Orkla River, Norway

Averaging 5,500 rod caught salmon per year, the Orkla River is not only one of the most beautiful salmon rivers in Norway it is also one of the most productive. The Orkla is somewhat smaller than its nearby neighbor, the Gaula. Even so, it is still a large river with powerful currents producing very strong salmon that often grow to considerable sizes. The salmon run 88 kilometers upriver from Trondheim Fjord through the Orkladal valley, passing through the Orkdal, Meldal y Rennebu districts. Over its course the Orkla falls about 400 meters. like the Spey in Scotland, the Orkla is relatively shallow river with fast currents. Consequently it boasts many miles of fantastic fly water.

The first salmon to arrive are 3 winter fish which show up towards the end of May and the beginning of June, followed by the two winter fish in June and July and grilse from the middle of July on. The average size of these salmon is about 5 kilos although specimens of over 10 kilos are relatively common in the Orkla. During the last three years the beats we fish have produced a dozen salmon of over 15 kilos.

We offer access to several excellent private beats situated in the district of Meldal, about 35 kilometers upriver from the mouth. This is considered the middle river. The two beats total 2,2 kilometers, in their majority fished from both banks with excellent access by footpaths or road. We also have another 4 pools fished from one bank totalling another kilometer and a half of river. Practically all of the pools offer good wading. Fishing hours are unlimited.

The beginning of the season is the best time for large spring salmon. This is a time of year in which you will need to cast a two hand rod well to cover the river. In recent years June fishing has improved considerably with the reduction of commercial fishing in Trondheim Fjord. In 2010 further restrictions were imposed on commercial fishing as well as limits on rod caught fish in the river. We expect to see the favorable trend continue during the coming years. The number of fish entering the river continue to increase throughout July. Grilse and seatrout usually show up around mid-July. The most productive dates tend to be between the middle of July and the end of August. Unlike the Gaula, the Orkla’s flows are controlled by a dam allowing the river to maintain adequate levels and water temperatures throughout the summer.