Salmon Fishing in Norway

It was the English aristocrats who first began Salmon fishing in Norway. These wealthy people rented areas of the best rivers in the land, sometimes staying for the whole season. The even tied their own salmon flies when they weren’t fishing.

Ordinary men in the street could not afford this “Gentleman’s Sport”So there wasn’t much competition for them.

These days though, Salmon fishing the the ordinary tourists are wonderful. There are flights from all over the UK and Europe and Norway is only one and a half to two hours away.

It’s not just the wealthy people who land the big ones either. I have spoken to some keen sports fishermen from the UK who have landed “King Salmon” weighing over 18 kilos and more.

Anglers from all over the globe travel to Norway to experience some of the best salmon rivers in the world. Salmon fishing is a very exciting and relaxing sport. I have to admit, I had never been interested in fishing of any kind before I settled in Norway. A fish for me was usually wrapped in news paper with a pile of chips.

A mate of mine, another Britt, introduced me to fishing and after that I was hooked, (pardon the pun) For a few years I only fished in the local lakes after trout, and then my wife’s uncle, who owned a farm by the nearest Salmon river, kindly gave me a fishing card for his zone. All the rivers have zones; the best ones of course are the ones nearest to the river mouth. The salmon gather here before swimming up stream to the spawning grounds.

His zone was about 100 meters from the mouth of the river and I landed some nice salmon here. The biggest one being 6.5 kg. Not very big by Norwegian standards but for me it was a monster. I was only used to landing small trout.

I fished here for many wonderful years, then unfortunately I injured my back in an accident on an oil rig and that put paid to my salmon fishing. I still like to go down to the river now and again though, to watch the other anglers enjoying themselves.

If you are thinking of trying your luck, the best time is from the middle of July to about the middle of August. This can vary from river to river though. Petrol stations and post offices sell licences which allow you to fish all day in your chosen river.

There are approximately 450 rivers in Norway where it is possible to catch salmon.

The one where I live is called Hå River and is one of the less know for Salmon fishing. Having said that, there are plenty of fish to be had here. Sea trout also swim in some of the rivers.

Other excellent rivers are the spectacular but regulated Suldal River the stunning Namsen River, the Gaula river and the Stjørdal River

These are but a few of the breathtaking rivers in this beautiful country.

Some of largest Atlantic salmon in the world is produced in these mighty rivers and anglers catch over 140,000 of them every year.

If you’re planning on fishing in one of these magnificent rivers, don’t be surprised if suddenly, without warning, you’re fly rod bends and you take the strain, and you feel the adrenalin pulsate through you’re veins, then you realise there’s a big one taken your fly. If you win this battle and that’s what it will be. You could land a 20 kg monster 

Although I haven’t experienced this feeling with a big salmon, I have spoken to people who have, and they say there is no feeling like it.

Well as I have mentioned it a few times now, if you are in Stavanger and would like to visit me or try your luck, get in touch and I will help you all I can. Like I said earlier I live quite near an excellent salmon river.

You are always welcome; my door is always open ;-)



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