Finland: fishing in the land of a thousand lakes: grayling and pike

Evening arrival at Lappeenranta airport in Finland. Transfer by private minibus to the port of Joutseno, from where we will reach the island of Mukonsaari, one of the largest on Lake Saimaa. During the short transfer, we will show you the program, and upon arrival, we will prepare you a night snack. Accommodation is in the cozy wooden cottages. This is a completely sustainable structure: electricity is obtained from the sun, and it is heated with wood. You will live your fishing stay surrounded by nature. The cottages accommodate 2 to 6 people.

After breakfast, we will go to the shore of Lake Saimaa to start the first day of fishing. Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland, and the fourth largest in Europe. With its 4400 km2, its more than 3500 islands, and its 13500 km of indented coastline, it covers a basin of almost 70 000 km2. Fishing is a traditional activity in this area, practiced in the same way for centuries. The lake is rich in fish throughout the year. In summer and autumn, the most valuable fish are pike and lucciperca, but also whitefish, grayling, and perch are found in abundance.
Fishing is done from the shore or by rowing boat (with a maximum of two people per boat - rental € 35 per day). Our guide will show you how to use the boat and will provide you with the equipment in case you do not have one (rental included in the price). During the morning we will show you the best places for profitable fishing: depending on the weather conditions and the level of flooding of the lake these can vary. The first two hours will be guided, after which you can continue independently.
A light lunch is served on the island, to allow you to continue fishing. In the evening we will prepare a sauna for you, after which you can enjoy a typical dinner.

After breakfast, we'll show you the Vuoksi River, which connects Lake Saimaa to Lake Ladoga, located in Russia. Its raging rapids are truly spectacular when the dam is opened. Here you can try to fish for trout.
In the afternoon, after a light lunch, we can try fishing in small lakes, with walnut shells. This is a traditional fishing technique.
In the evening, after a refreshing sauna, we will serve you dinner, after which we will return to our island. Optionally, instead of fishing on Vuoksi, you can freely visit Imatra, the largest city in the area.

After breakfast, you will have the day and the equipment available to try your hand at fishing in the waters of the Saimaa. A snack will be offered to you at lunchtime.
In the evening you can enjoy a sauna and a typical dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport, return flight, end of the tour.