Come to Merikarvia River and fish for brown trout, salmon, grayling, rainbow trout, Baltic whitefish and more… A vigorous fish population All domesticated freshwater spawning salmonoids breed naturally in Merikarvia River. Migratory fish such as sea trout, salmon and Baltic whitefish all have free access to the river’s 24 km long fishing waters. The local population of grayling varies throughout the river and can offer an exciting challenge. River brown trout and planted rainbow trout also occur in many places in the river. The fish population is maintained with the help of generous re-stocking, fishing regulations and restoration of the rapids areas. Supervision of fishing regulations is efficient, with 10 fishing supervisors helping to safeguard good fishing conditions. Fly fishing and spinning is allowed on the river throughout the year. A river estuary free from net fishing Merikarvia River is the first Finnish salmon river whose estuary is protected by a voluntary net-fishing free zone that extends 5 km towards the sea from the estuary. This guarantees a free elevation for fish up into the river. In Merikarvia, nets and fish traps that are a common nuisance to migratory fish elsewhere are not a hindrance. Beautiful river landscape with many rapids Merikarvia River is naturally beautiful and has many rapids areas. The width of the river, which is well suited to both spinning and fly-fishing, varies between 15-50 m, with brownish, humus tinted yet clean water. The height of drop between the river sections is around 30 m. There is a total of 6 km of rapids on each riverbank in addition to extensive still waters. The average flow rate is app. 15 m3/s. Due to the scarcity of lake reserves in the area the variance in the flow rates is rather high, similar to many rivers in Lapland. In April to May, and occasionally in the autumn, flooding may cause problems for fishing, but on the other hand this can trigger migratory behaviour of many species. In mid summer, low water levels can be a distraction and stem the upward migration of salmon fish, but can present the acute fisherman with great challenges and with a range of crafty local fish that test the skills of the best. The best chances for targeting fresh-run sea trout, salmon and Baltic whitefish are in the spring and autumn. During periods of low rainfall towards mid summer, when the flow rate is only around 2-5 m3/s, the river can be quite tricky to fish. Knowing how to read the river will greatly increase the chances of a catch and summertime can provide excellent fishing of grayling, brown trout and rainbow trout using small flies, spoons or wobblers. Year round fishing with seasonal variations Due to the diversity of its fish species and flow rates, Merikarvia River offers challenging sport fishing. You have the best chances of succeeding if you plan your strategy before you arrive, including the intended species and fishing methods. Silvery sea trout (1-10 kg) start their ascent up the river in April and this continues into May-June. In the beginning of August, salmon and sea trout begin their autumnal migration. The best salmon (1-15 kg) fishing occurs in September to October. After spawning, Salmon and brown trout can be caught again in November to December. In the spring, there are chances of catching spawned salmon and sea trout that have spent the winter in the river and are again changing colour, on their way out back to the sea. Baltic whitefish (1-5 kg) rise in large numbers into the river in September and October. Some graylings and river brown trout (0,3-1,5 kg) spend their whole life in Merikarvia River. Rainbow trout (1-7 kg), which is planted catch-size into the river, is the most common take. With the exception of wintertime, restocking is carried out throughout the year in small quantities at over ten locations along the river. Arrive alone, with friends or your family Going on a fishing trip offers an excellent way of getting away from stress and for refreshing the mind and body. There are many kinds of accommodation services to choose between in the area. You can also park you own camper or set up tent free of charge at a designated area at Puukoski. For those who prefer activities other than fishing, Merikarvia offers travellers many things to do and see. You may choose to visit the largest wooden church in Scandinavia that is in year-round use, walk around the market area, do some shopping, or visit the harbour with its idyllic restaurant. A public swimming beach is available at the Mericamping camping site. You can also experience the Koivuniemen Herra recreational farm, the fishing museum, or stop for refreshments at the Lankoski highway rest stop, where there are opportunities to do hiking and river canoeing in addition to fishing. There is no need to fill up your car with complete supplies when leaving home base, as there are several grocers, a pharmacy, a liquor store, eateries and fish curing houses available in Merikarvia. On the other hand, if you want a fully catered trip for your employees or family where everything is taken care of on your behalf, this can easily be arranged. Come and experience Merikarvia! Contact: River Manager Mika Pitkänen: tel. +358-400 214 626 Good things to remember When fishing on your own on the river, please respect private property and behave accordingly. Trespassing through private yards or trampling on planted fields is not permissible. Areas suitable for parking, camping and setting up campfires as well as off-limits areas, are all marked on the fishing area’s maps. Due to eutrophication of Isojärvi Lake which feeds the river, algae blossoming can sometime affect Merikarvia River. Hence, fish caught in the river can suffer from taste defects (i.e. a taste of mud) during mid summer to August. If you suspect that your catch may suffer from taste defects, then it is advisable to release the fish back into the river, as preparing food from the fish may not be worthwhile. You are welcome to come and do sport fishing on the Merikarvia River, but please take only a reasonable amount of fish, even when it is more abundant. Remember there is a limit of 2 fish per day. Catch & release is preferable for fish you do not aim to use as food. The use of barbless hooks is also recommended. Please help to protect valuable natural fishstocks such as brown trout, grayling and salmon and release all undersized specimens immediately back into the river. There is usually sufficient planted rainbow trout to be caught for eating. Wading in the gravel areas of the rivers should be avoided in late autumn, the winter and in the spring to protect fish eggs and young salmon fry. As an additional request, we would like to ask you to release all mature spawn trout and salmon to help guarantee future generations of sport fish.