Are there fly fishing spots near Ylläs?
The magnificent fell landscape around Ylläs offers numerous excellent fly fishing spots. Fishing in Lapland’s crystal-clear waters provides unforgettable experiences for both beginners and more experienced anglers. Even within short driving distances from Ylläs center, there are diverse rivers, streams, and rapids where you can enjoy quality fishing in a naturally beautiful environment.
The rivers flowing through the Ylläs area, such as Äkäsjoki, Kukasjoki, and Ylläsjoki, offer diverse fly fishing opportunities within just 5-30 kilometers from accommodations. In these waters, you can catch grayling, trout, pike, and whitefish. The local rivers have both calm pools and rapid currents, providing suitable spots for different fishing techniques.
The fishing locations in the area are easily accessible by car, and many spots can also be reached by public transportation or by cycling from your cabin. Most riverbanks have clearly arranged parking areas and pathways, making your fishing day effortless.
What are the best fly fishing destinations in the Ylläs area?
Äkäsjoki is definitely one of the most popular fishing destinations in the Ylläs area. Located about 10-15 kilometers from Ylläs center, this river offers magnificent rapids where especially grayling and trout thrive. Äkäsjoki has many different fishing spots – going downstream from Äkäslompolo, you’ll encounter several rapids with calmer pools in between. Particularly good fishing spots include Kuervaara, Hannukainen, and Äkäsjokisuu. Fly fishing is a popular technique on Äkäsjoki, but fishing with lures and flies also works well.
Kukasjoki is a smaller but extremely charming destination about 20 kilometers south of Ylläsjärvi. The river is known for its abundant grayling population, and especially in early summer, surface fly fishing can produce excellent results. On Kukasjoki, it’s worth trying fishing in the river bends and along the edges of pools. The river flows partly through roadless terrain, offering a more peaceful fishing experience than the busier Äkäsjoki.
Ylläsjoki is located right next to Ylläsjärvi and is therefore very easily accessible regardless of where you’re staying. Although the river is smaller in size, it offers interesting fishing spots, especially in spring and early summer. Ylläsjoki has grayling, trout, and pike. The best fishing spots are at the outlet of Ylläsjärvi and the current areas in the lower reaches of the river.
Niestajoki, north of Ylläs, is a lesser-known gem with excellent fly fishing opportunities and less fishing pressure. Located about 25 kilometers from Ylläs, the river offers good opportunities for catching both grayling and trout. The upper reaches of the river have several beautiful rapid sections that are particularly suitable for fly fishing.
Are separate permits required for the fly fishing locations in the Ylläs area?
Yes, separate fishing permits are required for fishing in the rivers and rapids in the Ylläs area. The state fisheries management fee (fishing card) is mandatory for all anglers aged 18-64 and entitles you to fish with one rod and lure in most parts of Finland. However, in addition to this, you need area-specific fishing permits.
Permits for fishing in Äkäsjoki are sold online at Eräluvat.fi and locally at R-kiosks in the Ylläs area, Jounin Kauppa in Äkäslompolo, and K-market in Ylläsjärvi. Daily permits cost about 15 euros, and weekly permits 50-60 euros. Kukasjoki and Ylläsjoki have their own permits, which are similarly priced.
It’s advisable to purchase fishing permits well in advance of your fishing trip, as permits for the most popular destinations are available in limited quantities. During the summer season, especially for the most popular spots on Äkäsjoki, permits may be sold out, so advance reservations are recommended.
The fishing locations in the Ylläs area have various restrictions that should be checked when purchasing a permit. Many rapids have fishing restrictions at certain times of the year, especially during salmon and trout spawning season in autumn. Additionally, some areas have catch quotas or catch-and-release practices. Minimum size limits vary by species, and it’s particularly important to be careful with area-specific rules for trout.
When is the best time for fly fishing in the Ylläs area?
The fly fishing season in the Ylläs area typically begins in mid-May when the ice leaves the rivers. Early summer from May to mid-June is an excellent time for grayling fishing, as the water is cool and grayling are active surface feeders. This is definitely the best time for fly fishermen, when insect hatching is at its busiest and fish are eagerly feeding at the surface.
June and July are the busiest season for fishing in Ylläs. As the water warms up, grayling surface feeding may decrease during midday, but mornings and evenings are still favorable. In July, trout become particularly active, and they can be targeted with lures or large fly patterns. During warm summer days, fishing is often most productive early in the morning or late in the evening, when Lapland’s bright nights offer a magnificent fishing experience.
Autumn, August-September, is the favorite time for many local anglers. As the water cools, fish become active again, and larger trout in particular are on the move. Autumn fishing typically offers the best opportunities for catching larger fish, but certain areas may be closed during spawning season.
Weather conditions significantly affect fishing results. During spring floods and after long periods of rain, river water can be murky and fishing more challenging. On the other hand, after a long dry period, water levels may drop and fish become more passive. The ideal time is often a few days after rain, when the water is clearing but the flow is still reasonable.
Best tips for fly fishing in Ylläs
Success in fly fishing in the Ylläs area requires understanding local conditions. The first important tip is to fish actively at different times of the day. Lapland’s bright summer nights allow for fishing even at night, when many larger fish are most active. Especially during the warmest days of midsummer, night fishing can produce the best results.
The second key advice is to monitor insect hatching. In fly fishing, the importance of the right fly selection is emphasized, and observing local insects helps find an effective model. In the Ylläs area, grayling typically respond well to small, size 16-20 fly patterns in early summer, while later in summer and autumn, larger nymphs and wet flies work better.
The third insight concerns movement in the river area. Don’t stay fishing too long in the same spot if the fish aren’t biting. Lapland’s river grayling often move in schools, so it’s worth trying fishing in different locations. However, remember to approach fishing spots carefully and discreetly, as fish in clear water are extremely wary.
When vacationing in the Ylläs area, AuroraCottage cabins offer a perfect base for fishing trips. Many of our cabins are a short distance from the best fishing spots, and in the accommodation, you can peacefully dry your equipment and prepare for the next day’s fishing trip. While fishing, it’s also worth enjoying Lapland’s magnificent landscapes and relaxing in an unhurried environment.
Also remember to fish responsibly. Release undersized fish unharmed and prefer barbless hooks. This ensures that the wonderful fishing waters in the Ylläs area remain productive for future generations of anglers. Respecting nature is a key part of a successful fishing experience on Lapland’s streams and rivers.