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.
To improve the fishing experience, in 2023 Winsnes reduced the number of rods across its weeks to between six and eight anglers. This adjustment not only means that anglers get to enjoy better rested pools but also ensures that, in the event of more difficult water conditions, a suitable beat rotation can be managed effectively to improve each angler’s success.
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.
2024 Season Summary:
The 2024 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.
As the season has progressed, the monitoring test nets offered more positive results of bigger runs, and most rivers did reopen with reasonable success. The Orkla and Gaula did remain closed all season, but fish numbers appeared to finish quite well. 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 a possible shortening of the season with rumours that there may be a two week delay to the opening. 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.
2025 Availability at Winsnes Lodge:
15 – 22 June (week 25): 2 rods – £3,150 per person (exciting early season week)
22 – 29 June (week 26): Sold Out
29 June – 6 July (week 27): 8 rods – £5,500 per person (Aardvark McLeod Hosted week – prime week with full guiding)
6 – 13 July (week 28): Sold Out
13 – 20 July (week 29): Sold Out
20 – 27 July (week 30): Sold Out
27 July – 3 August (week 31): Sold Out
3 – 10 August (week 32): 6 rods – £3,150 per person (exciting late summer week)
10 – 17 August (week 33): Sold Out
17 – 24 August (week 34): 6 rods – £3,150 per person (exciting late season week)
24 – 31 August (week 35): 6 rods – £3,150 per person (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.