Malselv River, Norway
Giant salmon and good fly water
The Malselv is a big salmon river, in the same class as Reisa and Lakselv, and is formed as the tributaries Divi River and Rosta River meet. It flows into the sea at Malsnes at the bottom of the Malselv Fjord. This large river is perfectly suited to classic salmon fly fishing.
Five private beats, fishing a maximum of three rods exclusively
Rundhaug Lodge on the Malselv offers five private beats which provides two to three rods exclusivity on each beat. An expert local guide is based on each beat for the day and beats are fished in rotation during the day/week.
Malselv River is classed as a medium to large size river with many varied pools providing quite superb fly water. The best classic fly fishing is found on the upper river above the prominent Malselv Falls (Målselvfossen) and it was the pool here that the famous hotelier Charles Ritz described as a salmon ‘aquarium’.
The falls and its pool form a natural boundary between the seemingly less attractive and somewhat featureless lower river and the much more exciting waters of classic fly fishing on the upper river. The numbers on the upper river are helped by the salmon ladder that was built in 1909/10 and runs parallel to the falls/rapids and is roughly 600 metres long.
A warm and traditional welcome
The idyllic Rundhaug Gjestegård in the small village of Rundhaug overlooks the river and has the majestic 4,800 feet mountains as a background. It has easy access to nearby beats and is well positioned close to the most attractive parts of the river. Built in 1905, the recently modernised lodge offers guests a warm and traditional welcome. The old world charm combines with a rich angling history – Charles Ritz stayed here when he fished the river in 1959. The comfortably furnished bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and pretty views.
120km of Norweigan salmon river
The Malsev River is in northern Norway and can be reached from Bardufoss airport (a 20 minute drive) or from Tromso airport and then a two hour drive. The total river length is 173 kilometres of which the salmon runs are about 120km.