Salmon Fishing in Norway

The Upper Namsen is a big river, similar in size to that of the Alta river. It’s also famed for producing 40 pounders every year. The biggest fish caught on the river during 2024 was 21.4kg, caught on a fly on the beat above ours. There are also many fish caught in the 30lb class and you just have to be the lucky rod. When running at a high level the river can be intimidating, however, in the summer months it shrinks and becomes a fantastic place to fish the fly, fishing best with the height around 60- 100m3. Given recent fears about low/warm water during summer months the fact that the river is lake fed and big, makes it an ideal place to fish, knowing this will not be an issue.  

The Beat - Gartlandborg, Is fished by a mix of Boat and bank fishing. Fishing from the boat can be done with guides rowing, similar to that done on Alta, and roping the boat, similar to how we do it on the Spey. They also have a tradition of Harling a fly or wobbler in this area. All methods can be very productive. 

We will split into 3 groups of 2 rods to fish each beat. This means the trip will suit groups or friends.  

Catch and Release. We like to practice catch and release on the beat meaning those fish carrying the genetic code ensuring the long term future of the river as a “Big Fish River” is kept intact. That said, sometimes, we may kill a small bleeding fish for the barbecue or meal. There is a long tradition of this in Norway and the river still has enough fish to take an odd one to share the story over dinner.  

Sinking tips with flies - Generally speaking flies we will use will be around around 1 - 3 inches long, a similar style of fishing to that seen on the Spey during May. Willie Gunn, Ally’s shrimp and Sunray Shadow work really well here.  

Two beats (upper and lower) The beat is split in two with groups changing each day at 2 pm. We also lease another beat just above the main lodge meaning we fish each beat, which in traditional Norwegian style, fished with 10 rods, with no more than 4. This leads to an exclusive experience in one of Norways most beautiful valleys.   

Easy safe wading - Wading is generally ver easy on flat on gravel banks. This area is a major spawning area for Namsen fish with a mix for extremely deep holding pools and lovely gravel runs.  

Good water flows even during hot low water years mean we have nothing to worry about regarding low water levels.    

Guides - As well as beat owner we will also have the help of two the Best and most experienced guides who know this part of the river like the back of their hand. This is paramount to our rods being successful and those guys are just the best I could possibly hire. The owner, Anders Berg, whom I’ve known and worked with for many years, is one of the teacher at the local fishing School in Grong meaning we will also have access to some of the students studying there. The unique school, funded by the Norwegian government, is for students aged between 16 and 18, studying a curriculum based solely on sport fishing.  

Number of Rods - The 3 beats are traditionally fished with between 4 and 6 rods each, however, we will fish them 6 rods plus myself having an odd cast. 

Gartlandborg Lodge - Is a Lovely 7 bedroom Lodge with so much fishing history. Built in late 19th century by the Duke Of Westminsters son in law, Major Guest, it sits in a prominent position overlooking the rock where Mr Guest caught his fresh 64 pounder. Over the years it was the fishing base for people with famous names such as -  Churchill, Roosevelt, Dukes of Marlborough and Westminster.  

Fishing Locations - All pools are situated very close to the lodge and unlike many fisheries in Norway, have good roads, access and boats.  

Alcohol - Alcohol is expensive in Norway so I feel this is best to be bought by guests. Duty free is best. However, for those guests who may need extra, Anders, our host and owner of the Lodge can arrange to have this taken in at extra cost.  

All meals - Are provided by the lodge. Meal times are flexible and will vary around the fishing. The Main meal of the day, generally a barbecue in the afternoon after beat changeover sometime around 3pm, will consist of Local meats and produce. Moose, Reindeer, and Lamb are popular. Eating at this time means anglers can rest or have a few rinks before fishing again around 7pm. A lighter meal, maybe fresh salmon or Halibut and vegetables will be served around 9 or 10.  

Fishing Hours - Fishing is based on 8 hours daily fishing with the guides. It will be split equally around wading and from the boat. Each session will be around 2 hours before changing to another location. 24 hour daylight means fishing sessions will be arranged around weather conditions. 

Travel - Guests will fly to Trondheim where I will hire two cars. I will drive one and one of the fishers will drive the other the 2 hours to Gatlandsborg near the town of Grong. I may also hire a minibus to take everyone.    

Fishing Tackle 14’6” - 15 foot rods are ideal here. Although shorter rods can be used when fishing from the boat. Shooting heads with varying degrees of sinking tips will work well here.