Salmon Fishing, River Orkla, Norway

Photo: Toni Zulauf

In late August 2012 Jon from Have-a-go-Flyfishing.com joined three friends on his trip to Norway in search of that magnificent species the Atlantic salmon. With enough equipment and flies to stock a small fly shop, Toni, Philippe, Fritz, and Jon arrived at Trondheim airport where they quickly picked up their hire cars and drove to the village of Fannrem where their accommodation for the week would be the guest house Aunemo.

Photo: Toni Zulauf

We were given a warm welcome by our host for the week, Hans Spinnler. Hans has the rights to all the beats we would be fishing, and with his extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor he spent time introducing us to the different beats so that we were set to head out on our own for the week. The beat rotation system in place ensures that all guests would be fishing a different beat every 12 hours, with fishing in pairs being the normal practise.

Photo: Toni Zulauf

Hans (above) is not only an excellent fly fisherman, he is also an EFFA Master Fly Casting Instructor. An absolute joy to watch when he has a fly rod in his hands, either a single or double handed rod.

We fished with two handed rods and floating lines, and leaders of a minimum 15 feet. We were also advised to air on the heavier side with the leaders so as not to risk losing that once in a lifetime fish, if it should come along! 

Fritz and Jon began the week on the higher of the beats in the rotation system, with Toni and Philippe starting lower down. Water levels and conditions looked good and the week got off too a good start for Jon, landing his first salmon on the fly. A grilse of about 2.5 kg which was safely landed and returned to carry on its journey up river. Water conditions remained good over the next few days, but despite long days on the river and numerous fly patterns tried the salmon were proving illusive for the group. Some of the other guests fishing in the same rotation system were having a little more luck, this only provided more encouragement for the group and their perseverance paid off later in the week. 

Photo: Toni Zulauf

Fritz putting out a cast.

Photo: Toni Zulauf

Philippe playing a fish and below the result of one of his days on a middle beat.

Photo: Toni Zulauf

Photo: Toni Zulauf

Toni with a fish from the lower beat located not far from the guest house.

Jon taking a break whilst Fritz fished his way down the pool.

The season on the Orkla is relatively short at just 3 months, June, July, and August. The group fished the last but one week of the season, and they all agreed that it has been a great experience.

Jon will be returning to the Orkla in July 2013 with a small group to attend one of Hans Spinnler's salmon courses. If anyone is interested in joining the group there is one place remaining on the course, and additional places available for those who just want to fish. 

Contact Jon for additional information at jon.toft@have-a-go-flyfishing.com

www.have-a-go-flyfishing.com