Seven ­tips ­on ­Norways ­best ­freshwater ­fishing

Ready for a summer packed with rising trout and grayling in incredible surroundings?

Fishspot has put together some of Norways best destinations for trout and grayling fishing in Norway. s

These fishing destinations are ideal for those who dream about rising fish, smooth currents, gin clear water and fish that will take you into the backing.

Kvennan – experience world class fly fishing

Kvennan is the spot for those who like to target big grayling and trout in an extremely varied river. It is ideal for tight line nymphing. Photo: Bjørnar Hansen
The grayling at Kvenna live well, with its rich insect life. This example is about as well fed as they get. With a rich fauna of aquatic insects the fish have access to plenty of food year round, and it shows. Photo: Hein Van Aar

The fly zone begins at Eidsfoss and is roughly 15 km long. In other words you will find plenty of room to yourself. The river is varied, but easy to read and easily wadeable at normal water levels.

These means that you will find an enormous amount of productive fishing area to explore. You won’t need to fish the same pool two days in a row, even if you stay an entire week at Kvennan.

Renaelva – Target massive trout and stay on the river banks.

The evenings along Rena are magical and evocative. When the biggest fish in the river start going nuts on the swimming caddis pupa it can really get the adrenaline pumping. Photo: Bjørnar Hansen
Rena guide Martin Mikkelsen knows where the trout live. Martin guides primarily on Rena, but is also available for guided trips on Glomma (Åmot and Stor Elvdal.)

On Rena you have a realistic chance of catching fish close to or over 3 kg on the dry!

The fly zone on Rena is 5 km long and stretches from Storsjødammen to Rødshammeren. Here only classic fly fishing is allowed. However, fly fishermen shouldn’t only focus on the fly fishing zone. There is tons of good fishing throughout the rest of the river as well.

Along the river you will find several nice cabins available for rent.

Holselva – where the trout you dream about live

When a two kilo trout, which has taken the journey up from Strandafjorden, takes your bait – its on! Two kilo trout are quite common in Holselva, and much larger specimens can be found. Photo: Vegard Veberg

Holselva is right up there with Rena in terms of rivers where you have the best chance of catching a proper big trout on the dry.

This river can be challenging, but if you hit it under the right conditions then a trout of 3 kg or more may be in the cards.

Holselva runs into Strandafjorden, a large lake in Ål in Hallingdal. It is a regulated river, where the large lake run trout journey to their spawning grounds – right along RV7, on the border between Hol and Ål.

Borgundselva – a hidden gem for the demanding fly fisherman

It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of Borgundselva. Photo: Yngve Ask
The Borgund trout aren’t always easy to fool, but when it happens dreams can come true.

Lærdalselvi is the lower portion of the river, and home to anadromous trout and salmon, but the upper section is a crystal clear alternative for your dream trip targeting rising trout.

The river is gin clear, and the trout get BIG and tricky to catch. Just how some of us like it best.

If you are coming from eastern Norway you’ll drive over Hemsedalsfjellet to get to Borgund, which is in the uppermost section of the Lærdal valley.

The fishing on Borgundselva is often the very best during mid summer.

Grimsa – as challenging as it is breathtaking

Natt over Grimsa og Rondane.
Night time over Grimsa and the Rondane range. Photo: Bjørnar Hansen
The fact that the Grimsa trout population is sparse and challenging makes it all the more rewarding when you first manage to land one. Photo: Bjørnar Hansen

The fly fishing zone is 18 km long, and there are only 10 licenses sold per day. In other words you’ll be hard pressed to run into another angler. License sales begin March 1st at 9:00 am.

The river has a relatively steep gradient, and consists of gravel, sand and bedrock.

Move slowly, and keep a good distance from the river while fishing upstream. Take your time and study the river, and use your eyes more than your rod, and you will greatly increase your chances of seeing the fish before they see you.

Galten in Engerdal – good fishing in every direction

With your starting point at Galten gård you’ll find plenty of excellent and varied fishing options in every direction. Photo: Bård Løken
Smithsetra has carved its place into Norwegian fly fishing history, and is one of several places you can stay while exploring the area. Photo: Bård Løken

If you choose to stay at Smithsetra you’ll be a part of a long line of anglers to do so. It all started in 1892 when the smith brothers from London built the place.

Setra is now fully restored, and we can’t think of a better place to relax after the huge amount of fishing to be done in Isterfossen, Galtstrømmen, Galthue as well as other exciting destinations in the area.

During the end of June you’ll find hatches of the large mayfly Epheemera Vulgata here, and you can experience some wild fishing.

Selsvollene – gin clear water and healthy fish populations

You don’t need to go any farther than Gudbrandsdalen to experience New Zealand caliber fishing.

The fly fishing zone at Selsvollene on Gudbrandsdalen was established in 2013. The fly fishing zone is 5 km long and consists of long steady flowing “dry fly currents” which are perfect for sight fishing for trout and grayling.

The fishing in zone 5 and the fly fishing zone has only improved year after year following the introduction of modern management.

For guiding see Fluefiskeguider – Lågen Fly Fishing