Here you can read about how water levels in the Kalix river will affect your fishing.
All fishing in Kalix is heavily dependent on the prevailing water level of the Kalix River. Furthermore the Kalix river has a very special water flow regime due to the fact that it is an un-dammed alpine source river. That means that during a year the river has several widely differing flow regimes. Succesful sport fishing during each season and flow period requires different methods of fishing and often different goal species.
Daily report on water flows in the Kalix region (In the link click on the left hand flow diagram).
These flow periods can be categorised as;
1.Winter flow- the river is frozen solid during seven months of the year (November-April). The river is now is at its lowest level and the catchment area is buried in up to two meters of snow, creating a huge reservoir of frozen water. It is now that ice jigging is the most popular and successful fishing method. Very good fishing with jig can be had for Whitefish (Coregonus albula) and Perch also Grayling can be caught on the jig. Late winter (April) fishing with spinning rod and spoons in open pockets of water can be very successful for trout.
2.Spring flow- A first high water caused by the ice on the river breaking and flowing out into the Bay of Bothnia, snow in the coastal and forest region melts and gives a rapid runoff into the river (May). This flow is usually when the river reaches its highest point. All fishing is impossible during this short-lived period (approx. three weeks) . The very first and absolutely the largest Salmon so called "Ice Salmon" come into the river during this period.
3.Intermediate period- After the first initial high water comes an average flow period where all forms of rod fishing comes alive. Harling for trout is very successful in the first beats of the river, fast sinking fly lines take the first of the seasons Grayling, Pike fishing with fly or spoon is also at its absolute best now.
4.Alpine flood- Another second flood water now takes place as the midnight sun melts the ice and snow of the alpine region. This floodwater then sweeps downstream and raises the river water in the Kalix River. This flow is only in Rivers and tributaries that are alpine feed- therefore areas such as the Ängesån River maintain an even flow regime while the Kalix River rises once again up to the top of its banks. This flow is usually quite intense (approx. 2-3 weeks) and while not as high as the initial spring flow it does stop all fishing with fly rod.
5.Summer flow- The River now lowers to its summer level (July-August-September). Very good fly fishing after Salmon, Grayling and trout can be had in the River. Please note that if it is a very warm summer and River temperatures rise over 18° c then fishing can drop off, Salmon will still negotiate the River but will not rise to flies, Grayling and Trout will back out of riffles and into deeper pools. Water temperature is therefore important if you are to have a successful fishing trip. As autumn approaches and fresh rain arrives water levels may increase, Salmon fishing is at its very peak during August. Grayling will be rising during this period.
Grayling in its element Kamlunge rapid. Rising water levels affect Grayling fishing. Photo: G Douglas.
Publicerad 2007-03-27 av Glenn Douglas