Fishing in Norway with Roxtons

The Namsen was one of the very first destination rivers for the British when in the 1830s our ancestors discovered the virtues of the river. They quickly named Namsen the 'Queen of Rivers' and the rumours of record high catches and sizes spread amongst distinguished fly fishermen.

Today this is still true with the Namsen producing really big salmon of up to 40lbs. This is a highly sought after river and Roxtons are delighted to be able to offer it. Namsen is particularly famous for its big salmon. Throughout the season there is always the chance to catch the big one. Every year there are a number of fish in the 40lbs to 45lbs category. The biggest fish ever caught by rod (in 1924) measured 55", had a 33" 'waist' and weighed 69lbs.

The 1.1 kms Fiskumfoss Falls beat is spectacular in terms of annual catches, scenery and river condition. The beat starts just below the 34 metres high Fiskumfoss fall, in a magnificent canyon. The Fiskumfoss beat is normally fished with 6 rods, 3 rods on each bank. Rods will be looked after by two guides, one guide on each bank. The beat is among the most prolific in Norway, the average catch is 1-2 salmon per rod per day with seriously big fish landed every week.

Due to its length and diversity, the Namsen River offers a wide variety of excellent fly water. There are good numbers of very good beats for fly-fishing and several new stretches have been designated during the last few years as it has gained in popularity.

The Namsen has proven to be one of the most reliable rivers when it comes to salmon fishing. It is not without reason that it is referred to as the 'Queen of rivers' and the 'salmon highway'. This is a river with long-standing traditions in salmon fishing.

The accommodation at the Namsen is in the, Hotel Vertshuset Grong and has been a popular choice with rods on the Namsen for more than 25 years.

The hotel is clean, comfortable and, perhaps most importantly, is owned by a passionate fisherman who has built the hotel with the fishermen's needs uppermost in his mind.

Food is heavily influenced by the local traditions and venison and salmon feature strongly. The bar in the hotel is the local meeting spot for all of the rods on the Namsen to swap stories and listening to the locals is often the best way to improve your own chances the next day.

Rods
For salmon fishing in Norway, fly rods should be 13ft to 15ft in length. These should cover most conditions on the river.

Lines
It is best to bring a selection of lines although under normal conditions, floating lines are preferable.

Flies
Traditional flies work as well as riffle hitches here. Some of the most popular flies are:

• Green Highlander
• Ally's Shrimp
• Sunray Shadow
• Munroe Killer
• Cascade

in small and medium sizes.

Felt soled waders are essential. A wading stick and life jacket are always a good idea.

The Namsen Salmon Aquarium at Fiskumfossen is a major attraction to any angler. Built and inaugurated in 1992, it is situated near the 150 feet waterfall - a spectacular sight when 1000 cubic metres of water per second thunder down to the pool below.

Hiding under the pool surface are a large number of salmon awaiting the climb through the salmon ladder, which is the longest in Europe. The salmon can be seen in their natural habitat climbing the ladder as well as on view in the huge glass tank.

The small museum offers an interesting and informative trip through the history of salmon fishing on the Namsen, from early time catch methods, last century's fishing developments up to today's modern equipment.

Many other activities are available in the region from golf to horse riding.

Season
Our Salmon fishing season is from June - 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. A simple guideline followed by most is to give NOK 500.

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.

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.