Grayling fishing in Tjuonajokk: flies, season, and life at the mountain camp

Approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Kiruna, in the middle of a roadless mountain area, the Kaitum River flows past Tjuonajokk. For more than 30 years, the area has been known among fly anglers for its grayling, and it can only be reached by helicopter. This keeps fishing pressure low and preserves the feeling of wilderness.

Getting there

The flight from Stockholm to Kiruna takes approximately an hour and a half. The helicopter is waiting there, and after around 20 minutes over mountains, rivers and open expanses, you land directly at the camp. Six full days of guided fishing follow.

The stretches

During the week, you fish some of the area's most renowned stretches of running water, including Taivek, Kuhkak and Tjirtjam. There are fast-flowing sections for dry-fly fishing, calmer pools where presentation is crucial, and deeper stretches where nymphs and streamers can entice larger fish. Most of the fishing is done by wading, often in easy-to-wade sections.

The flies

Dry flies are often the first choice, especially in stable summer conditions. Caddisflies, mayflies and terrestrials in sizes 10–18 work very well.

If the water is colder or higher, or the fish are holding deep, nymphing is a good alternative. Bring both unweighted nymphs and tungsten-weighted nymphs in sizes 10–16.

Streamers work well for trout. Natural colors, along with black and white, are safe choices, and sometimes larger articulated streamers bring the bigger fish to the surface. Pike require more powerful flies and equipment.

When should you go?

The season is July and August. In early July, water levels are often higher after the snowmelt, creating good conditions for trout while grayling fishing is already underway. As summer settles in, water levels stabilize and grayling fishing becomes excellent, with regular hatches. Towards the end of August, the evenings grow darker and trout move closer to shore at dusk.

Daytime temperatures are usually between 10 and 20 degrees, but chilly mornings and rapid changes in weather are part of the mountain environment. Pack layers and rain gear.

Guiding

The standard is four anglers per guide. For more personal assistance, you can book a guide for two anglers. Pike fishing is arranged as special trips with only a few participants per boat.

Life at the camp

You stay in a room or cabin near the river. The cabins have solar-powered electricity for lighting and gas heaters when needed. The camp has a restaurant, sauna, lounge and a small shop. Every evening, a three-course dinner is served with local ingredients such as moose, ptarmigan and Arctic char. There is no Wi-Fi, but a landline can be used if needed.

Prefer salmon? Then see our guide to salmon fishing in the Lainio River.

Interested in Tjuonajokk?

The weeks are in July and August. Get in touch and we’ll check which weeks still have availability.

See the fishing trip to Tjuonajokk

Frequently asked questions about Tjuonajokk