Ankapuura
Fishing Destination Introduction
The densest concentration of rapids along the Kiekinjoki River lies between Lake Puuranjärvi and the confluence with the Kesselinjoki River. Over an eight-kilometer stretch, a series of rapids follow one another in succession: Puurankoski, Ankapuura, Konttikoski, Vaaranpäänkoski, Saarikoski, Vääränkoski, and Toivonkoski. While the southern bank is lined with private plots, the northern bank is accessible for hiking and fishing along its entire length.
This introduction highlights Ankapuura, one of the gems in this chain of rapids. Ankapuura is approximately 700 meters long, with gentle flows interspersed with faster currents created by large rocks. The rapid and its surroundings remain in a natural state. The riverbed features many deep holes where brown trout tend to hide. The riverbanks are lined with vegetation, providing ideal shelter for grayling.
Access to the rapid is easy, as the terrain consists of dry pine forest. From the nearby campfire site, it’s only a short walk to the river. There are no marked signs or designated fishing spots, but following the trails will lead you to good casting locations.
The catch from Ankapuura may include brown trout and grayling. Fish stocks are maintained through the stocking of juvenile trout and grayling. In the calmer sections (pools), you can also find large perch and pike. The rapid is well suited for fishing with dry flies and small nymphs, though trying a larger fly at dusk can also be rewarding. Wading is not recommended, as there are deep holes even along the edges—so fishing should be done from the shore. The pool areas are also suitable for spinning.
Licenses and Regulations
Eastern Kuhmo Rapids Joint Fishing Permit
Fishing season: June 1st – August 31st
Allowed gear: Spinning and fly fishing equipment permitted, one rod per angler. A maximum of two lures or flies may be used on the line.
Catch limit: 1 brown trout or 2 graylings per day
Permit prices: €15 / day, €40 / 3 days, €60 / season
Fishing is only allowed with the joint permit!
Minimum sizes:
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Adipose fin-clipped brown trout: 50 cm
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All brown trout with an intact adipose fin must be released
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Grayling: 35 cm
Day permits available
Permits are also sold at Pääkkönen & Piirainen, Kuhmo
Note: You also need the Finnish national fisheries management fee to fish.
Driving Directions
From the center of Kuhmo, drive towards Lentiira. After the bridge, turn onto Hukkajärventie and continue straight for approximately 33 km, until you see a sign for Puurantie on the right. Drive along Puurantie for about 1.7 km (take the second fork in the road), then turn right onto a forest road, which leads to a turning area.
You can either leave your car at the turning area, or drive a few hundred meters further along the overgrown road to reach an unofficial campfire site. A trail to the rapid starts next to the campfire site.
https://www.kuhmonkosket.fi/ankapuura/
It’s worth exploring the area and other nearby rapids on the websites.
https://www.kalakortti.com/luvan_tilaus/Maps/242/It%C3%A4-Kuhmon-lupa-2022.pdf
https://www.kuhmonkosket.fi/kuhmon-koskien-kartoitushanke/
Facilities
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Accessibility: Not an accessible destination
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Shelter: No lean-to shelter at the site
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Outdoor toilet: No toilet facilities available
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Campfire site: A small campfire site can be found along the walking route from the recommended parking area to the fishing spot
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Camping: The recommended parking area and the campfire site are suitable for tent camping
Route information
