The Summer 2025 Ladies’ Fly Fishing Camp in Inari could easily be described as a camp for mothers, daughters, and daughters-in-law. One father had gifted the experience to his wife and daughter, while another mother brought her daughter and daughter-in-law along. It was wonderful to see fly fishing become a shared passion among the women of these families during the camp.
Some participants arrived in Inari the evening before, which meant we could kick off the first morning with a traditional hike to the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church. The winding, root-covered trail led us through an enchanting old-growth forest, ending at a beautiful 18th-century wooden church standing in serene silence.
Later that day, we visited the Sámi Museum Siida, where the entire group finally came together. The museum’s impressive exhibition answered questions about what Inari, its nature, and its history mean to locals—and offered deep insights into the richness of Sámi culture.
After a restful night at Wilderness Juutua Hotel, it was time for the main event. Our local guide, Aino Hynnä, introduced us to the essentials—rods, lines, flies, and even the knots came quickly to hand. Once everyone had found the right waders and boots, we fueled up with lunch at the restaurant in the Sámi Cultural Center Sajos before heading out to the fishing spots.Hotelli Wilderness Juutuassa nukuttujen hyvien yöunien jälkeen päästiinkin itse asiaan. Inarilainen perhokalastusoppaamme Aino johdatti meidät lajin saloihin. Perhovavat, siimat, perhot tulivat tutuiksi ja solmutkin opittiin nopeasti. Kun kahluuhousut ja kahluukengät oli soviteltu ja löydetty sopivat itse kullekin, tankkasimme energiat lounaan muodossa Saamelaisten kulttuurikeskus Sajoksen Caiju-ravintolassa ennen siirtymistä kalapaikoille.
Fly fishing is a wonderful hobby because it hooks you right from the start. The joy of learning something new is ever-present: practicing casting techniques brings a real sense of achievement, and skills develop quickly with expert guidance. While a successful cast and watching the fly drift on the surface is rewarding in itself, the excitement was multiplied when, one after another, participants managed to land their very first grayling.
Campfire breaks are an essential part of the fishing experience. Around the fire, participants celebrated each other’s successes, and the guides shared tips for the next session—how to read the river and find the best fishing spots. One important lesson for beginners is responsible fish handling. Since we mostly practice catch-and-release, it’s crucial that the fish are released in good condition to continue their journey. Not every fish needs to be released, though; this time, we caught some legal-sized grayling (at least 35 cm), and one was cooked over the fire for everyone to taste.
It was fantastic to see how, on the second day, the women headed to the river looking much more confident. Their trust in their own skills had grown overnight, and the eagerness to get back on the water was obvious—waders went on quickly, rods were assembled without delay, and there was no time wasted. By the second day, fishing had become quite independent, and the group spread out over a wider area. Aino moved from one participant to another, helping with any problems and offering guidance.
River Juutua is an ideal river for those new to fly fishing. There are plenty of spots where even beginners can wade safely, the current is moderate except in early summer, and most importantly: there are plenty of bites, as the grayling population is strong. In addition to grayling, there’s a chance to catch the prized Inari trout—and a few of those, albeit undersized, were hooked during the camp.
Fly fishing offers a chance to step away from everyday life and enjoy the peace of nature—especially in Lapland, where rivers and wilderness create a unique setting for relaxation. Many find fly fishing almost meditative and a great way to relieve stress. And when you can end a day of fishing by watching the wild river flow from the sauna at Wilderness Juutua Hotel, everything feels just right.
Ladies’ Fly Fishing Camp 2025 in Inari, Lapland was filled with joy, learning, and togetherness. Maybe next summer you’ll join us too?