Ten women are focused on learning knots in the team room of Wilderness Hotel Juutua. Behind the massive glass wall, the Alakoski rapids of the Juutua River roar. Aino from the Finnish women’s fly fishing team moves from one woman to another, encouraging, advising, and guiding.
Adena Trails’ first Ladies’ Fly Fishing Camp has begun. Ten women have signed up, only one of whom has tried fly fishing before. The enthusiasm and eagerness to learn are striking. This is going to be an amazing camp.
Well, not a camp in the traditional sense. We don’t stay in tents or wash ourselves in the wilderness. That’s great too, but at this camp, we sleep in white sheets at the magnificent Wilderness Hotel Juutua and relax in the sauna and jacuzzi after fishing days, listening to the roar of the rapids. The hotel is renowned for its acclaimed Aanaar restaurant, which gained culinary fame years ago thanks to its former owner-chef Heikki Nikula. We enjoy Aanaar’s delicacies every morning and one evening for a spectacular dinner during this camp.
On the morning of the first fishing day, we visit the stunning Sámi Museum Siida and receive an introduction to Sámi culture, history, and contemporary life. Every traveler to Northern Lapland should visit Siida at least once. After the visit, you understand much more about the area, its culture, and nature, and you can appreciate it in a whole new way.

After lunch, there’s excitement in the air as the women put on their waders and boots. Almost everyone is borrowing equipment, as this beginner’s camp includes the rental of fly fishing gear (waders, boots and fly rod) in the camp fee. We head to Haapakoski, a few kilometers away, by shared transport. It’s the same Juutua River as in front of the hotel, but more suitable for learning fly fishing.

Anna from the women’s fly fishing team has joined the group and, along with Aino, serves as an instructor at the camp. With their solid expertise, Aino and Anna teach the basics of fly fishing and soon guide the women to spread out far enough from each other and wade into the river. The best way to learn is by trying it yourself, and Aino and Anna provide personal guidance to each participant to find the right casting technique. Joyful exclamations of ‘FISH!’ start to be heard here and there.
After the first fishing day, we have a sauna experience, relax in the jacuzzis, and share some fish stories about bites, big graylings that got away, and successes. Some continue to dinner within walking distance, while others stay to taste Aanaar’s menu. At least the legendary pizzas and beers at Papana Pub seemed to taste excellent after a long day.
The second full fishing day begins after a good night’s sleep. Once again, we head to Haapakoski, but this time we spread out over a larger area. Aino and Anna provide individual guidance and answer the numerous questions of eager fly fishers. It’s wonderful to see how the women encourage, help each other, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Sitting on the riverbank, we enjoy smoked salmon soup cooked on-site, fresh sourdough bread and, of course, campfire coffee and berry pie with vanilla sauce.
After fishing and sauna, we gather for a dinner at Aanaar. At the end of the dinner, restaurant manager Johanna expresses her delight at hearing a large table of women happily talking about their fishing experiences all evening. She says it’s not very common.



The last day of the camp dawns sunny and warm. Before heading home, we have a nice, relaxing hike to the Pielpajärvi wilderness church.
Some ladies want to spend their last day fishing independently, so they are sent off with packed lunches. Those heading for the Pielpajärvi hike will enjoy trekking through wilderness trails lined with ancient pines. There is no road to Pielpajärvi Church; it is accessed via a summer trail. Upon arrival, we will explore the beautifully preserved church and enjoy grilling sausages and having coffee over an open fire.



The first Ladies’ Fly Fishing Camp has come to the end, and I feel immense joy from the successful camp. The women who participated embraced the new sport wonderfully, and many even purchased their own gear after the camp. New friendships were formed here, along with a deep affection for Inari and its stunning nature. Aino and Anna’s expertise, ability, and approach to guiding and instructing were key factors in the camp’s success.

Next summer in June, we will have a similar beginner’s course and an advanced course. In July, those who have mastered the basics of fly fishing can join the Utsjoki camp, which features humpback salmon fishing. Until then, tight lines!
-Heli