Gisträsk: Lake, Stream and 28 Islets

For local residents, Gissträsket is an important recreational area; at the same time, the lake shapes the local landscape. The lake, its named outflow and the bathing spot offer travellers different points of interest—from an interest in the landscape to planning a day of swimming or fishing. The surrounding area can also be understood through the relationship between the lake, stream and catchment area.

A lake with islands and an outflow

Gissträsket has 28 islets, and its shoreline is about 22 kilometres long. These details highlight different aspects of the lake: the shoreline length gives an indication of its extent, while the islets define its inner landscape. For travel planning, this offers a concrete picture of a body of water that is more than just an expanse of open water.

Gissträsket drains via the Gissträskbäcken into Kvammarn and is part of the Skellefteälven catchment area. The stream marks the lake’s drainage route, while the catchment area places it within a broader hydrological context. So those interested in the landscape as more than just a backdrop can also find a clear connection between the lake, stream and river system here.

Stream restoration, swimming and fishing

The 2024 annual report from the Västerbotten County Administrative Board reports the restoration of a 0.9-kilometre stretch of the Gissträskbäcken. A dam that obstructed fish migration was removed. New spawning grounds were also created in the Gissträskbäcken for trout reproduction; the fishing regulations give 2022–2023 as the period when this work was completed. This stream is therefore notable both for its restored stretch and its purpose-built spawning grounds.

Gissträsk is one of several other bathing spots in Norsjö Municipality. The municipality provides a map link for the Gissträsk bathing spot. If swimming is part of your holiday plans, this information can help you find your way and include the bathing spot in your plans.

Fishing is another distinct interest. The waters of Kva-Gi-Li FVO have natural populations of pike, perch, vendace and burbot. Digital fishing permits for Kva-Gi-Li FVO can be purchased through iFiske. This makes it possible to connect an interest in the fish species with a practical step towards planning a day of fishing.

Water activities when choosing accommodation

When looking for a holiday rental in Gisträsk, it helps to decide first what you would like to focus on during your stay. If you plan to go swimming, you can factor in the bathing spot; if you plan to fish, the Kva-Gi-Li FVO and digital fishing permit are part of the preparations. For an interest in nature, the connections between the lake, stream and catchment area offer a perspective of their own. This way, you can match your accommodation search to the experiences that matter to you.

If you are travelling with children, you can decide together which of these water-related themes should be a highlight of the trip: a day of swimming, the fish life, or the landscape around the lake and stream. This gives your holiday planning a tangible starting point without requiring the same activities every day.

Discover more destinations: Norsjö, Amliden, Bastuträsk

Go to the main travel guide: Norsjö.