The 2023 Norway salmon fishing season once again brings much excitement and hopefully the chance of a few big salmon.
View Fishing Report from 1st August 2023 here.
View Fishing Report from 25th July 2023 here.
View Fishing Report from 18th July 2023 here.
View Fishing Report from 27th June 2023 here.
View Fishing Report from 20th June 2023 here.
View Fishing Report from 13th June 2023 here.
View Fishing Report from 6th June 2023 here.
For more information about salmon fishing in Norway please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
Norway Salmon Fishing Report – 1st August 2023
There were reasonable snow levels through the winter leading to the opening, and a cold drizzly spring has meant that the snow pack hung around, but a hot June has melted that off but levels remain largely stable. We are now entering the exciting August weeks of the season with mixed fishing this year, water levels have tended to be at the lower end of the average. In previous seasons we have seen great fishing after August thunderstorms with Week 33 one to look out for in the Trondheim region. The runs started well but the peak run has been down this year in the Trondheim area in particular.
The Gaula
Total catch in 2022: 6,424
Current recorded catch for 2023: 3,029
Largest Fish: 22 kg (48.5 lbs)
Average size: 5.9 kg (13.01 lbs)
The last week in July was drier than the previous weeks but the regular top-ups seem to have brought the base flow up to the seasonal average flow. Week 30 was relatively quiet throughout the system but some nice fish appearing throughout, anglers have had to experiment more with fly size and methods to get success. This season so far there have been 2 fish over 40 lbs and 37 of salmon over 30 lbs too. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
Winsnes Lodge
Total Catch in 2022: 154
Total catch in 2023: 83
Largest Fish: 14.3 kg (31.53 lbs)
Average size: 6.45 kg (14.22 lbs)
Week 30 proved to be a slow week on the Winsnes beats but Andrew Beattie took honours with a wonderful 32 lb salmon from the head of the Bottle Pool on a small home made black and green tube fly.
Last Minute Availability
Week 33 (13 to 20 August): 6 rods available
Week 34 (20 to 27 August): 6 rods available
Norwegian Fly Fisher’s Club
Total Catch in 2022: 340
Total Catch in 2023: 163
Largest Fish: 14 kg (30.86 lbs)
Average size: 6.39 kg (14.09 lbs)
Like the whole river, Norwegian Flyfishers Club had a slow Week 30 but anglers still had some great encounters with fish up to 20 lbs. As well as the salmon there were also some lovely sea trout landed between 3 and 8 lbs.
The Orkla
Total catch in 2022: 6,318
Current recorded catch for 2023: 2,570
Largest Fish: 18.8 kg (41.45 lbs)
Average size: 5.5 kg (12.13 lbs)
The Orkla tends to experience very similar conditions to the Gaula, with some slow periods seen in late June and early July it now seems that the fish are beginning to become active again with fish being caught more frequently throughout the system. Week 30 produced a good number of small and medium salmon throughout. So far this season there has been one salmon over 40 lbs and 22 over 30 lbs too. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
Last Minute Availability at Grindal Lodge
Week 31/32 (2 to 9 August): rods available
Week 33/34 (16 to 23 August): rods available
The Lakselv
Total catch in 2022: 936
Current recorded catch for 2023: 70 (Most catches recorded at the end of the season)
Largest Fish: 19.20 kg (42.33 lbs)
Average size: 6.3 kg (13.89 lbs)
Oldero Lodge
Total Catch in 2022: 112
Total Catch in 2023: 46 (Catches recorded in full at the end of the season)
Largest Fish: 18.5 kg (40.79 lbs)
Average size: 5.85 kg (12.9 lbs)
Fishing conditions have steadily improved in the north of Norway and we are now seeing the salmon entering the river in better numbers with a big uptick in runs over the last two weeks. In an effort to limit the numbers of pink salmon entering the river a new fish trap has been added this season. It has undoubtedly had a slowing affect on the salmon runs but as we progress through the year the process is improving and the fish are moving through the trap much faster.
So far this season on the Lakselv there has been two salmon over 40 lbs (one from Oldero) and six over 30 lbs (three from Oldero) too. There were also two fish estimated over 40 lbs lost at Oldero last week after long battles. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
The Namsen
Total catch in 2022: 5,193
Current recorded catch for 2023: 2,689
Largest Fish: 20 kg (44.09 lbs)
Average size: 4.0 kg (8.82 lbs)
The Namsen lies just north of Trondheim and has a rich history for big salmon. It is a much bigger river than the likes of the Gaula and Orkla so whilst fly fishing is not always the primary method there are some lovely beats suited for fly fishing. The 2023 season had a fantastic start with much of the river recording some wonderful salmon the last week has seen predominantly grilse making an appearance. So far this season there have been 8 fish over 40 lbs and 28 of salmon over 30 lbs too, four of these fish were taken on fly. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
Namsentunet Lodge
Total Catch in 2023: to be recorded at end of season
Largest Fish: 19.33 kg (42.62 lbs)
Average size: to be recorded at end of season
The fishing at Namsentunet is enjoying a mix of medium and large salmon across its fishing. Those who are fly fishing are finding success with a mix of floating and sinking lines, up to Sink 8 in some pools. Anglers who want to add to the excitement have been enjoying fantastic action on riffling hitch tubes with plenty of takes but mixed results on landing salmon.
For more information about salmon fishing in Norway please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
Norway Salmon Fishing Report – 25th July 2023
There were reasonable snow levels through the winter leading to the opening, and a cold drizzly spring has meant that the snow pack hung around, but a hot June has melted that off but levels remain largely stable. We are now entering the latter weeks of the season with mixed fishing this year, water levels have tended to be at the lower end of the average but increasing rains have helped in that regard. The runs started well but the peak run has been down this year in the Trondheim area in particular, but recent rains seem to have got fish moving and taking again.
The Gaula
Total catch in 2022: 6,424
Current recorded catch for 2023: 2,792
Largest Fish: 22 kg (48.5 lbs)
Average size: 6.0 kg (13.23 lbs)
July continues to enjoy regular intense periods of rain which have produced good pulses of fresh water throughout the system. The fishing has often been good at the start of the rise and from about 24 hours after the peak. Last week was the best of the season so far, with a total of 457 salmon landed throughout the system. This season so far there have been 2 fish over 40 lbs and 37 of salmon over 30 lbs too. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
Winsnes Lodge
Total Catch in 2022: 154
Total catch in 2023: 80
Largest Fish: 14.3 kg (31.53 lbs)
Average size: 6.5 kg (14.33 lbs)
Latest report from Matt Hayes:
Week 28 was hosted by Petter Dragvoll while myself and the family took a holiday on the West Coast of Norway. Petter is a Gaula veteran with a great deal of experience on the river and we left the fishery in very capable hands.
The group comprised old friends who are regulars and it was nice to hear that Petter imparted some of that ‘inside edge’ knowledge that is reserved for experienced anglers. His tactical approach to salmon fishing makes Petter very well suited to working with experienced salmon fishers who are eager to take on the more advanced tips.
It was a tricky week with some decent periods of rain to spice things up a bit. Nonetheless, with the total river catch being much reduced so far this season, it’s obvious that we don’t have the head of fish in our pools that we are used to. It was lovely to see that Morten Jensen, a long-standing guest, celebrated his 50th by catching a salmon! Morten caught 3 salmon and a sea trout during the week – a decent tally on a tricky river!
The evening gatherings were really popular and saw the coming together of Norwegians, Danes, English, Welsh and German nationality sharing some special times by the river. In conclusion, given the weaker run of fish that we have experienced so far this year, the group did really well to eke out fish in tough conditions. it’s always satisfying when the rods are capable of putting your tactical advice into action and there was some good angling on display last week.
The new week has kicked off in style with the first 30lb+ salmon from the Winsnes beats caught by Andrew Beattie on the head of the Bottle Pool.
Last Minute Availability
Week 31 (30 July to 6 August): 2 rods available
Week 33 (13 to 20 August): 6 rods available
Week 34 (20 to 27 August): 6 rods available
Norwegian Fly Fisher’s Club
Total Catch in 2022: 340
Total Catch in 2023: 157
Largest Fish: 14 kg (30.86 lbs)
Average size: 6.40 kg (14.11 lbs)
Due to its location on the middle Gaula above and below Gaulfossen, the recent rains in July have had a positive affect on the fishing at NFC almost instantaneously. With all beats now producing fish, it is an exciting time to be on this part of the river. A good amount of fresh middle size salmon are still appearing and we hope to see that trend continue.
The Orkla
Total catch in 2022: 6,318
Current recorded catch for 2023: 2,277
Largest Fish: 17.5 kg (38.58 lbs)
Average size: 5.7 kg (12.57 lbs)
The Orkla tends to experience very similar conditions to the Gaula, with some slow periods seen in late June and early July it now seems that the fish are beginning to become active again with fish being caught more frequently throughout the system. The larger resident fish are also beginning to make an appearance with some exciting weeks ahead. So far this season there has been one salmon over 40 lbs and 21 over 30 lbs too. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
Last Minute Availability at Grindal Lodge
Week 31/32 (2 to 9 August): rods available
Week 33/34 (16 to 23 August): rods available
The Lakselv
Total catch in 2022: 936
Current recorded catch for 2023: 47 (Most catches recorded at the end of the season)
Largest Fish: 19.20 kg (42.33 lbs)
Average size: 7.9 kg (17.42 lbs)
Oldero Lodge
Total Catch in 2022: 112
Total Catch in 2023: 35 (Catches recorded in full at the end of the season)
Largest Fish: 18.5 kg (40.79 lbs)
Average size: 6.55 kg (14.44 lbs)
Fishing conditions have steadily improved in the north of Norway and we are now seeing the salmon entering the river in better numbers with a big uptick in runs over the last few days. In an effort to limit the numbers of pink salmon entering the river a new fish trap has been added this season. It has undoubtedly had a slowing affect on the salmon runs but as we progress through the year the process is improving and the fish are moving through the trap much faster.
So far this season on the Lakselv there has been two salmon over 40 lbs (one from Oldero) and six over 30 lbs (three from Oldero) too. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
The Namsen
Total catch in 2022: 5,193
Current recorded catch for 2023: 2,489
Largest Fish: 20 kg (44.09 lbs)
Average size: 4.1 kg (9.04 lbs)
The Namsen lies just north of Trondheim and has a rich history for big salmon. It is a much bigger river than the likes of the Gaula and Orkla so whilst fly fishing is not always the primary method there are some lovely beats suited for fly fishing. The 2023 season has continued its fantastic start with much of the river recording some wonderful salmon. So far this season there have been 8 fish over 40 lbs and 28 of salmon over 30 lbs too, four of these fish were taken on fly. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
Namsentunet Lodge
Total Catch in 2023: to be recorded at end of season
Largest Fish: 19.33 kg (42.62 lbs)
Average size: to be recorded at end of season
The fishing at Namsentunet is enjoying a mix of medium and large salmon across its fishing. Those who are fly fishing are finding success with a mix of floating and sinking lines, up to Sink 8 in some pools. Anglers who want to add to the excitement have been enjoying fantastic action on riffling hitch tubes with plenty of takes but mixed results on landing salmon.
For more information about salmon fishing in Norway please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
Norway Salmon Fishing Report – 18th July 2023
There were reasonable snow levels through the winter leading to the opening, and a cold drizzly spring has meant that the snow pack hung around, but a hot June has melted that off but levels remain largely stable. We are now at the midway point of the season with mixed fishing this year, water levels have tended to be at the lower end of the average but more frequent rains have helped in that regard. The runs started well but the peak run has been down this year in the Trondheim area in particular, but recent rains seem to have got fish moving and taking again.
The Gaula
Total catch in 2022: 6,424
Current recorded catch for 2023: 2,339
Largest Fish: 22 kg (48.5 lbs)
Average size: 6.3 kg (13.89 lbs)
July has enjoyed several intense periods of rain which have produced good pulses of fresh water throughout the system. The fishing has often been good at the start of the rise and from about 24 hours after the peak. This season so far there have been 2 fish over 40 lbs and 33 of salmon over 30 lbs too. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
Winsnes Lodge
Total Catch in 2022: 154
Total catch in 2023: 72
Largest Fish: 10 kg (22.05 lbs)
Average size: 6.5 kg (14.33 lbs)
Over the last couple of weeks the fishing has been tougher than normal for what would be regarded as the prime weeks of the season. Despite good water conditions, anglers have been switching over to smaller leaders and smaller flies and tubes to make things happen. These are tactics we typically see in late July and August. With the increase in rain we hope to see the main run appearing a little later this season with the interesting late July and August weeks yet to come.
Last Minute Availability
Week 30 (23 to 30 July): 2 rods available
Week 31 (30 July to 6 August): 2 rods available
Week 33 (13 to 20 August): 6 rods available
Norwegian Fly Fisher’s Club
Total Catch in 2022: 340
Total Catch in 2023: 139
Largest Fish: 14 kg (30.86 lbs)
Average size: 6.74 kg (14.86 lbs)
Due to its location on the middle Gaula above and below Gaulfossen, the recent rains in July have had a positive affect on the fishing at NFC almost instantaneously. With all beats now producing fish, it is an exciting time to be on this part of the river. A good amount of fresh middle size salmon are still appearing and we hope to see that trend continue.
The Orkla
Total catch in 2022: 6,318
Current recorded catch for 2023: 1,848
Largest Fish: 17.5 kg (38.58 lbs)
Average size: 6 kg (13.23 lbs)
The Orkla tends to experience very similar conditions to the Gaula, with some slow periods seen in late June and early July it now seems that the fish are beginning to become active again with fish being caught more frequently throughout the system. So far this season there have been 21 of salmon over 30 lbs too. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
Last Minute Availability at Grindal Lodge
Week 31/32 (2 to 9 August): rods available
Week 33/34 (16 to 23 August): rods available
The Lakselv
Total catch in 2022: 936
Current recorded catch for 2023: 8 (Most catches recorded at the end of the season)
Largest Fish: 16.0 kg (35.27 lbs)
Average size: 10.5 kg (23.15 lbs)
Oldero Lodge
Total Catch in 2022: 112
Total Catch in 2023: (Catches recorded at the end of the season)
Largest Fish: –
Average size: –
The start of prime season in the north was greeted with unrelenting 24 hour sunshine and 30C temperatures, not ideal fishing conditions yet a number of fresh fish made an appearance to over 30 lbs. The fishing was tricky and good presentation, floating lines and smaller flies were key. Conditions now seem to have broken and good numbers of salmon are appearing so we hope to see an uptick in fishing over the next couple of weeks.
The Namsen
Total catch in 2022: 5,193
Current recorded catch for 2023: 2,133
Largest Fish: 20 kg (44.09 lbs)
Average size: 4.4 kg (9.70 lbs)
The Namsen lies just north of Trondheim and has a rich history for big salmon. It is a much bigger river than the likes of the Gaula and Orkla so whilst fly fishing is not always the primary method there are some lovely beats suited for fly fishing. The 2023 season has continued its fantastic start with much of the river recording some wonderful salmon. So far this season there have been 8 fish over 40 lbs and 27 of salmon over 30 lbs too, four of these fish were taken on fly. We hope that these big salmon continue to appear through the season.
Namsentunet Lodge
Total Catch in 2023: to be recorded at end of season
Largest Fish: 19.33 kg (42.62 lbs)
Average size: to be recorded at end of season
The fishing at Namsentunet is enjoying a mix of medium and large salmon across its fishing. Those who are fly fishing are finding success with a mix of floating and sinking lines, up to Sink 8 in some pools. Anglers who want to add to the excitement have been enjoying fantastic action on riffling hitch tubes with plenty of takes but mixed results on landing salmon.
For more information about salmon fishing in Norway please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.