Discovering Norway's Legendary Salmon Rivers: A Fly Fisherman's Dream

Norway is arguably the spiritual home of the travelling British salmon angler. As early as the 1830s, British sportsmen were drawn across the North Sea by tales of powerful rivers holding impressive stocks of large salmon. By the mid-19th century, such travel had become well established, with a group of enthusiasts known as the 'salmon lords' often leasing entire rivers for the duration of the season.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and intrepid anglers continue to follow this well-trodden path. While Norway is not known as a destination to catch high numbers of fish, the appeal lies in the chance of landing a truly large salmon. Each season, various rivers across the country produce numbers of fish over 30lbs, with some tipping the scales over 40lbs. Catching a fish of this calibre is a challenge, but the potential rewards of such a feat are immense. Combined with a stunning natural environment and warm hospitality, it’s not a surprise Norway remains a firm favourite amongst travelling salmon anglers.

Nestled in the heart of central Norway, the Verdal River is somewhat of a hidden gem. This picturesque river, stretching 100 kilometres, begins its journey in the pristine lakes of the Skakermountains in Sweden, flowing westward into Norway before meeting the sea at the renowned Trondheim Fjord, alongside iconic rivers such as the Gaula and the Orkla.

The Verdal boasts three major falls and Europe’s longest salmon ladder, built in 1990, which allows salmon to migrate to the upper river. In total, there are about 50 kilometres of good salmon fishing. Since opening to sport fishing in the late 1980s, the Verdal has steadily gained a reputation amongst anglers. Initially a well-kept secret among local Norwegian and Swedish fishermen, word of its exceptional fly water soon spread, attracting enthusiasts from further afield.

Like most rivers in central Norway, the Verdal is known for its large salmon, with fish in the 12-16 kilo (25-35lb) range caught each season. Over the last decade, forward-thinking management by the leaseholders and the local angling association has been vital in maintaining stocks of salmon and sea trout.

Tingvoll Salmon Lodge: A Sanctuary for Anglers

Central to many modern-day successes on the Verdal is a Norwegian gentleman named John Olav Oldren. Born in 1970, John started fishing at seven years old with his grandfather, sparking a lifelong obsession with rivers and their wild salmon. In 1997, John purchased the family farm on the banks of the Verdal from his mother, and with the help of family and friends, built Tingvoll Salmon Lodge in 2004.

Tingvoll Salmon Lodge is a superb example of fine Norwegian hospitality. This wonderfully refurbished barn, with its warm Scandinavian style, offers ten bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a lounge decorated with antique fishing tackle and impressive mounted specimens. Guests enjoy a stay on full board with superb local cuisine served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. John works tirelessly as a manager, guide, and chef to ensure visitors are well looked after, and given the best possible chance of getting into a fish. Speaking to him, it’s hard not to be struck by his infectious enthusiasm for the river.

From the lodge, it’s a short walk to the four home pools, which cover about one kilometre. By car, anglers can access a further seven kilometres of private, mostly double-banked water  with plenty of room for ten anglers to fish on rotation. Typically, 13ft 6in to 15ft rods are used, often employing Scandi shooting head systems with varying sink rate tips. Strong leaders of at least 20lb and 200 yards of 30lb backing are recommended, as hooking a large fish is always a possibility. In the last ten years, three salmon over 40lbs have been landed on the Verdal, with many other behemoths hooked and lost.

A River Rich in Potential

The Verdal season opens on 1st June and closes on 31st August. Early in the season, the river is often high with snowmelt, and this is when large, fresh salmon begin to enter. Depending on water conditions, fish run throughout June and into July. By mid to late July, most pools hold good numbers of fish. As the river nears the end of the season, the days shorten and waters cool, and the salmon consequently often become aggressive in their build-up to spawning.

Tingvoll's fishing covers 8 kilometres of private water, spread over seven beats, much of it double-banked. Each beat offers unique challenges and rewards.

The Hynne Beat (1.6km), is located 11km from the estuary and is the first Tingvoll beat the salmon meet. There is beautiful fly water throughout the pool, and it fishes well at all water heights. The biggest salmon landed here in recent times weighed 44lbs.

The Volen Beat (1.6km), 14km from the estuary, features a long bend ending in fast water. Again, it fishes well at most water levels, with the largest salmon in recent times weighing 33lbs.

The Tingvoll Home Beat (1.6km), 16km from the estuary, is adjacent to the lodge and offers delightful pools with many natural stopping points for fish. The largest fish from this beat is 32lbs.

The Falls Pools Beat (600m), 18km from the estuary, is a natural holding spot and highly desirable among anglers. The biggest recorded salmon here is 34lbs.

The Suspension Bridge Beat (400m), 35km from the estuary, is a new addition to Tingvoll, added in 2023. It holds good numbers of salmon from mid-July, with the largest fish recorded at 22lbs.

The Bjartan Beat (2km), connected to the Suspension Bridge Beat, offers 2km of fishing on the north bank and 1.4km on the south bank.

Dennis’s Pool (500m), 30km from the estuary, is the uppermost pool of Tingvoll fishing and was again added recently. Despite not being fished heavily for many years, it holds great potential.

Conservation and a Bright Future

John Olav Oldren's commitment to conservation is evident. Elected as the River Manager of the Verdal in 2001, John has overseen various conservation initiatives, including the pivotal buyout of 80% of the salmon nets in Trondheim Fjord. Tingvoll is a forward-thinking salmon lodge, with fishing strictly fly-only and catch-and-release.

John’s passion for introducing new people to salmon angling is clear. As a fly fishing and casting instructor since 2004, he has guided keen fishers on the Verdal, Gaula, Orkla, Stjørdal, and Namsen rivers. For those seeking an exceptional fishing experience in a stunning natural setting, Tingvoll Lodge is hard to beat.

For the opportunity to win a week’s fishing at Tingvoll, please click this link