Salmon and trout harling in Finland

Most of the RR-Wobblers are designed for harling salmon and sea trout in Finnish rivers. The destinations are Rivers Tornionjoki, Kemijoki (Isohaara), Simojoki, Oulujoki, Kokemäenjoki and Kymijoki. The RR-Wobbler models RR49, RR55, RR60, RR66, RR66S, RR75 and RR-Tanttu are designed to meet all the needs for harling in Finnish rivers. In this article, I will explain the thinking and intended uses behind the models.

Roughly speaking, Finnish rivers can be divided into southern and northern. In the southern Rivers Kymijoki and Kokemäenjoki, fishing is allowed all year round. Depending on the ice conditions, it is also possible in winter. In the northern rivers, the season is focused on spring, summer and early autumn.

Spring

In Rivers Kymijoki and Kokemäenjoki, the spring season takes place around April-May. In the north, May and early June. The target fish at that time are mainly sea trout . And especially in the north, salmon towards the end of spring.

At the beginning of the spring season, the water is cold regardless of the river. In these conditions, it is most often worth looking for fish in the more gently flowing parts of the river. And the wobbler must have size. The saddle-lip model RR-Tanttu, which measures approx. 9 cm, has been developed especially for these conditions. The wobbler is sensitive and has a lot of unstabile seeking action. RR-Tanttu is well suited to these gently flowing areas. Its sensitive and seeking action starts already at low current pressure. I myself use the Tanttu most often when the water temperature is below 13 degrees and almost always at temperatures below 10 degrees.

As spring progresses and the water temperature rises. When water temperature is over 10 degrees trouts start to hold in stronger currents. This means that the smaller models RR60, RR66 and RR75, which can withstand strong currents better, come into play. In these conditions, trouts often hold in necks and under the rapids in slightly stronger currents. Of course, they can also be reached in places with a gentler flow. The RR66S model is designed for these places. This saddle-lip model dives to a depth of over 2 m and swims sensitively with seeking action. In other words, like the RR-Tanttu, it works best in a gentle flow.

By the end of spring, the rivers in the south have often warmed up to over 15 degrees and the trout's appetite weakens. The RR49 and RR55 models are perfect for these conditions. In the northern rivers, the possibility of salmon also comes into play in the late spring, especially in the Rivers Kemijoki and the free-flowing Simojoki and Tornionjoki, where the season is just beginning.

Summer

In summer, the most common target fish is salmon. In the southern Rivers Kymijoki and Kokemäenjoki, summer is often a difficult time due to high water temperatures. If the water temperature is below 20 degrees and you work hard you might get lucky. The best models for these conditions are the smaller models RR49 and RR55.

The hottest salmon season begins in northern rivers, and the Tornionjoki River is often the most popular destination for Finns. At the beginning of summer, salmon are often caught in the lower parts of the river. The most popular destinations being Kukkolankoski, Matkakoski and the Pello area. If the water is cold, i.e. below 12 degrees, it is worth choosing the slightly larger models RR60 and RR75. When the water is below 10 degrees RR82 has also given some nice salmons. The normal water temperature in early summer is between 12 and 16 degrees. I have designed the models RR55 and RR60 specifically for these basic conditions.

When the water temperature rises above 16 degrees, the salmon's appetite decreases and it is worth trying the smaller models RR49 and RR55. As a rule of thumb: more seeking action in slow flowing parts and more stable swim in rapids. From Midsummer onwards, salmon begin to be present throughout the entire river. The same wobblers work in the entire river area following the above-mentioned recommendations. The same principles also work in other northern rivers.

Autumn

At the end of August, the waters in southern rivers begin to cool down and by September at the latest, salmon and trout get more active. Good models for autumn fishing are RR55, RR60, RR66 and RR66S.

In Simojoki and Tornionjoki, the season usually ends at the end of August, and the whole of August is usually a good time to fish. Good models for shallower parts of the river are the RR55 and RR60. For deeper places with gentle currents, the RR66S model is worth offering.

In late autumn fresh trouts again rise into the rivers, which are the most sought-after fish in autumn. The same models work for trout as in spring. Especially RR-Tanttu, which the coloured fish are eager to bite too.

Winter

In Rivers Kymijoki and Kokemäenjoki harling is also practiced in winter. Harling for trout, especially in early winter, is sometimes very profitable. Even better than in spring. The best places to find them are the slow flowing parts of the river. The absolute number one model for winter fishing is the RR-Tanttu.