Akonkoski
General Description and Target Fish Species
The eco-fishing destination Akonkoski roars midway along the Pajakkajoki River, just a few kilometers from the center of Kuhmo. This rapids, dedicated to fly fishing, offers experiences for both dry fly fishers and those casting nymphs or trout streamers. Grayling eagerly strike at the fly, and strong trout, which naturally inhabit the Pajakkajoki River, swim in the main current’s rapids. Only group permits are sold for Akonkoski.
Akonkoski operates under special eco-fishing rules, and the fish population is managed through fishing regulations. The rules aim to strengthen natural spawning and increase the number of breeding fish. At Akonkoski, only single-hook, barbless flies are allowed, and the release of all fish is recommended.
Although Akonkoski is short in length, its width provides plenty of fishing spots, especially when the water level is higher. The southern shore is shallow and rocky, offering plenty of pools and hiding spots for fish. Fishing can be done by wading or from a boat, which can be borrowed from the shore. The swifter main channel flows along the northern shore. The head of the main current provides excellent dry fly fishing, while its edges are best fished near the bottom. Casting a few streamer casts into the strongest current is worthwhile in the hope of catching trout. The lower part of the rapids, with its side currents, is also a prime fishing area. The main channel should not be crossed by wading, but the opposite shore can be reached by boat.
Akonkoski can be accessed via Saarikoskentie, which runs along the south side of the Pajakkajoki River. There is parking space for one or two cars at the start of the path leading to the rapids. See the starting point of the path on the map (Google Maps). The approximately 300-meter-long path leads to the head of the rapids, where there is a rowboat available for anglers. There is no maintained campfire site at Akonkoski.
Fishing permit for Akonkoski
The rapids are always reserved entirely for your own group, which can include up to four anglers. The group permit costs €160. The permit always starts at 12 noon and is valid for a full 24 hours.
You can purchase the permit from the website kalakortti.com. Additionally, permits are sold by the outdoor store Pääkkönen & Piirainen and Hotel Kainuu in the center of Kuhmo. The permit also entitles you to fish, following the eco-fishing rules, at other rapids on the Pajakkajoki River, which include Pajakkakoski and Saarikoski.
Key rules at Akonkoski:
- Only flies with a single, barbless hook (or with the barb pinched down) are allowed as fishing gear.
- Minimum size for trout is 60 cm, and for grayling, it is 45 cm.
- Catch limit: 1 fish per angler per day, but the release of all fish is recommended.
- Fishing season is from April 1 to September 10.