Kaarneenkoski
General Description and Target Fish Species
Kaarneenkoski is an intriguing special destination for fly fishing, where you have the chance to catch a truly impressive fish. The rapids were closed to fishing for five years until they were reopened with special regulations in 2021. Only group permits are sold for Kaarneenkoski, available for Wednesdays and Saturdays. The rest of the week, the rapids are closed to fishing. These permits are highly sought after, so if you want to fish at Kaarneenkoski, be sure to act quickly!
In addition to preserving the natural fish population, the rapids are stocked with large trout and small fry. Besides trout, you may also catch a nicely sized grayling, which can be found in the slower-moving sections. Occasionally, a rainbow trout that has escaped from a nearby fish farm might end up in your net, which you can gladly keep.
Kaarneenkoski is the last in the series of Niva rapids flowing from Lake Iivantiira to Lake Lentua. The total fishable length at Kaarneenkoski is approximately 300 meters, with a drop of about ten meters.
The upper part of the area features calmer currents, while the lower part consists of rapid currents. The upper stretch is followed by a long pool. The head of the pool, as well as the entire pool area, should be thoroughly explored. You can easily cast your fly from the northern shore, wading a few meters if necessary.
The actual rapids begin at the old cement log-driving pillars, where the water rushes through. The side current on the northern shore should be fished thoroughly before moving on to the main current. After the wooden bridge crossing the rapids, fishing is allowed only from the southern shore.
The strong current can be challenging to fish, but the edges of the flow and the holes under the rapids offer numerous spots for big fish. If dredging the bottom with small flies in the strong current proves difficult, try casting a streamer or surfboard fly. Hold on to your rod, as a 70 cm trout strike can be quite a surprise.
The Niva rapids flow through the village of Niva, about a 30-minute drive north of Kuhmo’s center. A sign along Kekkostie guides you to the Niva rapids. From the junction, it’s about six kilometers to Kaarneenkoski. You can drive right up to the rapids, and there is parking space for several cars. There is a lean-to shelter and a toilet on the southern shore.
Fishing Permit for Kaarneenkoski
Only group permits are sold for Kaarneenkoski, and the rapids are rented entirely for the group’s exclusive use. A group can include up to five anglers. The group permit costs €500. Permits are available for Wednesdays and Saturdays. The permit always starts at 12 noon and is valid for a full 24 hours.
You can purchase the permit and find more information on the Lentiira Holiday Village website.
Key Rules for Kaaarneenkoski:
- Only flies with a single, barbless hook are allowed as fishing gear.
- The line strength must be at least 0.30 mm.
- Catch limit: 1 fish per angler per day. Adipose fin-clipped trout 50–60 cm, grayling 40 cm. Adipose fin-intact trout must be released.
- Fishing below the bridge is allowed only from the southern shore.
See the location on the map (Google Maps).
In addition to Kaarneenkoski, the Niva rapids include Vuonteenkoski and Niva currents. These form a separate permit area, where you can fish with a lure or fly. Learn more about the area here: Vuonteenkoski and Niva currents.