The Siikakoski fishing rules

These fishing rules cover the water areas in the lower course of River Kymi at the Langinkoski and Korkeakoski branches. They have been arranged for recreational fishing use by the City of Kotka. Fishing is possible for all interested fishermen under the terms and limitations set out here. Non-compliance with the fishing rules will result in immediate cancellation of the right to fish in the area.

1. Method of fishing: In the rod fishing area, fishing is allowed using rod equipment. The tackle must be a fly or a lure having a clear movement of its own. Using hooks deliberately intended to trap the fish from the outside is forbidden. Fish ensnared elsewhere than the mouth have to be released back in the river. ANGLING AND THE USE OF ALL NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL BAIT ON THE HOOK IS FORBIDDEN.
2. THE USE OF CASTING WEIGHTS IS NOT ALLOWED. The use of spoon-bait as a casting weight is allowed if the fly line is attached to the spoon as a continuation. The use of a separate weight line is not allowed. The spoon-bait must have a clear swimming movement of its own – BORDERLINE CASES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE CASTING WEIGHTS.
3. The fishing right: Each fisheman must purchase a fishing licence for the area. The licence is personal and must be presented to the fishing warden upon demand. Fishermen between the ages of 18 and 64 must in addition have a receipt proving their payment of the state fishing licence fee. If accompanied by their guardian, children under the age of 15 can fish with the licence of the guardian.
4. The fishing area: The fishing area begins at the upper end of the casting pier of Ruhavuolle and continues downstream until the neck of Langinkoski.
5. The fishing order: The rod fishing licence entitled the holder to fish in the area marked on the map on the east bank of the river. The fishing turns must be rotated so that one fisher does not keep the same place for more than 15 minutes if there are others waiting to use it. The fishing proceeds downstream. All fishing is forbidden between 1 October and the last day of February at the Langinkoski branch, with the exception of arranged and supervised fishing events separately approved by the City of Kotka. These events are covered by separate fishing rules.
6. In the Korkeakoski harling area fishing is allowed throughout the year, with the exception of close season at the upper rowboat fishing area, 15 October to 15 November.
7. Wading: As a rule, wading is allowed only until the midpoint of the river. More detailed limits for wading can be seen at the noticeboards of the fishing areas.
8. Boat fishing: Fishing with the help of a boat is allowed only in the areas specially reserved for the purpose, for which Korkeakosken kalastuskievari and Kymi Fishing Shop are renting boats. The special rules for boat fishing must be followed. In the Tattarinkoski boat fishing area it is allowed to use one's own boat. The boat must not however be stored in the area without the landowner’s permission. Fishermen on land take precedence.
9. Fly fishing: At Ruhavuolle and the pier above it, fishing is allowed only with traditional fly fishing equipment. The area is separated from the rest of the fishing area with signs. The upper part of the pier belongs to the Ykköspooli fishing area when reserved to Ykköspooli. The border is marked on the pier with a black plank.
10. Rental: Fishing tourism companies and fishing societies may rent the Hinttulankoski area for their own use. During this period, other fishing is not allowed in the rented area. Rentals will be announced by a sign on the bank of the rapids. Reservations are handled by the fishing supervisor of the City of Kotka, Niko Lehtola, tel. 040 311 0334.
11. Fishermen with physical disabilities: Between Ruhavuolle and the neck of Siikakoski, an area has been reserved where fishermen with physical disabilities take precedence.
12. Notice of catch: The fishermen must record their catch in the catch diaries of the fishing areas. Fish above the minimum size released back in the water must also be recorded in the diaries. A 6-hour licence entitles the holder to take one fish (salmon, trout, rainbow trout or grayling). The other licences entitle the holder to take 2 fishes per 24 hours. The licence expires when the holder has taken the maximum number of fish allowed.
13. Time limits: In the boat fishing area of the Korkeakoski branch, between 1 October and 31 May, all salmon and all trouts in spawning dress must be released back into the river. Killing of fish overwintering in the waters after spawning is forbidden throughout the fishing season.
14. At the Langinkoski branch between 11 and 30 September, all salmon and trouts must be released.
15. Killing of fish overwintering in the waters after spawning is forbidden.
16. Owner's prerogative: The members of A. Ahlström Oy:n Karhulan tehtaiden metsästäjät ry have the right to fish in the water areas owned by Statkraft Suomi Oy.
17. Supervision: Supervision of the rod fishing area is done by the fishing wardens of the City of Kotka and the Kotka fishing area. Additionally, the fishing industry authorities of the Southwest Finland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment have the right to supervise the river area.
18. Minimum sizes: Salmon 50 cm, trout 50 cm, grayling 40 cm, pike-perch 40 cm. Possession of undersized fish will cause immediate cancellation of the right to fish and a ban on fishing.
19. General order in the area: Litter must not be left in nature. Each fisheman bears the responsibility for removing it. Making fires is only allowed in those places specially reserved for them. Only firewood reserved for the purpose must be used. Camping is only allowed in the lean-to buildings connected with the fire sites. Vehicles must be parked in the marked parking areas.2
20. Responsibility of the fishermen: Fishermen will move around and fish in the area on their own responsibility. They have an obligation to redress any possible damage incurred.

Become acquainted with the fishing rules before you begin fishing. Violations of the rules will result in immediate cancellation of the fishing licence and a temporary ban on fishing.

City of Kotka Planning Department, Statkraft Suomi Oy

Special rules for boat fishing in the Siikakoski harling area

1. Fishing takes place primarily by harling.
2. Casting the lure is allowed if it does not affect other fishing. Casting from anchored boats is forbidden.
3. Using the a motor is unconditionally forbidden.
4. Act properly. Take account of the other fishers and do not prevent them from fishing. Do not go below a boat lowering the lure or in front of fishers on the bank without getting permission.
5. In fishing situations, a maximum of three rods can be used in a boat.
6. The catch quota is 2 fish per licence, with the exception of the 6-hour licence, which entitles the holder to take 1 fish. The licence expires when the holder has taken in the boat the maximum number of fish allowed.
7. All fishing is forbidden between 1 October and the last day of February.
8. Between 11 and 30 September, all salmon and trouts must be released immediately back in the river. At all other times, all overwintering fish must be released. It is recommended to release fish in spawning dress.
9. All persons in the boat must hold a current fishing licence.
10. Fishing is only allowed using rental boats.
11. Fishers must record their catch in the Siikakoski catch diary.
12. In addition to these rules, fishers must follow the general Siikakoski fishing rules. The use of rowing weights is however allowed.