for future generations.