Fishing Trips and Cottage Accommodation on Lake Saimaa - June 2012 - 2019

Pike + 6 kg caught in the beginning of June 2019.

We welcomed a fisherman group of five persons from Latvia to our cottage on 5^th of June 2019 for a 8-day fishing holiday. The beginning of their holiday was very hot and they decited to do most of their fishing early morning and late evening. In this part of the year we do have daylight for over 20 hours a day, which do make night fishing on boat safe and effective. Warm and hot air as well a wind from south to west makes fishes bite well. Cold north wind makes fishes passive.

In the beginning of June we had hot period from 3rd to 9th day. Next we had colder period from 10th to 15 th day. once again hot weather starting from 16th day over the midsummer fest.

Their fishing results were good, They had a lot of action with pikes when using softbaits, biggest one weighted 6 kg`s and was caught by jerk bait fishing method.

Evening fishing 15th June 2019.

In the end of 2 nd week of June 2019 we welcomed a fisherman group of 2 older gentelemen  from Moscow in to our fishing cottage. In the first day of their fishing holiday we had a guided fishing trip together. We caught perches and pikes by softbait spinning in deeper water area of 6 to 10 meter deep. These gentelemen were not so interrested in trolling or deep water fishing and they decited to do fishing by spinning and coarse fishing in shallow water near shorelines during their holiday.

 They caught good daily numbers of pikes and roach related fishes in shallow water of less than 3 meter deep. The most memorable moment for them was a simultaneus catch of 2 pikes in our cottage pond. Finally there was 2 pikes in same landing net and third coming right after this picture below was taken. As you can see, shallow water fishing can offer plenty of action when you find correct place and time for catching.

These older gents were also great cook`s. They offered me the greatest 3 coarse meal I have ever tasted in our cottage. We did also have a long converstion of their lives and careers starting from  Soviet years to  former Russian Federation years and retirement. Thank you for sharing this part of your life experience with me.

As usual, midsummer started actual zander season in our location. Zander prefers warm water and start eating well when their spawning season is over. I was having a long week-end vacation in our cottage durig midsummer and did some trolling and soft bait spinning for zander. Evening time, from couple of hours before sunset to dark was the best for catching. Sun light warmed the water and zanders were active evening time. Water surface temperature and wind direction are also important for summer time zander fishing. Water surface temperature reached + 18 degrees and we had wind from east to west. Long term wind from North West to North East do bring cold air to our area and makes fish passive.

Average size for zander caught in our area is varying from 40 to 60 cm. Minimum landing lenght is 45 cm and recommended daily fish quota is 2 zanders / 1 fisherman / 1 day.

Guided fishing trip for catching zander in June 2012

Softbait spinning for zander in 28 June 2012. This zander was released after photo shoot.

During the last week of June 2012 I worked as a guide for two Finnish fishermen. We did softbait spinning in a semi-sunny and warm weather. Afternoon and early evening were the best times for catching zanders which we were looking for. One of our visitors caught his biggest ever zander during this event.

Zander +50 cm which our visitors prepared for a tasty meal.

Hooking and cooking on Lake Saimaa!

 

Fish soup for 4 - 5 persons

• 1 kg fish
• 1 liter water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 onion
• 10 allspice (whole)
• dill stems
• 1/2 leek
• 4 large potatoes
• 4 decilitre milk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• dill and chives

Clean and fillet the fish. Boil the bones with coarsely chopped onion and spices. Cook for about 20 minutes. Strain the liquid into another saucepan. When the liquid comes to the boil, add the leek cut into rings and the peeled, diced potatoes. Cook for about 15 minutes. Cut the fish into chunks and add to the soup. Cook for another five minutes. Mix the flour with milk and add to the soup. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes. Sprinkle plenty of chopped dill and chives on top of the soup.

 Memorable midsummer fishing in 2014

 

  Midsummer is the period of time centered upon the summer solstice, and more specifically the northern European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice or take place on a day between June 19 and June 25 and the preceding evening. The exact dates vary between different cultures.

 

Lighting bonfires and bathing in saunas are two of the most typical traditions in Midsummer celebrations. Barbecuing, fishing and boating have later become standard Midsummer pastimes while enjoying cottage life. In the olden days, Midsummer spells were cast, many of which had to do with hopes of increasing fertility and finding a future spouse. Midsummer was also a popular time for weddings.

Evening fishing 23 June 2014

An important feature of the midsummer in Finland is the white night and the midnight sun. Because of Finland's location around the Arctic Circle the nights near the midsummer day are short or non-existent. This gives a great contrast to the darkness of the winter time. The temperature can vary between 0 °C and +30 °C, with an average of about 20 °C in the South.

Catching a crocodile during Midsummer 2014

 

During midsummer 2014 I did spinning with soft baits and Rapala minnow spoons in shallow water areas near our cottage. The weather was beautiful and warm, perfect for recreational fishing. We caught this big pike from a water area of 2 to 2,5 meters deep. The fish hit our lure from the offshore side of the lake. Usually pikes are caught from the shoreline, where they are hiding among plants or looking for cover from stones or sunken logs. It is also a good idea to do spinning in deeper water areas that have underwater humps, pools or banks to catch bigger pikes in summertime.

Great catch for Anatoly during midsummer 2014

Catching pikes by using dead baitfish as bait in bubble and hook fishing  in 2015

We started June 2015 by angling of pikes. First we caught a small baitfish, which we used as a bait for pike angling. The end of May and beginning of June are good for catching pikes of 1 to 3 kg right along our shallow cottage shoreline. Pikes of this size contain only low levels of mercury and they are the most suitable size for cooking. Making a rig for pike angling is a simple task. Attach a swivel to a leader line of 50 – 60 cm long. Thread a big fishing float in to the line and attach one single or triple hook to the another end of the line. It is not necessary to use any line weight in this rig.

Pike, 2.9 kg caught in Cottage Jokiniemi June 2 nd 2015.

Smoked pike is a very tasty meal. For smoking we use a gas burner, which makes controlling the smoking process easy for everyone. You get a good aroma of wood as well as a juicy and moist texture to your smoked fish with this equipment.

Smoking fish in Cottage Jokiniemi.

 If you have never smoked fish, here's a quick guide for smoking pike, zander and big perch: 

Place the scaled and gutted fish onto a bed of coarse sea salt for a couple of hours. Sprinkle salt generously on the skin of the fish and also apply some on the inside. Place some alder wood chips or sawdust on the bottom of the fish smoker such that it is almost covered. Shake the excess salt from the fish and place them onto the grill. Close the smoker lid, light the fire and smoke on a highest flame for about 20 – 30 minutes and another 20 – 30 minutes on a lowish flame. The fish is ready when its skin is nicely golden-brown and the scales come off easily when you pull them with your fingers.

Hot and sunny summedays of June are perfect for catching big perches on Lake Saimaa. Bite can be wild when you find a flock of perches eating smaller fishes. Perch + 500 gramms caught 22 June 2015.

Bread Crumbs-Coated Fried Perch

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon whitepepper
•  1/4 teaspoon dried garlic
• 1 pound / 500 grammes lake perch fillets
• Vegetable oil

In a shallow bowl, beat eggs and milk. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic, salt, and whitepepper. Dip the perch in egg mixture, then coat with crumbs. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry fish for several minutes on each side or until it flakes easily with a fork

Tip from our fishing guide and company owner Mr. Jari Kayhko:

 I have been fishing for over 30 years on these waters and I have learned that the period from the beginning of June to Midsummer (which will be on June 25th in 2016) is very good for big pike fishing near our fishing cottage. This is due to the coldness of the waters and the end of spawning period, which makes big pikes hungry and ready for catching. There are also plenty of smaller pikes hunting in shallow water, which makes fishing very active with lots of biting and actual catches.

Fishing Reports of June 2016

 The first week of June was exceptionally hot and summery this year, and it brought us a group of five fishermen from Latvia.

 They had fantastic weather conditions to fish for pikes and perches by spinning and trolling on Lake Saimaa, as well as to go fly-fishing for brown trout on the rapids in Heinävesi.

Pikes were particularly eager to bite in the evening time, making it easy for our guests to cook delicious pike dishes at our cottage.

 All aboard. Riga-Tallinn-Helsinki, plus 5 hours drive to The Fishing Cottage Jokiniemi. Everything is clear - thanks Jari for detailed instructions. Our group had an opportunity to fish local Lake Saimaa and also went for fly-fishing trout in near-by area streams. Each evening we had a gourmet fishing meals accompanied with a splash of wine (vodka, whisky, etc.). Accommodation environment positively surprised us- there was much MORE than we expected from "country cabin". Using 2 boats was smart idea- we split into 2 groups and had twice more opportunities to learn waters. It paid back. Each day there were 10-12 good size pikes cached and same amount released. Two nice pikes were lost because one broke our landing net and another broke brided cord ( we estimated size of pikes in 8-10kg each). During evening gatherings Jari was giving us valuable advice, in exchange - we share own observations and established plan for next day challenge. Even weather conditions were difficult (too hot) we managed get fish each day, enjoy calm nature and comfort of accommodation.
 
Ervīns, on a behalf of Northproject team (Latvia)

Second Week of June:

The second week of June was very cold and rainy this year due long term north wind. It brought us another group of fishermen from Latvia.Unfortunately they did not sent me report or pictures of their holiday catches to be published.


Third week of June:

In June 2016 we welcomed a family of four from St. Petersburg. The father, mother and their 2 daughters used our boats to catch pikes and perches in near by waters of our fishing cottage on Lake Saimaa.

Family did mainly trolling for pikes and bubble and hook angling for perches, breams and roaches. Biggest perch was caught by daughter of the family and it weighted over 500 grams.

Fishing Trips and Cottage Accommodation on Lake Saimaa - May 2015

In the beginning of May we started our open water season by soft bait spinning for pikes and perches. Because the water is still cold (less than 6 degrees Celsius), fishing can be challenging. The fish are interested in baits that imitate natural bait fish such as vendace (European cisco), perch, bream or roach. Shock colors are also working well in the beginning of season.

Softbait Spinning for pike`s on Lake Saimaa, May 2015. Pike + 3 kg`s.

Our rental cottage is located by a shallow pond (max 2,5 meters deep), which is connected with a 50-meter waterway to Lake Saimaa. This area of shallow water gets warmer earlier than the deeper areas of Lake Saimaa. Thanks to this we can catch roach-related fishes, perches and pikes from the shoreline of our cottage already from the very beginning of May. The best season for spring time angling is from mid-May to mid-June.

Sunny weather and high pressure have positive effect on fishing. In the end of May, early mornings and late evenings are very good times for catching fish.

Rudd catched fron Cottage Jokiniemi in the end of May 2015. We were also able to catch Ides up to 2 kg`s.

We also use natural baits for bubble and hook angling. First we catch small fish for bait and then we use them for angling of pikes and perches. Naturally we kill the bait fish before using them as bait. This way we can catch pikes that weigh from 1 to 5 kg and perches up to 500–600 grams.

Perch catched by softbait spinning from deeper areas of Lake Saimaa in May 2015

Cottage Jokiniemi is a very good place for fishing and it is easy to catch fish for dinner daily. This is why we release the fish we are not going to use for food. In our cottage we have all you need for smoking, frying and cooking delicious fish dinners. If you want, we can also teach you how to bone the fish you catch.

Walley catched by softbait spinning in the end of May 2015. Zander + 50 cm.

Tip from our fishing guide and company owner Mr. Jari Kayhko: 

Water areas near our fishing cottage are free from ice usually around the 1st of May. The waters right in front of our cottage are only max. 2,5 metres deep. This means that the waters warm up quite fast in spring, which attracts small fish to do their eating and spawning there in May, which in its turn attracts bigger carnivorous fish to turn up and eat the small fish. The most effective methods for catching fish in the beginning of May are spinning, worm angling and fresh bait angling.

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St. Olaf's Castle and Savonlinna Opera Festival on Lake Saimaa

Olavinlinna , St. Olaf's Castle is a 15th-century three-tower castle located in Savonlinna, Finland. It is the northernmost medieval stone fortress still standing. The fortress was founded by Erik Axelsson Tott in 1475 under the name Sankt Olofsborg in an effort to profit from the political turmoil following Ivan III's conquest of the Novgorod Republic. It was sited in Savonia so as to lay claim to the Russian side of the border established by the Treaty of Nöteborg.

One of Tott's letters from 1477 includes a passing mention of foreign builders invited to Olofsborg, probably from Reval, where the city fortifications were being extended. It was the first Swedish castle provided with a set of thickset circular towers that could withstand cannon fire. It is not by accident that a network of lakes and waterways forms the setting for the castle, for these would seriously impede a prospective Russian offensive.

 Olofsborg withstood several sieges by the Russians during the First and Second Russian-Swedish wars. A brisk trade developed under the umbrella of the castle towards the end of the 16th century, giving birth to the town of Savonlinna, which was chartered in 1639.

On 28 July 1714, the garrison capitulated to the invading Russians, and it took them only two days to take the castle in 1743, in the events leading up to the Treaty of Åbo which awarded the entire region to Empress Elizabeth of Russia.

 Currently, the castle hosts several small exhibitions, including the Castle Museum which displays artifacts found in the castle or related to it, and the Orthodox Museum which displays icons and other religious artifacts both from Finland and Russia. The castle forms a spectacular stage for the Savonlinna Opera Festival, held annually in the summer since 1912.

Savonlinna Opera Festival 3.7-2.8.2015

Distance from Cottage Jokiniemi 60 km`s

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Fly Fishing on Lake Saimaa - Kerma Rapids

Kerma Rapids are one of the most challenging fly fishing destinations in Eastern Finland for seasoned fishermen. Fishing season: 1 st of May-10 th of September and 16 th of March - 30 th of April.

The Kerma rapids are a versatile site for fly-fishing. One will find evenly flowing currents, peripheries, gurgling white waters and backs of rocks; something to suite the taste of every fisherman. There are plenty of places to catch fish in a multitude of ways. In addition to our most common species of fish, brown trout, Saimaa salmon, whitefish and grayling dwell in the waters. The fauna of the lake is cared for merely by restocking it with the fry of brown trout and Saimaa salmon, an action that supports natural reproduction. Because of this there is a great deal of young fish in the area who, when caught, should be carefully handled. In order to ensure future fishing and a fish population, non-barbed hooks are recommended.

 The Kerma white water fishing area can be divided into three parts. Beginning from the Kerma locks it breaks up into three separate currents: the Saunavirta current, leading to the main rapids, the Haapakoski rapids and the Kissakoski rapids. Today, Haapakoski and Kissakoski are protectorates for the offspring of fish. Saunavirta, on the other hand, is a popular offshore fishing site, although it has a few excellent fishing sites on shore. Excluding the small rapids area, the water is rather deep and easily navigable by rowing-boat. Wading in Saunavirta is difficult due to the deep and rocky shoreline. The banks toward the main village are private property, whereby landing on them is forbidden. It is a good idea to fish in the vicinity of large rocks and old timber floating equipment, in the main currents and the peripheries of the lower part of the rapids.

 The current doesn’t really slow down between Kermankoski rapids and Saunavirta, prior to its turning ninety degrees left and surging into the rapids. Just before the nape of the rapids the current breaks up into two separate channels, which differ greatly in character. The rapids can be characterised as extremely fast-flowing, whereby particular caution is to be exercised while wading and rowing in them. The fishing sites in the rapids are easy to spot but the strong current, clear water and abundance of insects provide additional challenges. Both the nape of the rapids as well as the final flow are very popular places to fish.

 Vihonvuonne, close to a kilometre downstream of the main rapids, is the last of the rapids. Vihonvuonne boasts two napes, past of which the first the current is still rather calm and the course deep. After the second the current is particularly fast-flowing and rocky. There is an islet, which divides the current in two, in the middle of both napes. Due to these islets a turbulent and deep current where, from time to time, real whoppers dwell, runs both between the napes and in the final flow. The fishing sites of this area are also relatively easy to come by. Wading in Vihonvuonne is moderately easy downstream of the lower nape, despite the relatively rocky bottom. The area is also suitable for fishing from a boat, right through to the lower nape. In addition to this the lower parts of the final flow are easily navigable by rowing-boat.

Distance from Fishing Cottage Jokiniemi, 40 km`s.

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Raikuu Canal – a Hidden Treasure of Lake Saimaa

 

 Raikuu canal is one of the canals, that was made by local people more or less in the middle of the 1700 -century. Later by general Suvorov's order canal was expended about 200 years ago. Suvorov was responsible of border between Sweden ja Russia of those days. Suvorov wanted to ensure the service lines from Olavinlinna (in the city of Savonlinna) to Lappeenranta, where was the fortress of Lappeenranta.

 In the second world war canal was part of the huge fortress called Salpalinja or Salpa Line. Salpa Line was built between the Winter War and Continuation War to defend Finland against Soviet Union. Line was totally 1200 km long.

Nowadays canal is not an official boat route, but it is legal to go trough by one's own risk. Canal is very shallow and narrow. Smallest depth is 80 cm and most narrow point is 3,5 m. That means, that only small motorboats, jet skis, canoes and rowing boats can go trough.

If the water level in the canal is high enough, we can arrange guided boat trips to Raikuu. If you are interested, please feel free to ask!

Salpa Line Charter

Company Old School Trolling organizes a boat charter to the beautiful Raikuu Canal and the unique WWII-era defence line called Salpalinja (Salpa Line), incl. outdoors picnic by campfire. Whole duration of trip 4-5 hours. Complete route lenght 60 km / traveltime 1,5 hours. For groups of max. 6 persons.

Location: Savonranta

Guide: Jari Kauehkoe (Jari Käyhkö)

Contact: jari@oldschooltrolling.fi or +358400523819

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Fishing Guide of Old School Trolling, Jari Käyhkö boating on Raikuu Canal

The Salpa Line structures in Raikuu

A trench of Raikuu Salpaline area

Stone wall build during WW2

The Salpa Line (Finnish: “Salpalinja”, literal translation “Bolt-line”) is a unique and historically significant, 1200 km long bunker line on the eastern border of Finland. It was built during the World War II to defend Finland against a possible Soviet invasion.

Anti-tank bunker in Raikuu Salpaline area

Parts of this defence line can be seen at the Raikuu canal area in Kerimäki. You can follow a nature trail and visit three genuine bunkers, see anti-tank barriers and marvel at quite monumental stone walls.

The stone walls at Raikuu are unique among all the Salpa Line structures. They run continuously for about 1,5 km right along the canal, several metres tall and thick. Together the walls, the canal and the surrounding thick green forests create an outstanding scenery.

Tank trap in Raikuu Salpa Line area

Have a memorable day on Lake Saimaa wit Old School Trolling

Picnic by Campfire on Lake Saimaa

Fried Vendace of Lake Saimaa is a local speciality

If you want to go fishing or have something to ask, pick up the phone and call. We can help you turn your holiday or corporate event into a genuine Lake Saimaa fishing and outdoor experience!

Fishing Seasons and Tips for Fishing on Lake Saimaa

 

 

Winter time is for Active and Tip-up Ice Fishing

Ice cover usually forms in mid-December on Lake Saimaa, but the best ice fishing time starts from the beginning of January or so. The early ice is very good for ice fishing of pike. The ice fishing season of rainbow trout starts from the beginning of January and ends in April. We use both active ice fishing and tip-up ice fishing methods for both pike and rainbow trout. From mid-January to mid-February we do ice fishing for burbot. From mid-March to mid-April it is the best season for ice fishing of perch, roach and bream near our fishing cottage.

Big Pike Fishing for Early Summer

I have been fishing for over 30 years on these waters and I have learned that the period from the beginning of June to Midsummer (which will be on June 25th in 2016) is very good for big pike fishing near our fishing cottage. This is due to the coldness of the waters and the end of spawning period, which makes big pikes hungry and ready for catching. There are also plenty of smaller pikes hunting in shallow water, which makes fishing very active with lots of biting and actual catches.

Zander Fishing and Bright Nights of Midsummer

The last week of June and the first two weeks of July are good for catching zander near our fishing cottage. After mid-July zanders will start to move towards the streaming water areas in the distance of 5 - 6 km from our cottage and also to the big lakes of the Great Saimaa lake system, such as Paasselka, Orivesi, Savonselka and so on. Big pikes do the same and both zanders and pikes will be more often caught from the deeper areas or bank slopes of the big lakes of Saimaa in the daytime.

Sunny Summer Days & Warm Nights on Lake Saimaa

In Finland July and August are the best months for fishing on Lake Saimaa due to warm waters and often very warm or even hot weathers. There are plenty of fish about and you can fish around the clock if you wish, thanks to our light summer nights. Big perches normally move to the shallow waters in mid-July and they can be caught there in the daytime during a period of a couple of weeks. If you do late evening / early morning or night time fishing near our cottage, you will be able to catch zanders and pikes from the shallow waters as well. The best season for night-time fishing on Lake Saimaa continues from Midsummer until the end of August.

 Fall Colours and Perch Flocks in September and October

The weather is still warm in late August and early September, making it great for picking berries and mushrooms near our cottage as well as fishing for perch and pike. The beginning of the season of fall colours, from mid-September to the beginning of October, is excellent for catching big pikes close to our fishing cottage. The season of fall colours will last until mid-October. From the beginning of October bigger perches start forming flocks in the deeper water areas of Lake Saimaa. Bigger pikes are also moving to deeper water areas to hunt vendace, which have their spawning season from mid-October to mid-November.

Read more about Fishing on Lake Saimaa: Here!