Gaula River, Norway

The Gaula River is one of the most reknowned salmon rivers in all of Norway. It is known by Atlantic salmon fishermen around the world for its fabulous fly water and large salmon. It offers excellent possibilities for fish of over 20 lbs with occasional fish that may even surpass the 40 lb mark. 

It is the second most productive river in Norway, surpassed only by the Tana, a river whic is twice as long. The Gaula rises from its headwaters in the mountains of central Norway in the area of Holtàlen and flows 145 kilometers to its mouth in Trondheim Fjord. With no dams at any point along its path, it is a completely free flowing river. As a result its levels rise and fall with the snowmelt and rain providing varying conditions throughout the season with some challenging moments and others of great opportunity. 

Through the Norwegian Fly Fisher’s Club, we offer exclusive access to a large selection of private waters in a rotation which includes some of the best beats on the river. The rotation is designed to give visiting fishermen the chance to fish a selection of beats that include pools that are best at any given water level. 

The season begins on the 1st of June, when we begin by targetting the largest salmon of the season, fish with numerous sea-winters. This is the best time of the year for trophy Atlantic salmon and when you will have the greatest chance for sih in the 15 to 40 lb range. During the first days of the season the most productive areas will be those below Gaulfossen. The rotation includes several beats in this area to assure good opportunities. During the month of June we usually fish the river with 14 to 16 foot spey rods, fast sinking lines and large tube flies. 

July is usually the most productive time of the season in terms of numbers of fish. This is when fishermen of all experience levels from novice to expert have te best chances to catch fish. Usually water levels will have dropped and temperatures will have risen. This is the time for intermediate sink and floating lines, smaller tube flies or double hook patterns. Norway’s famous white nights make fishing around the clock possible throughout the month. 

In August, fishermen will find salmon distributed throughout all of the beats we fish, With every new rain they will move between pools. This is an ideal moment for fly fishermen who prefer lighter switch rods or one hand rods, floating lines and small flies. It is also the best time of year for surface fishing with hitched flies or bombers.