Angling permit area

6586 Keihärinkoski

Keihärinkoski rapids are located between lakes Muuruejärvi and Ylä-Keitele in Viitasaari. It is the water route's first white-water section upstream of Keitele, and one of Finland's most famed trout rapids. For anglers, there are excellent accommodations available near the rapids, so you can come and enjoy a longer stay.

The rapids' fish stock is managed with the goal of improving the living conditions of the native brown trout population. Catching sizable, naturally spawning trout is still very much possible here. Keihärinkoski is also stocked with spawn and fry. In addition, the angler may fish for pike-perch in the final drop of the rapids during the summer.

Only traditional fly fishing is allowed at Keihärinkoski rapids. You can either purchase individual permits and reserve the entire rapids. No more than five persons may fish simultaneously in the Keihärinkoski permit area.

You can check the real-time temperature of the water in Keihärinkoski during the snow-free season in the SensorMonitor service (map.sensormonitor.fi).

Map files and brochures

Basic details of the area

Municipality: Viitasaari
Region: Keski-Suomi
Fishing period: 1 December–31 August. Wading is prohibited between 1 December and 31 May.
Permitted fishing methods: Fly fishing
Required permits and fees: Angling permit, fisheries management fee. The need depends on the number of rods and lures or the water area. Always check "Permits needed for fishing".
Hook and line fishing and ice fishing: Prohibited in running waters
Angling permits for the area: 12 hours, 24 hours, 6 hours, reservation for the entire rapids
Targeted catch: Grayling, perch, pike, pike-perch, trout
Fisheries management: Fry stocking of natural fish stocks
Area characteristics: Fly fishers favourite
Special features of the area: Famous for trout fishing. Only traditional fly fishing is allowed.
Restrictions: Wading is prohibited between 1 December and 31 May. Please note a new no-fishing zone on the north shore below the bridge. Check the restrictions carefully in the permit terms.

What's new

Keep in mind in this area

The number of anglers is restricted. No more than five persons may fish simultaneously in the Keihärinkoski permit area. Please check in advance whether permits are available for the desired time period.

Permits needed for fishing

In this permit area, you will need an angling permit when lure fishing in sections with rapids and running water. You will also be required to pay the fisheries management fee, unless you are under 18 years of age, over 70 years of age, or are 65 years of age or older as of 31 December 2023.

If you are lure fishing with only one rod and lure in still waters, such as river pools, payment of the fisheries management fee is sufficient.

Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are fully prohibited in running and rapids sections of waters with migratory fish stocks (i.e. also this permit area). In still waters, hook and line fishing and ice fishing are permitted free of charge with one rod.

Please note that the Keihärinkoski angling permit area practically comprises of flowing water only.

Waters and area-specific restrictions in the permit area

Always make sure to check the location of the permit area. Please see either the map window or the PDF map on this page. Enlarge the map window to view the location of the permit area more clearly.

Please note that there are no-fishing zones in the permit area. These zones are marked on the permit area map. Fishing is prohibited on the south shore above the bridge and on the north shore below the bridge, approximately 20 meters downstream from the old stone chest.

Services in the area

At Keihärinkoski rapids, visitors can stay overnight at the Keihärinkosken koskitupa. For more information, visit www.keiharinkoski.fi (in Finnish).

In addition to the rental cabins, there is a cooking shelter.

Further information

Fisheries management

The lower section of Keihärinkoski rapids was restored in the autumn of 2020. The habitats and reproductive opportunities of fish and other organisms living in flowing water were improved by adding a gravel spawning bed (70 m2), a rock bed for fry (300 m2) and wood. Flows along the banks were also improved.

Keihärinkoski is stocked with spawn and/or fry of trout and grayling.

The planning and management of fish stocks at Keihärinkoski is conducted using such tools as electrofishing and counting trout spawning spots.

Discharge information

Current information on the discharge and water levels in Lake Muuruejärvi may be found at www.ymparisto.fi (in Finnish).

Impact of water temperature on fishing

You can find out the real-time temperature of the water in Keihärinkoski rapids during the snow-free season in the SensorMonitor service (map.sensormonitor.fi). Read the Guidelines for responsible fishing to know more about how you can take high temperatures into account when fishing. On this site you can also find information on possible suspensions of permit sales as temperatures rise.