The Luvanjoki water system joins the Emäjoki from the east in the very centre of Hyrynsalmi. With a length of more than 50 kilometres, this waterway has its origin near the Russian border, the waters flowing through a series of lakes — Mikitänjärvi, Luvanjärvi, Nuottijärvi and Salmijärvi — and several rivers and rapids. The most widely known of the rapids is the steep and beautiful Luvankoski, which thunders its presence at a point halfway down the Luvanjoki waterway. Another similar rapid is Nuottikoski on the downstream stretches. This lake-and-river system includes many small forest streams of interest to anglers in search of white-water fishing. The most popular rapids are located on the Mikitänjoki, which drains into Lake Luvanjärvi. The waters downstream of the Nuottikoski rapid are managed by the Salmi fishing association. The Kynäkoski eco-fishing area lies midway along the waterway, while waters upstream of the Luvankoski rapid belong to the Moisio-Luva fishing association.
The upper reaches of the Mikitänjoki
The Mikitänjoki originates in Lake Mikitänjärvi, flowing through forested country for approximately ten kilometres. The river flows through a number of rapids in its upper reaches, enters Lake Ilvesjärvi in its mid-section, and continues in a series of mild rapids and smooth runs in its lower reaches. The Mikitänjoki and the Luvankoski rapid are covered by the same licence. The most popular spots for white-water fishing are located in the upper reaches. The rapid can be reached by turning off the Hyrynsalmi – Kuhmo road (road 904) towards Moisiovaara. Signposts from the road to Moisiovaara lead to a fishing licence vending machine located at the end of logging roads, and from there to three separate rapids. A hike of 300 to 500 metres will be necessary, depending on the rapid.
At their narrowest, the rapids on the upper reaches of the Mikitänjoki are rather brook-like, measuring only a few metres in width. The uppermost rapid, Kohonkoski, is steep, long and turbulent, with pockets along its entire length providing lies for fish. An old lean-to is located on the bank. Fishing spots on the Saarikoski rapid are found in the main channel, and often above the head and below the tail of the rapid. A lean-to, better maintained than at Kohonkoski, is located on the northern bank of the rapid’s side channel. The Saarikoski rapid is crossed by footbridge. The lowermost and deepest in this series is Ruukinkoski rapid. Beyond, the river runs for several kilometres in tranquil currents before the downstream reaches shape into the solitary Sutiset rapid. The best fishing season for a small stream like this is usually the early summer.
The lower reaches of the Mikitänjoki
The volume of water increases at Lake Ilvesjärvi, passing on downstream through a series of short and mild rapids. Beyond the lake outlet, the short Ilveskoski Rapid passes under a road, followed two hundred metres further downstream by the Keskikoski rapid and a section with a steady glide known as Simonen at the tail of a flowing pool.
The Mikitänjoki discharges its waters into Lake Luvanjärvi through the short Siltakoski rapid. On Siltakoski, the most frequent catch consists of catchable-size hatchery-raised fish, mixed with occasional migratory fish from the adjacent lake. A road to Kuhmo passes over the rapids, with a car park next to the bridge providing ample parking space for anglers. In contrast to the other rapids managed by the local fishing association, Siltakoski rapid is open to anglers all year round.
Fish stock and stock management
The popularity of Siltakoski rapid and the white-water fishing area in the upper reaches of the Mikitänjoki is based on the trout and grayling commonly caught there. Most trout caught in these waters are catchable-size hatchery-raised fish, stocked by the fishing association, and less frequent migratory trout. Anglers also catch grayling, thanks to a healthy natural population in this long forest stream. The waters managed by the fishing association are also stocked with trout and grayling fry.
The rapids in the upper reaches of the Mikitänjoki, from upstream to downstream
Kokonkoski
- Length: 500m
- Elevation differential: 4.1m
- Average flow: 2.7 m³/s
- Services: lean-to
Saarikoski
- Length: 200m
- Elevation differential: 1.6m
- Services: 2 maintained lean-tos with outhouses
Ruukinkoski
- Length: 200m
- Elevation differential: 1.8m
- Services: lean-to
- The lower reaches of the Mikitänjoki
The lower reaches of the Mikitänjoki
Siltakoski
- Length: 200m
- Elevation differential: 0.7m
- Average flow: 4.7 m³/s
