We are delighted to see international guests salmon fly fishing in Norway from the beginning of the season this year. Snow levels were very good through the winter leading to the sort of spring conditions that we would expect for many rivers. Regular rains have kept water levels fluctuating allowing fish to move through the river systems and constant fresh fish entering the pools. Read more about specific rivers below.

The Gaula

Current recorded catch for 2022: 5,009
Largest Fish: 19.3 kg (42.5 lbs)
Average size: 5.6 kg (12.35 lbs)

We are now mid way through July on the Gaula towards the end of the traditional prime time period and we have seen 3 fish over 40 lbs and 53 of salmon over 30 lbs too. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season. In recent years, we have found that many of the biggest fish are landed in the back end as water levels are lower and fewer fish are lost due to high flows.

Winsnes Lodge

Catch in 2022: 122
Largest Fish: 14.5 kg (31.97 lbs)
Average size: 6.1 kg (13.45 lbs)

Well, it’s been a struggle to catch fish this week but we have managed a few. On Sunday, Colin caught a 30 lber to open his week. Petter has caught one of 104 cm and there have been a few others in the upper nineties including this 98 cm beauty for Simon. It follows a fish of 19 pounds a few days ago. Lots of fish on the beats but they are reluctant to take.

We hope that over the coming weeks that localised storms can inject some fresh water to keep fish moving in the pools and eager to take the fly.

Norwegian Fly Fisher’s Club

Catch in 2022: 261
Largest Fish: 15 kg (33 lbs)
Average size: 6.15 kg (13.56 lbs)

The lower beats at NFC slowed up this week but more fish were encountered on the Bua and the main Storen and Lodge beats continue to produce good fishing. Although dropping to summer levels, at this height the upper NFC pools becoming an exciting option with floating lines and smaller flies. The increased showing of grilse has pulled down the average sizes throughout the system but there are still plenty of big fish to be found too.

The Orkla

Current recorded catch for 2022: 4,456
Largest Fish: 23.6 kg (52 lbs)
Average size: 5.4 kg (11.91 lbs)

We are now mid way through July on the Orkla towards the end of the traditional prime time period and we have seen 1 fish over 50 lbs, 2 fish over 40 lbs and 30 of salmon over 30 lbs too. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season. In recent years, we have found that many of the biggest fish are landed in the back end as water levels are lower and fewer fish are lost due to high flows.

We will be growing our Orkla River options in 2023 so please do get in contact if you would be interested in visiting.

The Lakselv

Current recorded catch for 2022: 242
Largest Fish: 19 kg (41.89 lbs)
Average size: 7.6 kg (16.76 lbs)

Oldero Lodge

Catch in 2022: 26
Largest Fish: 15.2 kg (33.51 lbs)
Average size: 7.55 kg (16.65 lbs)

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. Fishing has been picking up throughout the river and there are plenty of good fish to be found. The Oldero beats have been good at locating the fish, and as ever the Home Pool continues to be a favourite for both anglers and salmon. A number of monstrous salmon have been lost after heartbreaking fights.

The river finally saw it first 40 lbs salmon of the season landed to go with 15 salmon over 30 lbs for the season. With big fish running all weeks of the season we expect to see more salmon in excess of 30 and 40 lbs in 2022.

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