The Kemijoki is Finland's longest river and one of Lapland's great natural treasures. It rises in the fells of Lapland and runs 550 kilometres through wilderness landscape before emptying into the Bothnian Sea off Kemi. Its catchment covers roughly 51,000 square kilometres — this is water with volume, force, and story. When you lower a rod into it here, you aren't simply fishing. You're joining a long chain of anglers who have stood on these same banks, generation after generation.

Home of northern myth and legend

Throughout its history, the Kemijoki has been the lifeblood of northern communities. Its rich fish stocks have fed Lappish families for centuries, and a living relationship with the water and its gifts persists along its banks to this day. The golden age of timber floating, old tales of water-spirits, sacred fishing grounds — all of it is present when you stand on the Kemijoki's shore and watch the current run.

Today, the Kemijoki offers a first-class fishing environment, where nature, history, and genuine experience meet in a way rarely found elsewhere in Finland — or anywhere in Europe.

What fish live in the Kemijoki watershed?

The Kemijoki watershed is a richly varied whole: broad river pools, fast water, tributaries, and nearby lakes each offer their own ideal conditions for different styles and target species.

Northern pike — favours the edges of shallows, the shelter of sunken timber, and the thresholds of deeper channels. After the spring spawn, the big females move to their summer territories, hunting actively through the whole open-water season.

Grayling — seeks out oxygen-rich fast water and demands precision and sensitivity from the angler. The Kemijoki's tributaries and rapids are the grayling's natural home — here it is entirely in its element, and the angler at their best.

Perch, pikeperch, burbot, and pike round out the range of catchable species. The Kemijoki's different stretches offer variety and surprise across the whole fishing season.

Kemijärvi — the heart of the Kemijoki watershed, where lake and river meet. Broad open water and countless bays make it an outstanding ground for both pike and pikeperch trips.

Salla — a calm, untouched wilderness municipality where you fish close to the Russian border, on water in a fully natural state. Salla's rivers are a paradise for grayling.

Savukoski — the largest and oldest fishing water on the Kemijoki's upper reaches. Here the river is still young, fast-flowing, and full of energy — and fish.

Pelkosenniemi — an area beside Pyhätunturi fell, where the fell landscape mirrors itself in clear water. Natural beauty and fine fishing combine perfectly.

The Kemijoki watershed offers something all year round. In open-water season you travel by boat to the best grounds; in winter, ice-fishing opens the door to its own quiet, meditative world of fishing. Our guide knows where the fish move in every season — your only job is to show up.
Want to know more about target species or trip options? Explore our pike and grayling trips, or get in touch directly — we'll tailor a trip made for you.