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By Tawny Ahokas (CAN)
Photos: Tawny and Pete

For the vacation period of 4.8.-10.8, I anticipated the days to be that of
experiencing the beautiful Finnish scenery, as well as, battling with wild
fish. And when caught, these huge fish would become a campfire feast fit for
a king (or a bunch of tired fishermen). This vacation would include such
spots as Kylmäluoma, Poussunkoski, Äyskoski, Kymijoki and Turpoonjoki. It
would turn out to be a memorable experience for a new-comer to the sport of
fishing (rod and reel, fly-fishing).

Kylmäluoma was a place of crystal clear pools and lakes, eskers, peatlands
consisting of millions of cloudberries, all surrounded by old growth
forests. Somewhere past these beautiful scenes, along a bumpy trail,
our rustic cabin stood. Let me say that I am not joking when I say a rustic
cabin - The 7 km trail we travelled to get there felt like 15 km. It
included extremely rugged terrain with wildlife dancing before our 4X4
diesel van. Thank-god for 4X4's and even better for the trip would have been
a Hummer! Anyways, when we finally arrived at the cottage, the view was
splendid - A log cabin with a sauna, stairs leading to a large fire pit and
down to the pier on the water. There a boat waited for us in its shelter.

My first fish using the fly rod

However, for the time being the boat had to wait. We had decided to
expand our explorations to that of Poussunkoski and start there our awaited
fishing vacation. So, once again we headed down the naturistic trail with
the van and continued to drive for approximately 35 kms. Along the way
everyone had their faces pressed up along the windows in anticipation of
what will be in store for us when we reach the river and at the end of the
evening. Would there be some large trouts for us to roast on the fire that
night? These thoughts were then put on hold as we arrived at our destination
of Poussunkoski.

Hour after hour we cast using lures and flies. However, where were those
monsters, all we managed to hook was a bunch of finger-sized trouts and
small perches! I was starting to feel as things were hopeless, when their
was a larger tug on the line...something bigger!! Well, it was no monster -
only an 800 gram rainbow trout - But, it was my first official catch using
the fly rod! Now things were looking a little better. As time went on, our
group continued to catch only the undersized trouts, perches and whitefish.
Our total keepers for the entire day of fishing were a couple of trouts
and a pike - Anyways, it still provided us with our campfire snack in the
early morning. A few hours later we left the cabin. A couple of us
headed to Hossanjoki where the fish were bound to be bigger and better.

Where were those keepers?

As we approached Hossanjoki, my spirits lifted as once again the scenery was
amazing. Unfortunately, we were not sure that the weather would permit.
There was some thunder, light rain and a moderate wind blowing, however, we
would not let this stop us! Out on the river, we cast and reeled and cast
with the fly. The only encouragement we got was from a family of ducks
swimming by enjoying the raindrops. It was the same old story - small,
undersized fish. Then it started to rain heavily, so the two of us were
forced to seek shelter in a small shack on an island. Where were those
keepers? Well, we would never know because after the rain let up a bit, we
had some lunch (fishless soup) and hit the road to the next spot -
Kyminjoki.

Hard day of fishing at Hossanjoki.
Unfortunately no fish!

Along the way we decided that we would check out Äyskoski (Lohimaa) - what a
place!! The huge trouts coming out of that river were a sight for my eyes.
These were the fish that we had been dreaming of the past couple days...And
not to mention the "loser pond" (=If you don't catch anything, you had a
chance to fish in a pond that was a sure thing). WOW! Never before had I
seen so many huge trouts in such a small pond. All I could think of was:
"What would happen if I accidently dropped my fly in this pond of hundreds
of huge, hungry trouts?" And at that same moment, one of the monsters jumped
at my bootlace. Now I was pumped and ready to fish! Unfortunately, the
price of this particular spot is 250 FIM per day, so all we could do was to
keep this place in mind for the next time...

So, onto Kymijoki

We arrived at Kotka at approximately 23:30 and headed straight to the
hydro-plant where a 250 meter deck lined the river. As we approached the
deck, we noticed a 12 kg salmon hanging from a hook, blood still draining
(The record book had shown the the salmon was caught just about 5 minutes
before we got there). Well, we stayed there for a while to watch. About
one hour later a 10 kg salmon was snagged...Maybe tomorrow morning would be
our chance for a "big one"!

A flyfisherman pulls in his
12,5kg salmon at river Kymi.

First thing the next morning the two of us rented a boat. We trolled up and
down the river all afternoon. Twice that day we saw huge salmons being
caught (approx. 10 kg and 12 kg), but we still did not catch anything. Time
and time again large salmons would jump near our boat as they headed
downstream. It seemed as if they were teasing us as they went by. Well,
needless to say, I learned that day that catching a good size fish was not
that easy. It takes extreme amounts of patience - no catches meant the
gaining of valuable experience! Anyways, Kymijoki really does offer a
fishing paradise. I look forward to returning there one day soon.

Our last spot, as well as, as last hope to get something before vacation
ended, was that of Turpoonjoki. This place was quaint and more relaxing for
fly-fishing adventures. The first thing I saw, when getting the license, was
a wonderful open, log restaurant/pub overlooking a trout filled pond.
The smell of smoked trout filled the air from the huge ovens smoking the
fish (upon request). It was really a nice idea after a long day to sit on the deck and eat some freshly smoked trout, while washing it down with a
cool beer. However, that would have to wait, I had some fish to catch.

The river running through the facilities was small, but prosperous. The
water was just stalked with hundreds of kgs of trouts a week earlier...And
guess what? - I finally managed to snag a couple of larger rainbow trouts
(1.3 kgs and 1.6 kgs) - What a feeling!!! Now I truly experienced the
"running" of the trout. I would almost get the fish in and then it was gone
again, until finally, they were too tired to fight anymore. Well, we did
have that smoked trout and beer and it was heaven!!

Taking a break.

Well, even though it took 5 days to catch a fair size fish, I had a great
week. I really realized what the guys are talking about whenever they are
sitting around talking fish stories. I also learned that fishing is not
only about catching the "big ones". But about that of becoming one with nature, as
well as, to be challenged and relaxed at the same time - If you happen to
catch some gooders that is an added bonus!! So, who only knows what my next
fishing adventure will bring, but I look forward to it!!