A traditional form of fishing in Torne River

Dipnet fishing is a centuries-old, traditional form of fishing, in which a long-handled bag-shaped fishing gear is transported downstream, according to the shape of the bottom of the rapids and the fish pits. The method is mainly used for catching migratory whitefish, but salmon is also catched. Dipnetting is practiced in different ways: it can take place from shore rocks, “krenkku”, i.e. piers built on top of the rapids, or from a boat.

This traditional form of fishing is based on in-depth knowledge of whitefish routes and resting places. The passage of whitefish varies according to the water level, and the positions of the rocks and the movements of the current also have an effect. The dipnet fisher knows the behaviour of the fish and knows how to change the fishing spot accordingly. Dipnet fishing is an environmentally friendly form of fishing, as the fishing gear does not harm the fish. On its ascent migration, whitefish stop to rest in dipnet holes and places with calmer currents, often behind rocks. A dipnet fisher, who knows the area well, knows how to guide the fish from its resting place to the bait at the right moment, knowing the fish’s routes and behaviour.

In its traditional form, dipnet fishing is practiced in a communal manner in the Kukkolankoski and Matkakoski rapids of the Tornio River, on both sides of the Finnish-Swedish border. In these villages, dipnet fishing is an integral part of the local identity and cultural heritage. Dipnet fishing is also known as a form of fishing in the upper reaches of the Tornio River and, for example, in the Iijoki and Kalix River. Similar fishing methods based on dipnets are also used in other parts of the world, such as North America.

The fishing times and regulations for dipnet fishing in the River Tornio are based on the cross-border River Agreement. Salmon dipnetting begins from early June and goes until mid-July and whitefish from around mid-July to mid-September. There may be annual variations in fishing times and regulations.

The distribution of whitefish is based on an ancient method

The whitefish distribution tradition is an arrangement that the fishing community still implements in practice in the same way as in the 1800s. Traditionally, whitefish is distributed during the summer rotation season, when the day’s catch is divided daily among the shareholder farms using an ancient system. In the numerical system, whitefish of as similar size as possible are divided into piles of shareholders’ houses, which are then drawn to their owners. Each shareholder house will continue to divide its pile among its shares. The numerical practice allows for equal and easy distribution without weighing the scales.

Whitefish distribution brings the village community together on summer evenings. The fast-paced whitefish distribution is also a popular program among visitors.

Krenkkus (piers) and fishing gears are made by hand

Handicraft culture is an important part of the tradition and involves the construction of creeks and the manufacture of dipnet s, among other things. “Krenkku” is a fishing pier built of wood using ancient methods, on top of which you can fish. The piers are rebuilt by volunteers every spring and demolished in the autumn. The handcrafted 6–7-meter dipnets have remained similar for more than 600 years and adapted to the conditions to suit the purposes of each environment. However, there are different village-specific versions of the dipnet on the Tornio River as well.

Food and events are part of the tradition

The food tradition is also strongly based on the annual cycle of fishing in the area. Skewered whitefish, which is prepared over an open fire has been a well-known traditional food for hundreds of years. In addition, fish soups and various fried and smoked fish are part of the traditionalists’ dining tables.

Various summer events on the rapid fields are an important part of the tradition. People meet there and small talk, update how things are going. Various events are held annually, such as Siikafästit and Siikamarkkinat (White fish market).

Built cultural environment and the fishing villages

The dipnet fishing tradition also lives on in the built cultural environment of the rapids villages. The fishing villages of Kukkola and Matkakoski have remained vibrant communities where dipnetting has shaped the landscape for centuries.

Buildings connected to fishing – such as storage sheds, the kalapuohi (fish storehouse), the paistokota (fish grilling hut), and the small paths crossing the riverbanks – tell about the practices of the tradition and the communal way of life. Many of these structures have served the same purposes for generations. The oldest buildings in the rapids villages date back to the 18th century. Their location and construction reflect both the natural conditions and the practical needs of fishing.

Rules and Dipnet fishing rights on both sides of the border

Finland and Sweden have a Border River Agreement on the Torne River, which is administered by the Border River Commission. The agreement will guide fishing in the area. Based on the agreement, a fishing rule has been created that defines, among other things, fishing seasons, protection periods, minimum sizes of fish to be caught, and the strength and net size of fishing gear, such as dipnet.

As a rule, whitefish are caught from mid-July, and salmon can be caught from the beginning of June until mid-July. However, there may be variation in the dates from year to year.

The Dipnet fishing right is based on the fishing rights that the main farms once received. Within the framework of these rights, the owners of the main farms and the holdings subdivided from them are allowed to catch whitefish according to their shares. The farmers own the rapids fishing rights, and the rights are passed on to the next generations, either as an inheritance or through land transactions. There are some differences in the casting practices between different rapids.