Hossa 5502
Hossa permit area is situated in the north-eastern part of the municipality of Suomussalmi inside Hossa National Park, which was founded to celebrate Finland's 100 years of independence. The landscape of Hossa mostly consists of ridges cloaked in pine. In between the ridges one finds over a hundred lakes and ponds and several streams and rivers. The waters are easily accessible and most of them are rugged and clear-watered.
The fishing waters of Hossa have naturally strong perch and whitefish stocks. Fry plantings of salmonids are also conducted in the area's lakes and ponds. Good feeding conditions allow the planted fish to thrive and grow very large. The Hossanjoki River is stocked with catch-sized trout to improve the fishing experience even further. Keihäslampi and Huosilampi Ponds are regularly stocked with catch-sized rainbow trout throughout the year.
You can find out the real-time temperature of the water in the Hossanjoki River during the snow-free season in the SensorMonitor service (map.sensormonitor.fi).
Hossa
Permit area map
Pohjanmaa and Kainuu, Suomussalmi- Download map of the permit area (PDF, opens in a new tab) (1003.51 Kb)
- Map: River Hossanjoki (PDF, opens in a new tab) (872.70 Kb)
- Map: Huosilampi and Keihäslampi (PDF, opens in a new tab) (1745.46 Kb)
- Map: Iikoski Rapids (PDF, opens in a new tab) (3818.82 Kb)
- Map: Iso-Valkeainen and Umpi-Valkeainen (PDF, opens in a new tab) (2411.42 Kb)
- Map: Lounatkoski Rapids (PDF, opens in a new tab) (1827.19 Kb)
- Open large map
- Driving directions
Purchasing a permit
Purchasing Information
In Hossa angling permit area, the customer can choose between a 3-hour or 24-hour permit. The prices of angling permits are as follows:
| permit validity | permit price |
|---|---|
| 3 hours | 15 € |
| 24 hours | 25 € |
Persons under 18 years of age can buy the angling permit at half price.
Persons under 15 years of age may fish under the angling permit and within the fishing quota of an adult belonging to the same party, without needing to purchase an angling permit of their own.
A family may purchase a family permit, which costs twice as much and has a fishing quota twice as large as an individual angling permit. A family consists of children under 18 years of age and their parents or legal guardians as well as married and common-law couples.
- Buy licence from web store
- Catch reports
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Service number 020 69 2424 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–3 PM)
Licence sellers
Where to purchase A permit
You can pay licences using the most common payment methods in the online store (verkkokauppa.eraluvat.fi).
Metsähallitus' fishing permits may also be purchased by phone. The service is open on
weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Mobile licence
With the Eräluvat app, you can purchase angling permits easily and quickly. You can pay with a debit or credit card. Read the instructions for using the app.
Suomussalmi: Hossa Visitor Centre (nationalparks.fi)
Suomussalmi: TB Turjanhovi (service station)
Pudasjärvi: Neste Pudasjärvi (service station)
Kuusamo: Kiutamajat
Permit terms
Permit terms for the area
Calendar year. In the Hossanjoki River between 1.6.–31.8. Trout fishing is prohibited in running waters and rapids between 1.9.–30.11. Grayling fishing is prohibited between 1.4.–31.5.Exceptions to the fishing period
Fishing in the Hossanjoki River is prohibited between 1 September and 31 May.
Check the section Catch sizes and protection periods for statutory protection periods.
What does the permit entitle the holder to
All visitors fishing in Hossa permit area must obtain Hossa 5502 angling permit. Hossa angling permit grants the right for lure fishing with lure, fly or jig as well as for hook and line fishing and ice fishing.
As general fishing rights do not apply in Hossa 5502 angling permit area, it is prohibited to fish there with a lure under a fisheries management fee as well as fish with a rod and line (hook and line fishing), and through a hole in the ice in wintertime (ice fishing), unless you have purchased an angling permit. The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY) has issued the decision on restricting general fishing rights.
Fishing gear and bait
The use of bait pastes, silicone balls or other artificial baits is prohibited in Hossa 5502 angling permit area.
An angler may use one (1) rod with a single line when fishing from the shore, from an anchored boat or when fishing from the ice. The rod must be held in the angler’s hand or be within reach at all times (no more than 2 metres away). The rod may not be left alone for fishing. When trolling lures or flies from a rowboat, an angler may use at maximum two (2) rods, each one with a single line.
Only fly fishing gear can be used when fishing in the fly fishing area of the Hossanjoki River.
Watercraft
Rental boats are available for fishing on Lakes Iso-Valkeainen and Umpi-Valkeainen. The boats can be rented from Hossa Visitor Centre.
The use of one's own boat, canoe or flotation device is permitted on Lake Iso-Valkeainen and on route waters. The use of a flotation device is also permitted on Lake Umpi-Valkeainen.
Storing a boat within the national park for extended periods of time requires a separate permit. These permits and further information may be acquired via email at pentti.hamunen(a)metsa.fi or via phone at +358 400 291014.
The use of an outboard motor for fishing is prohibited (including electric outboard motors).
Fishing in Hossa National Park
Many lakes and ponds in Hossa National Park are not included in Hossa angling permit area 5502. General fishing rights apply to these waters. This means that you do not need to pay the fisheries management fee or purchase an angling permit for hook and line fishing or ice fishing with one rod in these pond and lake waters. Lure fishing with one (1) rod is also permitted in these pond and lake waters for those who have paid the fisheries management fee or who are under 18 years of age, over 70 years of age or have reached the age of 65 or more by 31 December 2023.
Catch quotas
The maximum number of fish that an angler may catch is indicated in the table below:
| permit validity | Maximum catch |
|---|---|
| 3 hours | 1 salmonid |
| 24 hours | 1 trout or 3 rainbow trouts, graylings or whitefish |
In this quota table, salmonid means a trout, a rainbow trout, a grayling or a whitefish.
There is no catch quota limit for other fish species.
The 24-hour catch quota cannot be increasing by purchasing several permits for the same 24-hour period.
Catch sizes and protection periods
The following catch sizes and protection periods for fish species are in effect for this permit area:
| Fish species | Catch Size | Protection period |
|---|---|---|
| Trout with adipose fin | At least 60 cm | In rivers and streams 1.9.–30.11. |
| Trout without adipose fin | At least 50 cm | In rivers and streams 1.9.–30.11. |
| Grayling | At least 35 cm | 1.4.–31.5. |
Fishers must observe the catch sizes and protection periods mandated in the Fishing Decree for other fish species.
Water temperature has a significant impact on the survival of salmonids after they are released. When water temperatures approach +20 °C, you should use judgement before you decide to fish for salmonids. In waters warmer than this, fishing for salmonids should be avoided. In such situations, it is advisable to focus on species that are more resistant to heat, such as zander, pike and perch. See guidelines for responsible fishing.
Further information
Services in the area
The national park has plenty of outdoor structures such as campfire sites, lean-to shelters and wilderness cabins to serve anglers and hikers. There are also marked hiking trails. A visitor to Hossa may also take advantage of the area's comprehensive lodging services and Hossa Visitor Centre that provides fishing permits, guidance and information as well as cafe and restaurant services. The Visitor Centre also rents out cabins, boats, canoes, kayaks, fishing tackle and hiking gear.
Accessible fishing spots
Hossa also has fishing spots that are suitable for physically impaired anglers. Huosilampi Pond situated near the Visitor Centre is wheelchair accessible, and a great place to catch rainbow trout. The pond has four casting piers that were renovated in 2017. In total, the pond's shores have some 600 metres of accessible gravel paths (with some sections covered with wood).
In the summer of 2017, a new accessible casting pier was built right by the rapids in the Somerjoki River's Lihapyörre. Värikallio parking lot is some 200 metres away via a gravel path.
The rental cabins at Jatkonsalmi, Huosiusjärvi, Hirvastupa and Peurapirtti have piers where you can board a boat in a wheelchair.
The Visitor Centre also has two electric scooters for rent and one walker that can be borrowed. You can also charge your wheelchair battery at the Visitor Centre. Read more about Hossa's accessible services here.
Tips
Lake Umpi-Valkeainen is one of the most popular angling destinations in Hossa. It is a lake with two parts and a shallow strait in the middle. The north side of the lake is smaller and shallower, which makes it ideal for fishing from the shore. The most sought after fish in the lake are perch and trout, which can grow surprisingly large considering the small size of the pond. The tremendous growth of the fish in the lake is explained in part by the abundance of ten-spined stickleback, which is an ideal prey species for these predators. Anglers should take this into account when choosing lures! Lake Umpi-Valkeainen is also home to grayling, which is fry-planted into the pond together with trout. Rental boats are also available.
Lake Iso-Valkeainen is home to terrific perch, trout and grayling and giant whitefish that anglers come back for again and again. Some of the most popular methods are trolling and ice fishing. The best spots in Lake Iso-Valkeainen are found on the edges of islands and deep spots, and in the shallow and rocky patches near them. Because the water is so clear, the fish are really shy and they won't taste just anything that comes their way, which makes fishing a welcome challenge. One can also try to improve his or her fishing fortunes by renting a muscle-operated rental boat.
Good perch spots are not limited only to the most fished waters. By inspecting the map of the Hiking Area you can find a nice little perch pond for yourself. Few anglers venture far offthe grid, so often you will be able to fish in peace by your lonesome.
The rapids of the Hossanjoki River were restored for the purposes of recreational fishing in the 1990s. The permit area covers a stretch that is 5 kilometres long and contains approximately ten different rapids sections with naturally strong grayling stocks. Catch-size trout is also planted into the area. You might even catch something that comes with real bragging rights: brown trout sometimes rise to the upper reaches of the Hossanjoki River from Lake Kiantajärvi. If you experience a violent bite, especially early in the summer, it might just be one of these clear-sided whoppers saying hello.
Hossa's other river fishing destinations, including the Peranganjoki, the Somerjoki and the Iikoski Rivers, also offer opportunities for rapids fishing. These are primarily grayling waters, but you might also be able to bag the occasional trout.
Fisheries management
Keihäslampi and Huosilampi Ponds are regularly stocked with catch-sized rainbow trout throughout the year. The Hossanjoki River is regularly stocked with catch-sized trout during the summer season, and the area's other waters are managed with regular fry plantings.
Impact of water temperature on fishing
You can find out the real-time temperature of the water in the Hossanjoki River 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.