We are now in a position to start offering the first look availability for Norway in 2025. It has been an unusual and unique season in Norway this year with the unprecedented closure of several rivers due to concerns of salmon runs not reaching the important spawning threshold but with a spectacular silver lining of a 46lb (21kg) salmon landed at Oldero Lodge on the 27th August.
As the season has progressed, the monitoring test nets have offered more positive results of bigger runs, and most rivers have reopened with reasonable success. The Orkla and Gaula did remain closed all season, but fish numbers appear good in the river and there will be a period of test fishing on the Gaula later this month and into September to help get a handle on the spawning stock for this winter. We hope that the closure will act as a catalyst to improve fishery management across country and that sensible catch regulations are implemented across the board.
It is with great excitement that we firmly believe the 2025 season will go ahead, but we do expect some changes including a possible shortening of the season. For many of our lodges, this would actually be beneficial as water conditions improve towards the latter weeks in June and it would mean that the early run of bigger fish will be able to spread out more without interference.
Much like Scotland, there are lots of lodges, beats and associations when looking to go salmon fly fishing in Norway. It is hard to know which ones are the right ones to choose and whether they will offer the experience that you are looking for. It is with this in mind that we hand select just a small group of lodges that offer you some of the best fishing, lodging, all round experience and, most importantly, value for money.
Expectation when going fishing anywhere is vitally important and this is certainly true with Norway, if numbers of salmon are what you are after this is not the country for you with options in Iceland and Russia proving more suitable. Norway, for the large part of it, is the home of big Atlantic salmon and gorgeous fly fishing rivers. With this in mind, a general rule of thumb is that 1 to 3 salmon in a week is a reasonable expectation, of course, it is possible to land more than this but these are exceptional weeks. Depending on time of year and location, you also have a very good chance of one of those fish being in excess of 20, 30 or even 40 lbs.
Below we have detailed our Norwegian Salmon Fly Fishing Lodges along with the key reasons why we love them.
Oldero Lodge, River Lakselv
The Lakselv itself runs through Porsanger in the Finnmark county of north Norway. In the recent years this pearl of salmon fishing has caught the attention of anglers that are looking for big salmon, and in particular Olderø Lodge. Whilst only a small river, the last few years it has shown to be among rivers with the highest average number of big salmon per season. Many salmon between 40 and 50 lbs have been seen with the record standing at 55 lbs. The river offers easy wading, floating lines, riffling hitch and big North Atlantic salmon. Olderø fly fishing Lodge fishes a total of 9 beats in a rotation that is decided upon at the beginning of each fishing week. During a week anglers will fish all of the beats and will have the best chance to get into some exciting salmon fishing during their stay.
The lodge itself, is beautifully appointed and sits on an island in the middle of the river. It is run by a full team of professional lodge staff to provide a wonderful experience off the water from fantastic meals to fine wines. Oldero have perfected the balance between fishing and lodge comfort for those seeking big salmon in northern Norway.
- 9 private beats including some of the best pools on the river
- Consistent producer of salmon in excess of 30-40 lbs
- Relatively easy wading on a medium sized river
- Fully guided trip, one guide to two anglers (single guiding also available)
- Single rooms as standard, great food and fully licenced bar
Oldero Lodge Availability in 2025
13 – 20 July (Week 29): 2 rods (prime week)
Other weeks are available, contact us for more details.
Winsnes Lodge, River Gaula
The lodge founded in 1882 when the first British salmon fishers, known as the ‘Salmon Lords’ (Lakse Lorder) used the house as a base for their summer fly fishing adventures on the Gaula River. Travelling salmon fly fishers have now enjoyed over 130 years fishing and staying at the lodge. The lodge has 4 km of private double bank fishing located above Gaulfossen. The river sees strong runs of salmon averaging between 14 – 18 lbs with many fish exceeding 30 lbs and a few over 40 lbs. The river is full of character and when clear it carries a slight golden tinge. The surrounding scenery is one of thick evergreen forested slopes interspersed with small villages and farms.
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.
- 4 km continuous private double bank fishing
- Fantastic fly water
- Good beat rotation and resting periods so there is always fresh water
- Fly fishing and catch & release only
- Good food, fully licenced bar and relaxed family style accommodation
Winsnes Lodge Availability in 2025
16 – 23 June (week 25): 2 rods – £3,150 per person (exciting early season week)
30 June – 7 July (week 27): 8 rods – £5,500 per person (Aardvark McLeod Hosted week – prime week with full guiding)
4 – 11 August (week 32): 6 rods – £3,150 per person (exciting late season week)
Norwegian Fly Fisher’s Club, River Gaula
The NFC on the Gaula offers access to over 12 kilometres of private waters (both single and double bank) on the middle and lower river both above and below Gaulfossen. The fishing rotation allows access to all sections of the river during the week’s fishing. The river is full of character and when clear it carries a slight golden tinge. The surrounding scenery is one of thick evergreen forested slopes interspersed with small villages and farms. Due to its location on the lower river it tends to see fish earlier than the upper lodges and can be a great early June option, by July it is still seeing fresh big fish along with a run of smaller summer fish. You can either enjoy your stay in one of the recently renovated traditional self-catered farm houses or full service accommodation at the newly built NFC Lodge at Rogstadmoen. The fishing runs on a full 24 hour rotation, meaning that you pick when to sleep and eat to fit around your pool allocation.
- 24 beats and pools in the rotation (traditional 24 hour rotation with no rest periods)
- Fishable water above and below Gaulfossen offering great fishing from start to end of each season
- A fantastic team of experienced salmon guides
- Choice of accommodation; full service and self-catered
- Fly shop on site for restocking of the best flies, leader and lines
NFC Lodge Availability in 2025
Availability on request.
Gjaeret Lodge, River Orkla
The lodge is a five bedroom house in a quiet location, close to all of the fishing beats on the middle River Orkla. All bedrooms are made ready for guests’ arrival and are tidied (but not changed) daily. Groups are looked after by an Argentine chef who also runs the kitchen at El Rincon (Rio Gallegos), Argentina during our winter. He produces three good meals per day.
The fishing comprises of approximately 3 km of mainly double bank fishing with 11 pools, although the pools are not consecutive the furthest pool is only a 15 minute drive from the lodge. Three of the pools are single bank and it is at times possible for anglers to be present on the other bank, the best pools are however exclusive to the lodge anglers. The fishing is accessible 24 hours per day and there is no set rotation, so you as a group can formulate a plan during your week. The Orkla is not fly only, although lodge guests are encouraged to use fly only. However, if water was high or somebody wanted to spin they can, so long as it is with agreement of the rest of party. Weeks do include one guide to look after the whole group, so operating far more as a ghillie that full time guide, and anglers can also benefit from the help and advice of the operation owner Paul Becher (an Englishman).
- 11 private pools over 3 km
- No set rotation offering full fishing flexibility
- Suitable for intact groups of 4 to 6 anglers
- Hydro-electric dam controls flows, helping to manage extreme high and low water
- Relaxed lodge environment to work around the group
Gjaeret Lodge Availability in 2025
Availability on request.
Grindal Lodge, River Orkla
Grindal Salmon Lodge (formerly Aunan Lodge) is located on the banks of the River Orkla and offers a little over five kilometres of continuous Atlantic salmon fly fishing. The fishing comprises 17 very different beats, most of which have both banks controlled by the lodge which is unique by Norwegian standards, including two of the beat holding pools on the river, Igd and Pollen. Just 12 rods are allowed on the water, giving guests the space and variation to fish methodically and not feel rushed through pools. The fishing at Grindal Salmon Lodge runs on a fly only basis, but for groups taking all 12 rods spinning is also allowed by prior arrangement. Catch and release is strongly encouraged. The size and velocity of the river lends itself perfectly to fly fishing with pools offering classic taking spots and readable currents. So whether you are an experienced salmon angler or early in you quest for silver you will find the water a joy to fish. Each group has two guides who will divide their time between the 12 anglers, offering advice and invaluable insights where possible.
- 17 private beats over 5 km
- Great pools for fly fishing from June to August
- Suitable for individual rods to larger groups
- Hydro-electric dam controls flows, helping to manage extreme high and low water
- Comfortable lodge and excellent dining
Grindal Lodge Availability in 2025
13 – 20 July (Week 29): 2 rods
Namsentunet Lodge, River Namsen
Namsentunet Lodge is located on the banks of the River Namsen and offers a wonderful variety of water for Atlantic salmon fly fishing spread over four large continuous beats. Numerous pools and holding areas provide exciting fishing throughout with the added bonus of fishing from both banks as well as from boats. With so much fishing available the beats are suitable for larger groups with 12-20 anglers fishing most weeks.
The Namsen is one of Norway’s most productive salmon rivers. This is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong run of grilse in the mid to late summer and the presence of larger salmon in the 15-25lb+ range that provide an exhilarating challenge for anglers. The mix of sizes and strengths of salmon in the river adds to the excitement of fishing here.
- 4 large, double banked private beats
- Great pools for fly fishing from mid-June to August
- Suitable for individual rods to larger groups with full-time guiding
- Hydro-electric dam controls flows, helping to manage extreme high and low water
- Comfortable lodge and excellent dining
Namsentunet Lodge Availability in 2025
Availability on request.
When heading fly fishing in Norway in search of Atlantic salmon make sure you pick the right lodge for you so that you make the most out of this wonderful country.
For more information about salmon fishing in Norway please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.