Atlantic Salmon fishing in Norway

The Orkla is located in central Norway and is one of the most beautiful and prolific salmon rivers in the country, flowing roughly south / north to Orkanger and into the Trondheim fjord. Situated 2 kms upriver from Meldal, the fishing is 35 kms from the river mouth and is classed as a middle beat, the fishable length of the Orkla being nearly 100k rising 400 metres over this distance. Similar to the Spey, it is fast flowing and mostly quite shallow with miles of stunning fly water. In Norway the start date for salmon in most rivers is June 1, finishing at the end of August. It is in May and June when the first big salmon run, and our average weight of early season fish is often well over 20 lbs. The early season big fish weeks are not for the faint hearted - 14/15ft rods are required with high quality reels, plenty of backing and strong leaders of 25-30 lb plus breaking strain. Runs increase steadily through July, with fresh fish continuing to enter the system in late August. Generally grilse and sea trout start to appear from mid July. The productive weeks seem to be late July/Aug. August has also produced our biggest fish: 2 of over 16 kg & several 15 kg fish. Orkla has a regulated flow and therefore even in extreme conditions always has water, and at a fishable temperature. Floating lines work well throughout the season, although sometimes a sink tip helps and a sinking line may occasionally be required in June.   

In the 3 years that Wild and Exotic have been representing this beat on the Orkla a dozen 30 lb + salmon have been landed. Even in good grilse years the average weight for the river does not drop below 5 kg. Our beats are conjoined, roughly 2.2k in length, mostly double bank and accessed by good roads/tracks. There are seven huts, the main one with bunks for late/early morning fishing. There are also another 4 pools of approx 1.5 km single bank fishing included, which are kept outside of any rotation system. Your host and leaseholder, Anthony Luke, has a lifetime's salmon fishing experience, including many seasons guiding in Norway and Iceland, and will be assisting rods during their visit. Our new lodge is close by the main beats having 5 guest rooms, upstairs and downstairs bathrooms, and a much larger kitchen area. It is very comfortable and only a short walk to the river. There are direct flights from the UK to Trondheim from London/Gatwick; otherwise via Oslo, Bergen , Stavanger, Copenhagen or Amsterdam. Hire cars are readily available and the journey from Trondheim to the lodge is approx 1½ hrs.  Flights and cars are not included in the prices. 

For a taste of the experience please click on the photo below to watch a short film clip

Accommodation: The lodge is a 150 year old newly converted farmhouse; quaint, creaky floorboards and comfortable. There are five bedrooms, 3 doubles and 2 singles. Showers & loos are downstairs.Mostly the fishing/lodge is let by the week to a group on a self catering basis, although a cook can be provided.

Fishing: Your host and leaseholder Anthony Luke has a lifetime's salmon fishing experience with many of those years guiding in Norway and Iceland.  Anthony acquired the water three years ago and now knows the beat intimately and will be assisting rods during their week. The early season big fish weeks are not for the faint hearted - 15ft rods are required with high quality reels, plenty of backing and strong leaders of 25-30 lb plus breaking strain.  It is very likely that guests will encounter large fish - the average at this time being a staggering 22 lbs!  For example, in 2008 during wk 24, 9 large fish were landed two of which were over 30lbs but also 12 epic losses.

June fishing has improved a lot since the embargo on netting in the Trondheim Fjord was put in place.Runs of fish increase steadily through July & fresh fish are still entering the system in late August. Generally grilse & sea trout start to appear from mid July. Our most productive weeks seem to be late July/Aug. August has also produced our biggest fish of 16 & 15.2 kg, although they were coloured. Orkla, unlike Gaula, has a regulated flow & therefore even in extreme conditions always has water and at a fishable temperature.          

Throughout the season, in our experience, floating lines work well, sometimes a sink tip helps - & occasionally a sinking line might be required (mostly in June).  Fly patterns that work well early season are Norwegian tubes such as the Brooks Sunray Shadow & Temple Dog, Green Highlander, Willie Gunn and Gaula Gold to name a few.  As the summer progresses similar patterns tied on doubles & trebles down to size 14 are effective. Black & silver for Sea Trout.

These two beats produced 128 fish in 2008 - 31 of which were "Storlax" averaging 20 lbs. Including my other two pools, Forra & the small Gaula beat, the total was 143. The average weight for the whole season was 5.03 kg (11.1 lbs).  3wks were unlet. 

River & Beats: In terms of size the Orkla is smaller than the nearby river Gaula but larger than the Stjordal. It is a big river and larger than the Spey with a greater volume early season. The 1500 ft drop over the fishable length produces heavy flow hence weighty and powerful fish. The main beat is 1.2 kilometres of both banks with nearly 1 kilometre (for 10 wks) of single right bank immediately above, half of which cannot be fished from the other side due to the terrain. It is fabulous fly water and the wading is easy with productive pools throughout. There are six huts on these two sections. The main one on boat pool is substantial having a separate room with two bunk beds. Handy if it's hot & rods wish to fish late or early morning. 

Transport: Flights to Trondheim are direct from Stansted otherwise via Oslo, Bergen or Stavanger.  Hire cars are readily available and the journey from Vaernes airport to the lodge is 1½ hrs. There will also be one car on site. Flights & cars are not included in the price.