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.

Read more about us in our website!

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

Read More! 

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.

Click here to read more

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

Are you looking for cottage accommodation in Lake Saimaa?
Click Here

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!

Ice Fishing Holidays in Finland, Lake Saimaa Area

Welcome to have winter fun at Lake Saimaa, Finland! We are offering you a holiday in our well-equipped cottage in the best season of winter for recreation and ice fishing, as well as fishing with our professional fishing guide and company owner Jari Kayhko. The cottage is located right next to a lake and offers very easy access to do fishing, skiing or snowmobiling on the ice.

   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.

 

Ice Fishing Holiday on Lake Saimaa

Our cosy and comfortable Fishing Cottage Jokiniemi is best suited and especially equipped for groups of sports fishermen of 4 to 6 people. The pond just 30 metres from the cottage is good for independent ice fishing of pike, perch, bream and roach. The actual Lake Saimaa area starts from a distance of 100 metres from the cottage. This area is excellent for ice fishing of zander, pike, perch, burbot, roach and bream.

  

Fun and easy rainbow trout fishing trip

We arrange rainbow trout fishing trips at a privately owned lake area, which is located 35 km from the Fishing Cottage Jokiniemi. There is a small shelter, fireplace and toilet at the area for your use. The distance from the parking place to the shelter is 100 metres and to the ice is only 30 metres. Excellent place for fishing with children.

Available: December – April

 

We do use both tip-up and active angling

 You can use three fishing rods at same time in this place, so we will use one rod for active ice fishing and two sets of tip-ups. We will use small spoons, balanced jigs, leeches and ice fishing jigs for active ice fishing and for the tip-ups we'll use fish eggs as bait.

The rainbow trout in the lake are between 1 and 3 kg in size. You can catch and keep 3 trout / day / one license.

Catch Rainbow trouts with Old School Trolling

Your fishing guide Jari Kayhko will teach you the best spots and tricks, and he will actively assist you with fishing rainbow trout. The price includes the necessary licenses and the use of fishing gear. Also available tasty picnic by campfire for extra charge..

 

A hut for picnic break

Rainbow catched by active icefishing

More information: Winter Fishing on Lake Saimaa
 

Rainbow catched by Tip-up angling

Training day for a softbait spinning course on Lake Saimaa – June 2014

A group of Finnish fishermen had asked me to organize a jigging course for them in early June in Savonranta. It is always important for me to train for these courses and fishing trips in advance, to really go out there to the actual fishing waters and make sure I know where the fish will be. Luckily, the spring weather prior to this particular course was very warm, so I could go and train fishing in perfect conditions for many days in a row. The warm weather also makes the fish more eager to bite.

The day before the course I went training again. The beginning of the session was difficult. I was in an area of deep water and despite of promising signals from the sonar and active trying, I spent two hours catching nothing..... at least weather was very beautiful and hot.....

Fishing Guide Jari Kayhko

My first fish of the day was a two-kilogram pike, which I released to grow bigger and fatter. Once I had pinpointed where the pikes are, I changed my strategy and depth of water to start looking for perches.

 I tried different places and looked for the right colours, swimming patterns and weights of the lures. Finding exactly the right colour proved a great success, enabling me to pull up a nice perch of 200 to 900 grams with almost every single cast. Now that I had the perches figured out, I sent my clients an SMS telling everything was ready for the course the next day.

 My training session continued with targeting zanders, with a speed of 6 to 10 km/h. Being early evening and still very sunny didn’t exactly make it easier to spot the fish, but with the help of the sonar and my prior experience I managed to pinpoint zanders. They were playing hard to get, but eventually I managed to catch one, although I released it after just taking a photo of it. At the end of the day I only kept about two kilos of perches for cooking.

After six hours of training I finally had the right fishing spots and equipment figured out for the next day. I headed back to the cottage to fillet the perches and to recharge my mental and physical batteries by having a relaxing sauna. Here’s a tip: when I fillet perches, I also keep the nice meaty bits of the back, and either fry or grill them. The meat can easily be separated from the backbone by simply sucking, or by using knife and fork. 

Read more about us - Click Here!

Old School Trolling Softbait Spinning Courses on Lake Saimaa

 A fisherman needs knowledge of how weather affects the behaviour and the hot spots of the target fish in his fishing area. You have to work actively to locate the fish as well as to choose the right lure for the day and the correct way to swim your bait. The most common fish caught on Lake Saimaa are perch, zander (walleye) and pike.

 Step 1
- Use your areal knowledge and experience with the weather conditions when you select your fishing area.

 Step 2
- Use a sonar to find and locate the fish before you start fishing.

 Step 3
 - Start pinpointing the right color, model, weight and size of the soft bait lure by actively trying out different lures until you get contact with the fish.

 Step 4
- Try different swimming variations by reeling and using the rod to find out the right speed and swimming pattern the fish respond to.

 Step 5
- The more you fish the more you gain experience of which parts of the day and which lighting conditions are best for fishing.