The 2024 Norway salmon fly fishing season is just a couple of weeks away, and the first fish are being registered in the fish counters. An early spring in central Norway meant that the snow melted early this year leaving the rivers in prime condition for opening day on the 1st June, we are expecting a great start to June this year. It does mean we will be more reliant on rain through the middle and latter parts of the season, but it means that salmon should be well spread out through the prime weeks. Up north, there is plenty of snow still on the ground so we are expecting good water for the prime weeks into August. We still have a handful of prime time openings which should not be missed.
Winsnes Lodge, River Gaula
The lodge founded in 1882 when the first British salmon fishers, known as the ‘Salmon Lords’ (Lakse Lorder) used the house as a base for their summer fly fishing adventures on the Gaula River. Travelling salmon fly fishers have now enjoyed over 130 years fishing and staying at the lodge. The lodge has 4 km of private double bank fishing located above Gaulfossen. The river sees strong runs of salmon averaging between 14 – 18 lbs with many fish exceeding 30 lbs and a few over 40 lbs. The river is full of character and when clear it carries a slight golden tinge. The surrounding scenery is one of thick evergreen forested slopes interspersed with small villages and farms.
The anglers are now housed in the summer house and separate self-contained family apartment in the form of a small house that dates back to the 1700’s. There are six bedrooms in total with shared bathroom facilities (4 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms in the summer house & 2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom in the small house). The lodge offers fully catered accommodation and anglers receive light guiding. It is possible to arrange more formal guiding for those looking for more advice on the water. The fishing runs on a 16 hour rotation per day enforcing two fixed 4 hour rest periods on the river, one at night and one at lunchtime.
- 4 km continuous private double bank fishing
- Fantastic fly water
- Good beat rotation and resting periods so there is always fresh water
- Fly fishing and catch & release only
- Good food, fully licenced bar and relaxed family style accommodation
Winsnes Lodge Availability in 2024
30 June – 7 July (week 27): 2 rods – Special Offer available (Aardvark McLeod Hosted week – prime week with full guiding)
Oldero Lodge, River Lakselv
The Lakselv itself runs through Porsanger in the Finnmark county of north Norway. In the recent years this pearl of salmon fishing has caught the attention of anglers that are looking for big salmon, and in particular Olderø Lodge. Whilst only a small river, the last few years it has shown to be among rivers with the highest average number of big salmon per season. Many salmon between 40 and 50 lbs have been seen with the record standing at 55 lbs. The river offers easy wading, floating lines, riffling hitch and big North Atlantic salmon. Olderø fly fishing Lodge fishes a total of 9 beats in a rotation that is decided upon at the beginning of each fishing week. During a week anglers will fish all of the beats and will have the best chance to get into some exciting salmon fishing during their stay.
The lodge itself, is beautifully appointed and sits on an island in the middle of the river. It is run by a full team of professional lodge staff to provide a wonderful experience off the water from fantastic meals to fine wines. Oldero have perfected the balance between fishing and lodge comfort for those seeking big salmon in northern Norway.
- 9 private beats including some of the best pools on the river
- Consistent producer of salmon in excess of 30-40 lbs
- Relatively easy wading on a medium sized river
- Fully guided trip, one guide to two anglers (single guiding also available)
- Single rooms as standard, great food and fully licenced bar
Oldero Lodge Availability in 2024
14 – 21 July (Week 29): 1 rod (prime week)
4 – 11 August (week 32): 6 rods (prime week)
When heading fly fishing in Norway in search of Atlantic salmon make sure you pick the right lodge for you so that you make the most out of this wonderful country.
For more information about salmon fishing in Norway please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.