Salmon fly fishing is a hugely weather and water condition led pursuit, and with extremely high water conditions in Norway in 2017 followed by record lows in 2018, we have been delighted to see conditions in 2019 to be much more inline with where they should be. Most rivers have seen good runs.

The Gaula

2019 Total River catch to date: 2,307
Current recorded catch for June 2019: 1,218
Current recorded catch for July 2019: 1,085
Largest Fish: 21 kg (46.3 lbs)
Average size: 6.46 kg (14.24 lbs)

Winsnes Lodge

2019 Total catch to date: 63
Current catch in June: 24
Current catch in July: 39
Largest Fish: 15.9 kg (35 lbs)
Average size: 7.43 kg (16.38 lbs)

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As June progressed the fishing has really picked up on the beats at Winsnes Lodge. With good early season flows it took the fish some time to make it up passed the Gaulfossen waterfall to reach the Winsnes beats but when they arrived we found them extremely strong, healthy and big this year.

Since early July we have seen the water continue to drop and and warm up slightly despite the damp and cold conditions in around the valley this season. On the Winsnes Lodge beats, there are pools that fish best in low water conditions with good fast pools and excellent holding areas. We are still seeing good numbers of big fish and also the start of the summer grilse runs too.

Last chance availability:

21 – 28 July (week 30 – 1 rod): £2,250 per person (good numbers of fish in the Winsnes beats)
28 July – 4 August (week 31 – 4 rods): £1,950 per person (good numbers of fish in the Winsnes beats)
4 – 11 August (week 32 – 4 rods): £1,800 per person (good numbers of fish in the Winsnes beats)
11 – 18 August (week 33 – 6 rods): £1,800 per person (good numbers of fish in the Winsnes beats)
18 – 25 August (week 34 – 5 rods): £1,800 per person (good numbers of fish in the Winsnes beats)

Norwegian Fly Fisher’s Club

2019 Total catch to date: 106
Current catch in June: 63
Current catch in July: 43
Largest Fish: 17.1 kg (37.7 lbs)
Average size: 7.19 kg (15.85 lbs)

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In June the NFC waters may not have seen record numbers of fish but the average weight has been very impressive. The lodge benefits from have beats both above and below Gaulfossen waterfall and they started to encounter fish virtually from the start of the season.

With the river dropping throughout the past week we have seen the fishing get a bit slower but beats both above and below Gaulfossen are producing fresh salmon. We are excited to see a decent rise in the river yesterday and expect some good fishing over the next couple of days as fresh fish move into the pools.

Last chance availability:

4 – 11 August (week 32): good numbers of fish throughout
18 – 25 August (week 34): good numbers of fish throughout

The Orkla

2019 Total River catch to date: 1,732
Current recorded catch for June 2019: 1,023
Current recorded catch for July 2019: 703
Largest Fish: 19.4 kg (42.8 lbs)
Average size: 6.39 kg (14.09 lbs)

Aunan Lodge

2019 Total catch to date: 53
Current catch in June: 35
Current catch in July: 18
Largest Fish: 14.3 kg (31.5 lbs)
Average size: 8.41 kg (18.54 lbs)

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The catch this season so far is very much in line with recent years, but still, June has been unusual catch-wise at Aunan. A total number of 35 salmon was reached in 2016, 2017 and 2018, but the average weight so far this season is quite unique: 8.99 kilos / 19.8 lbs.

It has never happened before in Aunan Lodge’s 15 year long history that the first 31 salmon caught on our beat has been a “storlaks” (big salmon, i.e. 7 kilos or bigger). Several of the guests have recorded their biggest salmon ever, and they take memories back with them that will last a lifetime.

Last chance availability:

28 July – 4 August (week 31 – 2 rods): £2,450 per person (good numbers of fish in the Aunan beats – Last minute special offer)

The Lakselv

2019 Total River catch to date: 160
Current recorded catch for June 2019: 59
Current recorded catch for July 2019: 101
Largest Fish: 17 kg (37.5 lbs)
Average size: 9.71 kg (21.41 lbs)

Oldero Lodge

2019 Total catch to date: 16
Current catch in June: 6
Current catch in July: 10
Largest Fish: 14.5 kg (32 lbs)
Average size: 9.64 kg (21.25 lbs)

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Being much further north in Norway the salmon season takes longer to get going, with many river opening towards the end of June and July. The Oldero Lodge landed their first salmon of the season on the 24th June, with fish following most days since then.

Bright sun and low water has made for some tough conditions for the anglers the past week, but we are delighted to see returning angler John who sadly missed out on fish in 2018 land two stunning fresh Lakselv salmon. One of which was his biggest salmon ever.

This season’s anglers have been enjoying various updates to the lodge and the fishing, with the new drying room a hit. Anglers are also able to explore seven different beats with the lodge offering more pool variety through the week.

Last chance availability:

18 – 25 August (week 34 – 2 rods): £6,250 per rod

For more information about salmon fishing in Norway please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.