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
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
Fishing club Lesnan Naputtajat
044-010 1143
