Kiruna-Kurravaara

As the helicopter takes off northward from the Kurravaara flight base, you’ll see the western extension of the vast taiga spreading out with its dense coniferous forests. This immense area is known as the Northern Triangle, the largest roadless wilderness in the Nordic countries.

These regions offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities in waters virtually untouched by humans. North of the coniferous forests, where large wetlands, dwarf birch, and low mountains take over the landscape, lakes and streams sparkle. This low-mountain area lies just south of the more famous Sandåslandet and is easily accessible by helicopter. These lesser-known waters offer fantastic fishing for large grayling and pike.

You have arrived in a haven of eager pike, which inhabit most lakes and streams here. Since pike and grayling go hand in hand in these waters, you should be prepared for anything. Streams and mountain rivers connected to larger lakes are of particular interest.

I fished in one of these systems myself a few years ago. The number of pike over 75 cm was impressive — they practically destroyed my large flies during those days.
One of the bigger ones was a well-fed fish measuring 107 cm, which executed a perfect strike on a rapidly retrieved popper.

Dan Mella – Fishing Guide, Fishing North

In the streams, there is plenty of grayling sharing space with pike in these smaller waters. For grayling fishing, the mayfly dominates; large patterns on the balsa pupae and streaking caddis flies are favored by the big grayling, which is not particularly picky or selective. A stiffer rod is recommended for pike fishing — a class 8-9 rod if you fish with a fly for pike, and class 5-6 for grayling.

If you prefer to fish only for pike, we recommend landing at one of the larger lakes. These are dominated by pike, while other species such as trout, grayling, and perch are rare but can sometimes surprise you. Pike in the 75-100 cm range are common in most waters, and much larger specimens have been caught. To access larger fishing areas, a float tube is a great option.

Prepare yourself with a good dose of patience, as the shores along the streams, with their man-high willow shrubs, can be challenging even for an experienced angler. On the other hand, some stretches of shore can be a dream for fly fishing, offering open casting space and good visibility. Make sure to bring insect repellent, warm clothing, a sturdy storm-proof tent, and overall high-quality gear.

A spare pair of waders or repair equipment is recommended. The area closest to the waterways can be difficult to traverse, so consider heading to nearby ridges a bit further from the shorelines for longer hikes. A good map and compass, or a GPS device, are essential if you plan to hike in these areas.

To optimize your fishing and experience in these rich fishing areas, with their multitude of lakes and streams, you can hire one of the fishing guide companies based in Kiruna. They have extensive and solid experience fishing in these waters. Contact us for more information.