Fishing halted at five rapids due to rising water temperatures

Finland’s state forest agency Metsähallitus suspended fishing at five rapids on Monday after water temperatures exceeded safe levels for salmonids, marking the sixth consecutive year such measures have been required.

The affected sites are Langinkoski in Kotka, Latokartanonkoski in Salo, Kotalankoski in Virrat, Konnuskoski in Leppävirta, and Karvionkoski in Heinävesi. Water above 21°C can exhaust salmonids, often proving fatal even if released.

Teijo Hyytiäinen, a fishing specialist at Metsähallitus, noted that anglers now anticipate July heatwaves and avoid purchasing permits for these areas. Olli Saari, executive director of the Finnish Recreational Fishermen’s Association, confirmed the trend, adding that many shift to northern Finland, Norway, or Sweden where temperatures are less critical. However, some Norwegian rivers have also closed due to poor salmon runs.

While species like perch, pikeperch, and pike tolerate warmer water, awareness of temperature impacts has grown. Saari emphasized that responsible fishing requires adapting to changing conditions, a practice already common in trout waters.