Salmon fishing in Norway
The Gaula river runs through unspoilt surroundings starting from the mountains near the Swedish border and empties into the sea at Trondheim Fjord. It has always been considered one of the finest and most productive Atlantic salmon rivers in the world.
The countryside here is spectacular but it is the fishing that acts as the main draw. Mile after mile of perfect water make the Gaula arguably one of the finest fly fishing rivers in the world. Fish of over 40lbs are landed every year from the river and it offer the chance of a very serious prize.
Gaula’s popularity is one of the major reasons why we have avoided in the past, believing it to be over fished and with not enough space for every rod – we now have a destination that changes all of that.
Flaskholen is arguably the most exclusive fly fishing beat on the whole of the Gaula river. It is almost certainly the beat whose management system will become a blueprint for Gaula fisheries in the future. Fishing is restricted to six guests per week.
Flaskholen was in the hands of a Swedish syndicate for over a decade and it has quietly been producing more salmon per season than any beats on the Gaula that specialise in fly fishing.
The major differences between Flaskholen and other Gaula Beats are:
• less angling pressure
• controlled and managed fishing
• fly only
• double bank
• limited to just six rods
• within walking distance of the lodge
• Superb fly water that fishes well throughout the season and is better
than almost all of its rivals in low water
• the river is not wide or deep and therefore is good for anglers of all abilities
While there are people who like 24 access to the river andare prepared to fish until they reach exhaustion, we believe that this is neither good for the river nor the angler. The end result of these excessive fishing systems is that the fishing favours those whom are prepared to fish excessive hours or can cast longer than normal anglers. This is because the fish are relentlessly bombarded with flies and the fishing becomes either a lottery or plays into the hands of those who can present a fly to fish that have not seen one for a few hours because they are a long way from the bank.
As Flaskholen is the first major beat on Gaula to implement a daily resting schedule, guests will benefit hugely. In June and July, the river will be closed for a few hours in the middle of the day to allow the whole fishery a vital recuperation period.
Flaskholen guests fish in pairs. There are four beats on the fishery and six guests, so the fishing is shared between three pairs. Rods fishing a beat may choose to fish both on the same side or opposite each other.
As there are only three pairs and four beats, the blank slot will be rested on a rolling basis. During June and July, the river will be closed in the afternoon until after dinner to allow the pools to recover and the fish to settle. This will provide guests with a fantastic opportunity to fish a rested pool after dinner.
Storstuu Winsnes (storstuu means ‘big house’) has been a home to the Winsnes family for hundreds of years. These days, Winsnes is a well-equipped modern complex consisting of the original house where they offer accommodation and food, the Lax Cafe and Pub and the Lax Fishing Tackle Store.
Originally part of a much larger farm occupied by several Winsnes families, during the late seventeenth century when the families outgrew their surroundings, the original farm was split into several smaller farms, including Storstuu Winsnes. The buildings at Storstuu Winsnes go back to the seventeenth century (parts of the barns and outbuildings), the eighteenth century (summerhouse) and the nineteenth century (the main farmhouse).
Today, Winsnes is owned and occupied by the family and run by Anne Marit Winsnes-Hayes and her English husband, Matt Hayes and is used as a guesthouse and activity centre. Comprising seven bedrooms with six of those being ensuite, it offers full and half board accommodation packages for guests. The atmosphere at Winsnes is very special – a place of peace and friendship where visitors get to experience and touch genuine Norwegian culture.
Rods
For salmon fishing in Norway a double handed 13 - 15ft rods will be appropriate for most conditions on the river.
Lines
Floating and intermediate density will cover most situations. We recommend an interchangeable tip system which allows you to cover most eventualities.
Reel
A sturdy reel with a good drag system that holds 150 yards of backing.
Flies
Some of the best flies for this river are as follows:
• Green Highlander
• Munroe Killer
• Collie Dog
• Sunray Shadow
These flies are best in small and medium sizes.
Other Items
• Waders
• Wading stick
• Layered clothing because of changeable weather
• Wader repair kit
• Polarised sunglasses
• Forceps / clippers
• Hand and face moisturiser
In and around the area it is possible to enjoy a variety of activities. These include taking a cruise on the fjords as well as a wealth of outdoor activities. However, the nature of fishing in Norway and the fact that you will often fish after midnight means that it is not very well suited to non-fishers accompanying you.
Season
The fishing season in Norway runs from 1st June until 31st August.
Time difference from GMT
+ 1 hour.
Electricity
Standard 220v continental.
Currency
The local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Most shops, garages and other establishments accept Visa and MasterCard.
Tips
Tips are totally at your discretion. However, people do like to recognise the efforts of the guide and lodge staff in ensuring that your stay is a happy one. A simple guideline followed by most is to give NOK 500 to the guide and NOK 500 to be split by your cook and lodge staff.
Visa Requirements
None for EU residents.
Medical Requirements
There are no required inoculations for travel to Norway, though you are advised to check with your doctor prior to departure regarding any vaccinations that may be recommended. If you are taking prescription medicines please ensure that you bring enough for the duration of your stay.
Insects
As in Scotland, the further north you go in Norway the more frequent the mosquitoes, particularly in July and August. However, insects are normally not a major problem when using repellents and taking sensible precautions. In the Arctic, you may need a mosquito veil in extreme situations but even here a bottle of repellent is often sufficient.
Other Information
Catch and release
The majority of Norwegian rivers have no rules on catch and release. There are bag limits as a part of salmon conservation and we would encourage you to keep only the fish that you require for your own consumption. All beats offer facilities to freeze your catches and local smoking is available.
Tackle Disinfection
All fishing tackle and equipment must be disinfected prior to starting fishing in any Norwegian river. This can be done by your local vet but most destinations in Norway offer this as part of their service. Please talk to us as to whether this is the case with your destination.
Gaula Flaskholen is in the west, near Trondheim.
Enquire now
Call one of our consultants to book now:
+44 (0)1488 689 788
Or alternatively fill in this short enquiry form and we'll get back to you shortly:
Our View
The best way to fish this superb river – exclusive and rested fishing is very hard to find on the Gaula, Flaskholen offers it all.
Price Guide
From £3,875 excluding flights to Trondheim and hire cars
Availability
Please contact us regarding availability for this venue
