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 just about average for where they should be. Most rivers have seen good runs with many hitting their 10 year averages for this stage in the season.
The Gaula
Current recorded catch for June 2019: 1,199
Largest Fish: 17.6 kg (38.8 lbs)
Average size: 7.65 kg (16.9 lbs)
Winsnes Lodge
Catch in June: 25
Largest Fish: 15.9 kg (35 lbs)
Average size: 8.62 kg (19 lbs)
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.
The final week in June finished on 12 salmon to the 8 rods with the largest fish taped at 117 cm. With the wet weather that has been around the river has received regular spate to keep fish moving up and more spells of rain forecast we are expecting good things for July.
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
Catch in June: 60
Largest Fish: 17.1 kg (37.7 lbs)
Average size: 8.03 kg (17.7 lbs)
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.
The typical high water of early season combined with the great run of bigger fish has seen a few battles end in heartbreak. As we enter July river flows are continuing to hit the average for where they should be and perfect for fishing with the fly.
Last chance availability:
7 – 14 July (week 28): prime week
14 – 21 July (week 29): prime week
4 – 11 August (week 32): good numbers of fish throughout
18 – 25 August (week 34): good numbers of fish throughout
The Orkla
Current recorded catch for June 2019: 1,016
Largest Fish: 18.5 kg (40.8 lbs)
Average size: 7.36 kg (16.2 lbs)
Aunan Lodge
Catch in June: 35
Largest Fish: 14.3 kg (31.5 lbs)
Average size: 8.99 kg (19.8 lbs)
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
Current recorded catch for June 2019: 56
Largest Fish: 17 kg (37.5 lbs)
Average size: 10.09 kg (22.2 lbs)
Oldero Lodge
Catch in June: 6
Largest Fish: 14.5 kg (32 lbs)
Average size: 9.6 kg (21.2 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. The Oldero Lodge landed their first salmon of the season on the 24th June, with fish following most days since then.
The biggest fish so far was just over 30 lbs but given the average sizes seen elsewhere throughout Norway we expect it will not be long until some giant salmon start being hooked.
The first 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.