Linnanvirta is also a fishing spot steeped in the tradition of sport fishing. The historical milieu of the river includes castle ruins, a channel known as ‘Tervakanava’ — ‘Tar lock’ once used by peasant farmers transporting tar barrels to the sea coast — and several memorials, while the area also houses hydro-electric power plants.
Located at the heart of the city, Linnanvirta, flowing on both sides of the castle ruins, attracts anglers all year round. Linnansaari Island, housing the castle ruins, the riverside parks and the old tar pier Tervalaituri provide ease of movement and guarantee the availability of good-size trout, grayling and whitefish within casting range. A pier has been constructed at the prime fishing spot, the riverside park, allowing wheelchair access and providing a safe fishing location for everyone, including children. Linnanvirta, the section of the river located between two hydro-electric plants, is approximately half a kilometre in length and 40 to 100 metres in width. In the middle of the river lies Linnansaari, an island housing the castle ruins. Linnanvirta can be fished from both banks, and from the banks of Linnansaari Island.
Linnanvirta provides scant opportunities for wading; however, the banks, devoid of trees and shrub in many places, make for easy casting for fly fishers. For the Kajaaninjoki, lure anglers are recommend to pack a rod with a long casting range. In June and July, the Kajaani fly fishing club runs a café in Lussitupa, a building of local historic interest beside the Tervakanava lock.
FISH STOCK AND STOCK MANAGEMENT
The Kajaaninjoki can boast a long tradition of sport fishing. The current fishing arrangements, however, are unashamedly modern. Linnanvirta offers large trout and good-size grayling through frquent stocking of salmonoids. The licence carries no fee, however, as the cost of stocking is covered by donations obtained from businesses operating in Kajaani. Both locals and tourists are thus presented with an opportunity to engage in an activity which is urban yet close to nature. Fishing management also involves an obligation on the part of anglers to obtain a licence and read and understand the fishing regulations. Raised minimum lengths, bag limits and other similar measures enhance natural fish reproduction, and also contribute to a more even distribution of catch among anglers.
