Fishing season: In the area between Tyttöinsuvanto and Kaupinkoski: 1–30 April and 1 June–31 October. Elsewhere in the permit area: 1 June–31 October.
Area overview: A favourite among fly fishers.
Locations: Near the Oulu-Kuusamo road (no. 20), about 13 km from Taivalkoski.
Flowing near the Oulu–Kuusamo main road in Koitila, Kostonjoki is a versatile fishing destination where rapids, calm pools and beautiful riverside landscapes alternate. Along the river, anglers are invited by rapids such as Koitikoski, Kutinkoski, Kypäräkoski, Rääpänkoski, Kaupinkoski and Pyörrekoski, as well as several smaller rapids and riffles.
From 2026 onwards, fishing in Kostonjoki will be clearer than before, as a 35-kilometre joint permit area has been established. The permit area is formed by Metsähallitus and the Kosto, Elehvä, Jokikylä and Taivalkoski joint property management associations. The area extends on Kostonjoki from the Ulmaja pool down to the Iijoki River, on Korpuanjoki from Kalliojärvi to Kostonjoki, and on Kutinjoki from Ylimmäinen Pitkäkoski to Kostonjoki. Lake Koitijärvi is not included in the permit area.
Some of the rapids can be reached by car all the way to the riverbank, and there are paths along the river leading to several fishing spots. Before fishing, always check the up-to-date permit area boundaries, fishing seasons and restrictions on Eräluvat.fi.
A special feature of the permit area is the opportunity to fish for brown trout in April during the so-called “hankikorri” season in the area between Tyttöinsuvanto and Kaupinkoski.
During the open-water season, the water temperature of Kostonjoki can be monitored in real time through the SensorMonitor service at map.sensormonitor.fi.
Kostonjoki flows into the Iijoki River near the centre of Taivalkoski.
Fish species
The fish species found in the area include brown trout, grayling, whitefish, pike and perch. In the rapids and flowing sections of Kostonjoki, the main catch is grayling, and every summer word spreads among anglers about the larger individuals caught in the river.
When conditions are favourable, grayling may take a fly in slower currents as early as April. In early summer, some larger brown trout are also caught in the river. There is no migration barrier preventing trout from entering the river, so they may travel into Kostonjoki from far away. In Lake Koitijärvi and the calmer river pools, the most common catches are pike and perch. Large whitefish swimming in the river pools are also within reach for skilled fly fishers.
Natural fish species:
Brown trout, grayling, whitefish, pike, perch.
Stocking:
Juvenile stocking of natural fish species.
Permitted fishing methods:
Spinning and fly fishing.
From the beginning of 2026, brown trout and salmon with an adipose fin are protected in the permit area.
Permit prices
Further information
Jokikylä
Jorma Taivalkoski
Kuusamontie 83B
Tel. +358 40 593 5237
Elehvä
Teijo Inget
Inkeentie 33, Inget
Tel. +358 500 194051
www.elehvankalastuskunta.fi
Further information about the Kostonjoki fishing areas
Jorma Taivalkoski
Kuusamontie 83B
Tel. +358 40 593 5237