Joensuu - city fishing guide

FISHING IN THE CITY CENTRE

The opportunities for recreational fishing in North Karelia are good. Peaceful and isolated fishing spots can be found for those who are looking for such places. In order to get to these places the fisherman can head to forest ponds. Those who are interested in rapid fishing can choose Ruunaa or Jänisjoki frothy rapids as their destination.

Those who want to fish from a boat can choose the target from among tens of lakes in the province. Lakes Pielinen, Orivesi, Höytiäinen, Pyhäjärvi and many other lakes are located in the province and there are also many good boat launching places available.

Today’s trend has brought fishing opportunities closer to the people’s living environments. Fishers still enjoy isolated places far from population but there are more and more fishers in the cities.

Most of the city’s fishing places are easy to reach. You do not need a car or a boat but you can get to the fishing places on foot, by bike or by public transport. By fishing, you can easily find the city’s nature where you can calm down and enjoy the experience.

While fishing in the city you can combine other services to your fishing trip. In Joensuu, there is a possibility to sit down for a cup of coffee at the café near by the river or stay for a while to listen to a concert in Ilosaari. Tourists can also choose their accommodation from the camping areas to hotels.

Welcome to fish in Joensuu!

Matti Pasanen                                                       Matti Kettunen

Lesnan Naputtajat ry                                           Joensuun Kalastuskunta

PIELISJOKI, VARASLAMPI, PYHÄSELKÄ

Joensuu offers many kind of fishing destinations. Varaslampi is a place for passionate anglers. You can get real fishing experiences there by fishing for big doctor fishes and/or breams. In recent years, river Pielisjoki has gained popularity as a jigging place for pikeperch. In many summer nights, the most popular pikeperch jigging spots gather even tens of fishers to the riverbank. In Pielisjoki there is also a separate fishing area in Joensuu rapids. In the rapids area, there are good opportunities for fishing for rainbow trout, for example. The shores of Lake Pyhäselkä offer great opportunities for both spinning and angling. Marjala is an area of canals where it is possible to fly-fish for whitefish. There are also many small ponds in the city area that may interest especially fishers of different types of fish with its surprising catches.

ODFISHING IN JOENSUU FISHERY COLLECTIVE’S AREA

Fishery Collective’s water areas are located in the northeast side of Lake Pyhäselkä,

in the canal of Höytiäinen all the way up to the railway bridge,

and Pielisjoki river up to the boarder of the Kontiolahti municipality (Kupluskylä).

Fishing in the Joensuu city’s rapids only with special permit.

Minimum catch sizes

Pike-perch at Lake Pyhäselkä 45 cm and Pielisjoki river 42 cm

Adipose finless salmon 60 cm and trout 50 cm.

Grayling 35 cm.

Protected fish species

Landlocked salmon with adipose fin and trout are protected all year around.

Landlocked salmon whose adipose fin has been cut is protected at Lake Pyhäselkä between 1 May and 31 August.

Landlocked salmon is protected in streams and rivers between 1 August and 30 November.

Lake trout is protected in streams and rivers between 1 September and 30 November.

Arctic char is protected between 1 September and 30 November.

Grayling is protected between 1 April and 31 May.

Sanctuaries

All fishing is forbidden between 1 May and 31 August in the delta sanctuary of Höytiäinen canal.

Pielisjoki river autumn protection between 1 August and 19 October.

With ELY Centre’s and fishery collective’s decision, all fishing is forbidden from 1 August to 19 October in the area between Kuurna power plant and mouth of Pielisjoki river (expanded fishing lane included).

Rodfishing from the shore is allowed at non-flowing spots.

Joensuu fishery collective ‘s lure permit

Lure permit is personal and includes Joensuu fishery collective’s water areas with rapids areas excluded. People under 18 and people who have turned 65 are according to the law freed from payment when using one lure (excluding rapids and stream areas where a permit from water area owner is required). Lure permits do not have rod or lure limits.

- Calendar year 20 € (prices include VAT)

- Month 15 € –”-

- Week 10 €  –”-

Carelicum/Joensuu services, Koskikatu 5, p. (013) 267 5221

Jokierä Oy, Joensuu/Hasanniemi, p. 044 764 6309

Neste Noljakka, Kosti Aaltosentie 1, p. 013 801 212

Kalanet Oy, www.kalakortti.com

Kalapassi, www.kalapassi.fi 

FISHING WITH FISHERIES MANAGEMENT FEE

In the Joensuu fishery collective’s area fishing with spinning equipment is allowed also by paying national fisheries management fee. The fee does not entitle fishing in rapids and stream areas. The fee can be found online and it can be paid in the nearest R-kiosk. The annual price is 39 euros.

DESTINATIONS FOR SPINNING

Joensuu city area offers a lot of potential for spinning. In the recent years, especially jig fishing for pikeperch has gained a lot of popularity on Pielisjoki river. During June and July, the pikeperch population increases on Pielisjoki river and amongst the population there are always some big individuals.

In addition to jig fishing, pikeperch can also be caught with different kind of lures. Particularly popular places to catch pikeperch are Ilosaari (rapids fishing license required), Joensuu harbour and the riverbank in Penttilä from Ylisoutaja bridge downwards. There are also other good places, and maybe you will find a peaceful place of your own.

Other typical catch on the shores of Pielisjoki river and Lake Pyhäselkä are perch and pike. Occasionally you might find a rainbow trout or a large ide at the end of your line. It is not impossible to find a landlocked salmon, a lake trout or a grayling from there, either. With these kinds of fish, there are naturally some restrictions to follow and landlocked salmon and lake trout that have an adipose fin must always be released.

On the next few pages, there is a brief description of popular fishing spots. In addition to marked spots, there are many places rich in fish, as long as you stay out of private properties!

In the description there is information about the location and its most probable catches. Cyprinids in these maps refers to roach, bream, white bream, bleak, grayling and dace. You must take into consideration that on rapids and stream areas angling is forbidden (unless the ELY Centre permits fishing in the area). However, stream pools and coves are permissible places for angling. 

FISHING PLACES ON THE MAP

11.  UTRANKOSKI. Utransaari -island is a popular hiking destination. There are campfire places on the island. Plenty of spots for spinning. Fishing: Suited for angling, spinning and fly-fishing. Common catches: perch, pike and cyprinids, especially grayling and dace. It is also possible to catch whitefish by fly-fishing.

12.  IIKSENNIEMI. Spots for a few fishermen on the mouth of river Iiksenjoki. Fishing with both spoons and spinnerbaits is recommended. Catches: cyprinids, notably bream, grayling and white bream. Perch and pike with spoon bait.

23. IIKSENJOKI. A good spot to catch cyprinids. Also with spoon bait, perch and pike.

34. KARSIKONRANTA. Rug-washing platform and a boat pier. The spots with no stream are suited for angling and the whole area for spinning. Catches: pike, perch and cyprinids. Plenty of grayling and dace.

5. KOSKIKALASTUSALUE. Rapids fishing area. More accurate map of the area available.

6. VARASLAMPI. More accurate map of the area available.

7. MATKUSTAJASATAMA. Passenger harbor. Popular fishing area for pikeperch. Spinning with lures, jig fishing is the most popular. Pikeperch is the main species in June and July. Also pike, perch and rainbow trout.

8. KIRKONPUISTO. Church park. Spinning area. Perch, pikeperch, pike and salmon as a catch fish.

9. PENTTILÄNRANTA. Down from the Ylisoutajansilta bridge. Popular pikeperch fishing area. Main fish species pikeperch, pike and perch.

10. JOKIASEMA. Next to a boat ramp a spinning area. Casting places for one or two person. Catch fish perch, pikeperch and pike. Terrace services next to it.

11. LINNUNLAHTI. The shores of song festival stage and boat harbour. Angling area for perch and Cyprinids. Perch and pike with lure.

12.-14. KUHASALO; UKONNIEMI, PIENI VEHKALAHTI. Kuhasalo is a popular place for outings. In Kalmonniemi there is a Kalmonkatiska- hut which is available for rent. There is also a campfire place in the area. For the fishers it offers pikeperch, perch, pike, Cyprinids, especially bream. Ukonniemi and Small Vehkalahti are good angling places, especially for Cyprinids and perch. In the Vehkalahti area the angling places are next to a bridge.

15. HÖYTIÄISEN KANAVAN SUU. Mouth of the Höytiäinen canal. Popular angling area, perch and Cyprinids as the catch fishes. Perch, pike and pikeperch with lure.

16. KUUNVIRTA. Perch and pike with lure. With fly-fishing and small lures it is possible to seek a whitefish.

17. MARJALAN VENELUISKA. Boat ramp. Angling place for perch and Cyprinids. With lure also pike.

18. AAVARANTA. Angling places for perch and Cyprinids. Angling areas are from the small boat harbour to swim beach border. No fishing in the backyards of houses, please.

CATCH A FISH AT THE JOENSUU RAPIDS

The Joensuu city rapids spent a quiet life until, in the middle of May in 1987, they were opened for fishers with spinning and fly-fishing rods. Since then, hundreds of enthusiastic fishers have tried the power of their lures in Joensuu rapids; some fishing at the riverbank of Ilosaari and some at the riverbank of Hotel Kimmel. Rapids fishing serves local fishermen but also fishermen and women coming from farther away.

Rod fishing has livened up the cityscape of the center because it is an excellent place for fishing for both younger and older fishermen. Joensuu Fishery Collective has increased the catch certainty by planting plenty of catch-sized salmons in the rapids several times each year. An experienced fisherman might catch a salmon, but there are also the most common freshwater fish in the area – such as pikeperch, pike and perch. Fishing at the last free rapids in river Pielisjoki is strictly controlled, which aims at protecting the endangered Saimaa migratory fishes.

You can read more about rapids fishing on the website of the Joensuu Fishery Collective. There you can also find the contact information to buy a fishing license. You can also get a relatively inexpensive license directly from the Internet.

HAVING A GOOD TIME IN KALMONKATISKA

In spite of its terrifying name, the comfortable lodge at the mouth of the Pielisjoki River in Kukkosensaari has been the target for the locals, as well as guests from afar. The lodge was built by Joensuu Fishery Collective and it was opened in 7 October 2010 on a beautiful autumn day. Since then, hundreds of various events from christening to kindergarten’s spring trips and international training events have been organized there. By the fireplace, you can barbecue sausages, drink pot coffee and enjoy your time. Even listen to poems.

Located at the scenic place right next to Lake Pyhäselkä, Kalmonkatiska lodge is a cosy and atmospheric place only a few kilometres from Joensuu city centre. Kalmonkatiska is available for all according to advance reservation principles. Private persons, societies, companies and many other organizations have rented the lodge. Fishery’s boat completes the services and it is in the bookers’ free use without any extra cost in the summertime. You can find additional information of Kalmonkatiska on the homepage of Joensuu Fishery Collective. There are also instructions and help for the reservation and location information of the lodge. Jokierä Oy hands out the key for the Kalamaja and takes care of other rental arrangements.

ANGLING DESTINATIONS

There are plenty of angling destinations in Joensuu, for example, the Pielisjoki River and Lake Pyhäselkä. The most typical fish species you can catch are perch and cyprinids; roach, bream, bleak, ide, white bream, rudd and dace. You can get these fishes from the coasts of the Pielisjoki River and Lake Pyhäselkä. The Pielisjoki River is classified as migratory fish water and angling is forbidden in its rapids and stream areas. If stream clearly drives your fishing float, you should move to a less streaming place. Notice that angling is also forbidden in the rapids fishing area. From the shores of Lake Pyhäselkä you can find angling places, for example, in Koivuniemi, Kuhasalo breakwater, Aavaranta and the mouths of Marjala and Höytiäinen canal.

MULTI-SPECIES FISHING

Multi-species fishing has gained popularity in recent years. Fish species are caught with rod and with the hook in the mouth. This demands familiarization with the living habitats and behaviour of the fish to help to reach the fishes. In multi-species fishing, you can get great experiences of succeeding even if you get only a tiny minnow. Only with a few centimetre long fish you can get close to the Finnish records!

A conscious multi-species fisher does not try to get under-sized fishes, and neither is an under-sized fish generally counted as a catch in multi-species fishing. During one year, about 20 fish species are easily available in Joensuu. When the number of the fish species grows, fishing becomes more challenging. Basic fish species, most of the cyprinids, pike, perch and pikeperch can be caught with basic angling equipment and lures rather easily. You need a so called ‘’lirkki’’ fishing rod to get small fishes. You can use even an ice fishing rod with a small number 20-30 size hook and with a lead weigh and as a bait you can use a piece of a maggot. With a ‘’lirkki’’ you should fish for smelt, Eurasian minnow, sculpins and stone loach. For smelt the best time of the year is May. Sculpins and loaches can be found in shallow rocky shores using a lamp light during the dark time. Minnows can also be reached at the shore with small hooks. In some small ponds there are also crucians and nine-spine sticklebacks. Doctor fish, burbot, trout, grayling, whitefish, freshwater trout, eel and numerous other fish species demand from the fisher familiarization with their life, behaviour and living habits. Could this be your new hobby?

VARASLAMPI

Varaslampi is a lush pond near the centre of Joensuu. Before it was known as a clear water pond and it was also used for swimming, but in recent decades the pond has suffered from heavy eutrophication. Many believe that the recreational value of the pond has diminished because of the eutrophication.

The eutrophication, however, is an advantage for certain fish species. The pond has grown a big stock of cyprinids. As a special feature of the pond are tenches and crucians  which complement the traditional fish species.  Otherwise it is possible to angle our traditional fish.

At the pond, there are piers built for fishing and they should to be favoured for fishing. This way other nature, such as nesting birds are not disturbed. As a result of strong eutrophication catch fishes are not recommended for eating.

Fishing recommendations of Varaslampi:

·        Angling is recommended to take place at marked areas on the map. In this way, other spots of the shores remain less trampled and peace for the nesting birds is ensured.

·        All crucians and tenches which are caught are recommended for release. The fishes must be released without delay, and without harming the fish. Touching the fish with dry hands should be avoided as well as laying it down on the dry land. Use of unhooking mat or water pail when releasing the fish is recommended.

·        Rubbish must not be left in the environment. Each fisher at the area must take care of clearing away their own rubbish.  It is not allowed to leave fish guts in the water, in the trash or neither in the surrounding area.

·         If the area is crowded, please do not hog the fishing places, but give space to others as well.

Catching the fish

A conscientious fisherman catches fish only as much as he needs for food. Undersized, protected and surplus fishes are to be released immediately. The release of undamaged large specimens is also recommended.

Selected fishes should be handled properly from the beginning. The fish must be stunned without delay. The best instrument for this purpose is the so called priest, with which a swift hit is given to the head. Immediately after stunning the fish needs to be bled, cutting the gill artery or the gill arch. Bleeding the fish improves the quality and preservability of the meat significantly. When no more blood comes out, the fish is rinsed and stored protected from light in a cool place. In the summer heat the fish should be taken in time to a cold storage, and in urban fishing this is often not problematic.

Fish species should be utilized diversely. Popular food fishes are especially pikeperch, perch and trout. Especially at the right time caught and correctly processed cyprinids are the tastiest fish we have. Warmsummer weather affects the meat taste of many cyprinids, which is why they should be utilized more during the cool water period. Caught from cold water, cyprinids are very suitable for frying or smoking. Prepared as whole, they are rather bony, but properly treated they can be made almost boneless. Roach and ide are also excellent as salted fish and there is no risk of tapeworm.

Pike is well suited for frying, but it is also great as fish loaf.  Fish balls, steaks, terrines; pike has many uses.

Feel free to try all the fish species in food preparation, as long as you catch the fish from fresh and clean water, such as the river Pielisjoki or Lake Pyhäselkä. Every fisherman must know how to release protected, undersized and surplus fish.

Releasing the fish

People no longer go fishing because of getting food, but because of the joy of fishing and because of the nature experience gained on the fishing grounds. More and more fishers release some or all of their fishes and prefer bring catch home in the form of photographs. In order the fish to be in good and vital condition after the release, the fisher must know how to do the right thing in the situation. Necessary equipment is needed on a fishing trip. The use of equipment should be learned in advance. In addition, the fisher must think about one’s own action. How do I get the fish back into the water in as good condition as possible? What tools do I need? And what do I when I get a record fish? The release of the fish is commonly called catch & release fishing. The term C&R fishing is often used also which is short for the words catch and release. As fishing has become more and more popular and the fishing equipment developed, there is an increase in fishing pressure. At the most popular fishing places release of the fish can even be a precondition for the continuation of the hobby. If the fishes are not released, soon there will be nothing to catch.

Put the basics right

The right way to release a fish is not difficult. With suitable tools, practicing and internalizing things everyone can perform it just fine. Everything starts with the selection of fishing tackle. Any extra hooks should be removed from the lures. They only complicate and slow down removing the hook from the fish's mouth. Reducing the number of hooks in most cases also contributes to better grip in the bait and staying in the grip. A barb as small as possible or barbless hook will also facilitate removing the hook. A big barb can be pressed down with pliers.

Fishing equipment should be selected according to the size of the fish. With too light equipment, the time to tire out the fish gets unnecessarily long and the fish can get too tired. Long tiring time impairs the recovery of the fish. With suitable equipment, the fish may be tired out quickly and with determination.  In tiring out the fish, any unnecessary tearing should be avoided. The net must be big enough so that catching the fish is quick. The net must be made from small-eyed and knotless material. A net like this does not harm the skin or fins of the fish.

Source: “Size does matter” project, Finnish Federation for Recreational Fishing

Lifting the fish from the water

Usually you do not have to lift the fish but it can be released already in the water. If the fish is lifted it must be done very carefully, especially with the big ones. Dangling the fish is wrong, two support places are used for lifting and handling. Hold the fish with both hands when the other one is always under the fish’s stomach. The fish must be kept as low as possible because if the fish falls it will harm the fish and the higher the fish falls the worse it is. The fish was built for the water environment so in the air it does not have the support of the surrounding water. When the fish has been lifted from the water, everything must happen quickly and as efficiently as possible. The longer the fish on dry land the worse its changes to survive get. Different fish species have different tolerance to being on dry land. Also the weather has a big impact. The fish’s eyes are used to dim light. Remember to take care to not expose the fish’s eyes to direct sun light. It is the best to keep the fish in the shadow while taking off the hook.

Taking off the hook

Nowadays pliers are one of the basic tools of a fisher. With proper pliers taking off the hook is fast and safe. Especially fisher who prefers pikes will appreciate long pliers which are perfect for taking off the hook from the pike’s deep throat. Pliers are good for taking off three and one hook branches. In pike fisher’s toolbox there are also special cutting pliers which can cut the hook if needed. Instead of pliers, anglers use a different sticklike hook remover. Fly-fishers use a very similar remover. The main thing is to get the hook off quickly from the fish’s mouth. The point is to take the hook off gently turning it back where it came from, not by ripping it off. As already mentioned, the hook can be removed while the fish is still in the net in the water. The second-best option is to put down the fish on the moist unhooking mat. The mat protects the fish from the base and it will protect the fish from damages. It is recommend to turn the fish on its back on the unhooking mat, so it will calm down and taking off the hook is much easier. When the pike is on its back it will open its mouth when the fisher lifts the lower jaw from the gill slit side. This will need a bit of practice. The second option is to use a jaw opener. Using the jaw opener requires great care so that the fish’s jaw and throat bones are not damaged.

Weighing, measurement and photography

Not all fishes need to be photographed nor even put on the scales or measure with a measuring tape. But when a big fish or even a record fish is at stake, it is nice to have vital statistics of the fish and a couple of good photos of it. Weighing should be done without damaging the fish. You should not by any means put the fish dangling from the scales hook. The fish can be kept, for example, in a net or in a sack during the weighing.  The same sack where you keep your fish for short periods of time is also perfect for weighing the fish. After weighing you must remember to take off the weight of the net or the sack from the total weight. Fish can be measured in a net or in a sack, but an unhooking mat is an excellent base for measuring. Remember to keep your measuring tape straight that you get the right readings.

Source: “Size does matter” project, Finnish Federation for Recreational Fishing

Why release the fish?

• According to Fishing Act, undersized fishes must always be released.
• Especially big fishes are very important to the fish stock. They grow fast and carry the best genes of their species. The fish eggs of the big fishes are larger and they produce clearly faster growing and healthier descendants compared to smaller fellow creatures.
• In a healthy fish stock there are always loads of big-sized fishes.
• Predatory fishes control the cyprinids, which improves the condition of the water system. Especially big pikes should always be released.
• The popularity of fishing and development of fishing tackles adds more fishing pressure. In the most popular fishing spots releasing fishes can be even direct precondition to continue this activity. If the fishes were not released, soon there would be nothing to fish.

Source: “Size does matter” project, Finnish Federation for Recreational Fishing 

Join as a member to the fishing association Lesnan Naputtajat!

By joining Lesnan Naputtajat, you will get contact to other fishing enthusiasts. You will get to develop your hobby with the support of the club. Being active in an association gives also a chance to develop the hobby. The associations, for example, teach and give information, renovate fish habitats and fishing grounds, take a stand on regulations regarding recreational fishing together with Finnish Federation for Recreational Fishing.

Lesnan Naputtajat belongs to North-Karelia recreational fishing organization. The organization and the federation also organize program for their members, such as competitions, camps and clubs for the children and the youth, etc. By being an active member, you will get information about fishing and fishing spots from other enthusiasts. The clubs organize different fishing-oriented theme events, competitions and fishing trips for their members.

Lesnan Naputtajat have participated e.g. in renovating the Varaslampi angling spots, and organizing introductory program related to different forms of fishing for different target groups. Every year they have also had small fishing trips to near-by areas and to Sweden and Norway. There are also many other activities, such as ice fishing and angling days, and education about fish dishes. As an active member, you can yourself influence on what kind of activities Lesnan Naputtajat organize or you can just take part in the activities!

As a member of one of the clubs in Finlands recreational fishermen, you have access to all of the benefits of the federation. For example, you will get the Vapaa-ajankalastaja magazine (Recreational Fisherman) that is published six times a year. You can apply for membership also for other North Karelias recreational fishermens associations. You will find contact information on their websites.

North Karelia recreational fishing organization                                                 

www.vapaa-ajankalastajat.fi

Fishing club Lesnan Naputtajat

044-010 1143

naputtajat@gmail.com