Nikkaluokta

As the helicopter departs from the Nikkaluokta airbase, the mighty Kebnekaise massif, Scandinavia’s highest mountain, looms ahead. This stunning view will accompany you throughout your stay, day and night, while you fish for trout and Arctic char in these pristine lakes and streams.

This classic mountain area belongs to the Girjas Sámi village. According to the Supreme Court ruling in the Girjas case, the village holds exclusive fishing rights here. Only residents registered in Norrbotten County are allowed to purchase fishing permits.

Once you’ve had the chance to fish and spend time in this incredible mountain environment, with its multitude of lakes and streams, you’ll want to come back. The area offers excellent fishing in smaller waters, dominated by trout and Arctic char. The lakes are relatively shallow and nutrient-rich, supporting a healthy and varied fish population, as you would expect. The streams winding through the area are mainly home to trout. The lakes hold large fish, and under the right conditions, you might have the privilege of hooking a two-kilogram Arctic char in a clear, shallow bay.

Since the lakes lie close together, this area is perfect for the adventurous angler. You can fish many waters during a short stay. We recommend trying some of the smaller, unnamed waters that you can locate on the map. For fishing in larger waters, the Kaitum River, flowing southeast of this area, offers good trout and grayling fishing. The area also features a quota-controlled fishery in one of the streams, which is almost exclusively populated by trout.

As with any stay in demanding environments, it’s important to keep track of your gear. Quality equipment such as a stormproof tent, well secured (preferably with stones), warm clothes (hat, gloves), insulating layers, and a warm sleeping bag are essential.

Insect repellent is a must during the summer months, as mosquitoes can make your stay unpleasant in certain weather conditions. A couple of rods in #5-7 are enough for fine fishing with appropriate line classes. The caddisfly dominates, while streamers and zonkers give you the chance to catch fish on cold or windy days without surface activity.

Only keep as much fish as you can eat during the day. Handle the fish gently during catch and release (C&R). Avoid using leader tippets that are too thin, as this prolongs the fight and increases lactic acid buildup, which can harm the fish. Leave your campsite as you expect to find it next time. Preferably, set up camp near a larger lake and use it as your base.