Fishing

Fishy and clean waters are addictive. Around 1000 fishing permits are redeemed annually in the lower part of Iijoki, in the recreational fishing areas of Raasaka power plant and Illi.

Iijoki, Olhavanjoki and Kuivajoki cross Ii municipality, which were the most important waterways of the Pärämere in the past. There are more than 50 kilometers of coastline in Ii. Almost all fish species found in Finland are prey fish. Iijoki and its surrounding areas are also one of Finland's most important lamprey areas.

 

Fishing spots in Ii

Fishing permits, fishing municipalities, areas and sales points in Ii: kalaaiista.fi

The area above the Raasaka power plant is Iijoki's most popular year-round recreational fishing destination. In summer, the area is stocked with large numbers of catch-sized rainbow trout. Pike, pike, perch and occasional trout are also caught from Iijo. In the area intended for lure fishing, fishing is only allowed with the permission of the fishing municipalities. A permit is also required for angling and ice fishing. Fishing competitions are often organized in the upper basin. The area below the power plant is a popular trout fishing area. Address: Virkkulantie 254, Ii ​​(dam bridge)

Rantakestilä has good opportunities for summer and winter fishing. You don't need a fishing license for angling. The area has a campfire site (bring your own wood), a boat launch, a boat fueling point and a toilet emptying point. Rantakestila can be reached from the sea along the marked boat channel. The pipe of Finland's first steam saw is located in Rantakestilä and the fishing municipalities' central hatchery, which produces newly hatched whitefish chicks and lamprey larvae for planting. Address: Rantakestiläntie 14, Ii

  • In the winter, several ice skating competitions are organized in Ii, and in June the popular Ii fish and farmer's market. More information about the events: ii.fi/calendar

Development of the Iijoki River, Watershed Vision 2030, Iijoki Agreement

The development of Iijoki aims to revive migratory fish stocks, especially salmon and sea trout, and to promote measures that increase the value of the river. The goals and development directions of water treatment, fisheries, recreational use and business life have been coordinated in the vision.

The owner of the Raasaka hydropower plant, Pohjola voima's company PVO-Vesivoima, Ii municipality and the South and North Ii divisions have also agreed on measures to promote the ascent of salmon, trout, whitefish and lampreys to the old natural bed of the Ii River and to develop recreational use of the area. A total of 450 euros has been set aside for the measures for five years, of which Ii municipality's share is 000 euros.

The old natural bed currently functions as a bypass route and a flood bed for the power plant. In summer, 3,5 cubic meters of water per second and in winter 1,5 (m3/s) are flown downstream via Illinhaara. During the past summer, the power company has voluntarily supplied additional water of 2–4 m3/s to Uiskari's kalatie for the rise of fish. During last summer's monitoring, it was found that the lamprey's rise to the old bed was successful with increasing the flow.

  • See videos and pictures: Uiskar's fishing route from the Facebook page
  • The Iijoki Agreement 2019-2023: The goal is to increase the value of the Iijoki water body, e.g. by restoring the natural cycle of migratory fish to the Iijoke, improve water quality by renovating water bodies and catchment areas, stimulate the area's business life and tourism, and increase recreational use and living comfort. More information about the project: micropolis.fi/projekti/iijoki-sopimus-2019-2023/