The Winsnes Fly Fishing Lodge in Norway has a rich history dating back to 1882 when it was founded by the first British salmon fishers, known as the ‘Salmon Lords’ or ‘Lakse Lorder.’ They used the lodge as a base for their summer fly fishing adventures on the Gaula River. Over the past 130 years, traveling salmon fly fishers have enjoyed fishing and staying at the lodge.
The Gaula River is renowned among Atlantic salmon rivers and is often referred to as ‘the river of silver and gold.’ It is known for its strong runs of salmon, which typically average between 14 to 18 pounds. Many salmon in the Gaula River exceed 30 pounds, and there are even some that weigh over 40 pounds. The river’s clear water often carries a slight golden tinge, adding to its character.
The surrounding landscape is picturesque, featuring thick evergreen forested slopes, small villages, and farms, making it a beautiful location for targeting some of the world’s largest salmon.
After more than a decade of wonderful memories, the lodge no longer have control of the fishing from the Bottle Pool up to the junction with the Fora River. This has been great water and would ordinarily be a sad loss, but with the addition of new water on the lower boundary, we have high hopes of a fantastic 2026 season.
The Winsnes fishery now begins at Kroken, the lodge’s home pool and extends below the former lower limit to take in the new pool, Håvåhølen (The Hover Pool). There is just over 2.5km of continuous double bank to work with and it provides six beats in total. It’s a very beautiful fishery, set away from the road and with perfect atmosphere. The new rod limit will be just six rods, allowing for three beats to always be rested between fishing sessions.
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.
2026 Availability at Winsnes Lodge:
14 – 21 June (week 25): 2 rods – (exciting early season week)
21 – 28 June (week 26): Sold Out
28 June – 5 July (week 27): 5 rods – (Aardvark McLeod Hosted week – prime week with full guiding)
5 – 12 July (week 28): Sold Out
12 – 19 July (week 29): Sold Out
19 – 26 July (week 30): 4 rods
26 July – 2 August (week 31): 6 rods
2 – 9 August (week 32): 6 rods – (exciting late summer week)
9 – 16 August (week 33): Sold Out
16 – 23 August (week 34): 6 rods – (exciting late season week)
23 – 30 August (week 35): 6 rods – (exciting late season week)
All prices are based on full board accommodation, shared room and light guiding. The cost excludes car hire, state licence, flights, alcohol and tackle disinfection.
For more information about Winsnes Lodge and salmon fishing in Norway please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
