Fishing
The Ii municipality is crossed by the Iijoki, Olhavanjoki and Kuiajoki rivers, which were once the most important waterways of the Bothnian Bay.
Rivers and estuaries have always been important fishing grounds and valuable sources of local food. As commercial fishing has declined, recreational and tourist fishing has increased significantly throughout the region.
In addition to the rivers, Iijoki has over 50 kilometers of coastline. Almost all fish species found in Finland are prey. The Iijoki River and its surrounding areas are also one of the most important lamprey areas in Finland.
Fishing spots in Ii
Fishing permits, fishing municipalities, areas and sales points in Ii: kalaaiista.fi
The Upper Basin area of the Raasakka power plant is the most popular year-round recreational fishing destination on the Iijoki River. In the summer, large quantities of catchable rainbow trout are stocked in the Upper Basin and Illi. Trout rising from the sea can be caught below the Raasakka power plant. There are also salmon, but catching salmon with lures is more difficult.
The pike population is abundant and the pikeperch catch has increased, and perch are naturally also abundant. Angling and ice fishing in the upper reservoir of the power plant and in the Illi lure fishing area also require a permit from the fishing communities. Angling competitions are held in the upper reservoir, for example the national angling championships. Address: Virkkulantie 254, Ii (dam bridge).
Rantakestilä has good opportunities for summer and winter fishing. You do not need a fishing permit for angling. The area has a campfire site (bring your own wood), a boat launch, a boat fueling and toilet emptying point. Rantakestilä can be reached from the sea along the marked boat lane.
Rantakestilä has been the center of the Iijoki Uito fishery, and the floating buildings remain. Rantakestilä is also home to the chimney of Finland's first steam sawmill. Local municipalities have built a central hatchery in the repair hall of the floating building, which produces millions of newly hatched whitefish fry annually. Facilities are also in place for raising lamprey larvae. Address: Rantakestiläntie 14, Ii.
- Several ice fishing and fishing competitions are held in Ii. More information about the events: ii.fi/calendar as well as for example iinkalamenet association
Development of the Iijoki River, Watershed Vision 2030, Iijoki Agreement
The development of the Iijoki River aims to revive migratory fish stocks, especially salmon and sea trout, and to promote other measures that increase the value of the river. The vision integrates the goals and development trends of water management, fisheries, recreation and business.
The owner of the Raasakka hydroelectric power plant, the Pohjolan voima company PVO-Vesivoima, the municipality of Ii and the municipalities of South and North Ii have also agreed on measures as part of the Raasakka old riverbed cooperation project since 2017, which will promote the rise of salmon, trout, whitefish and lampreys in the old natural riverbed of the Iijoki River and develop recreational use of the area.
The old natural channel currently functions as a bypass route for the power plant and a flood channel. In summer, water is discharged at a rate of 3,5 cubic meters per second and in winter 1,5 (m3/s) downstream through Illinhaara. In recent summers, additional water has been voluntarily discharged by the power company to the Uiskari fishing route for fish to migrate. The measures have resulted in more salmon, trout, lampreys and other fish species migrating to the natural channel each year. The natural reproduction and wintering of salmon has also been successful in the channel due to the renovation of spawning and fry production areas and additional flow.
• Watch videos and pictures: Uiskar's fishing route from the Facebook page
• Iijoki Agreement: The aim is to increase the value of the Iijoki watershed by, among other things, restoring the natural circulation of migratory fish in the Iijoki, improving water quality through watershed and catchment area restoration, stimulating the area's business and tourism, and increasing recreational use and living comfort. Further information: micropolis.fi/projekti/iijokisimosimo