- Information
 The Åbjora River system (the Å River) and the Horstad Estate are located in the small municipality of Bindal in the county of Nordland. Small, with regards to inhabitants, large with regards to acres. The area is among the most unspoiled parts of Norway and geographically just south of the Arctic Circle. The area is blessed with some of the most breathtaking nature and scenery in Norway, and a rich fauna and flora. Frequent sightings of elk, fox, capercaillie, black grouse and ptarmigan are common and even brown bear, lynx and wolverine are present in the nearby area.
The total length of the Åbjora River system is approx. 45 kilometres (25 miles) and the salmon are running its entire length to the Åbjøra Lake due to a couple of salmon ladders although the main fishing areas are the first 20 kilometres. The lower part of the river (the Å River), from the mouth to the waterfalls at the Horstad Estate, the river flow is gentle with plenty of good wading. The middle part of the river has a number of long pools combined with some rapids – and good wading. The upper part of the river runs through a magnificent canyon, with deep holding pools, but there are some magnificent fly-fishing stretches too. The upper part of the river has some difficult access and is most suitable for more adventurous anglers.
With more than 15 kilometres (10 miles) of double bank fishing the Horstad Estate offers a unique opportunity of combining salmon and sea trout fishing. The fishing
normally starts from July 1st every year (probably from June 10th 2006) and during the first few weeks, the main fishing takes place on the lower stretches below the Horstad falls (The Home pool). When the water temperature is right – the salmon start running these falls and the middle stretches of the river become very inviting.
The Horstad Estate’s stretches are normally fished by 6 to 8 rods per week and the 2005 catche was 132 salmon and grilse based on an average of 4 rods per week over a 6 weeks period. Average size 2,5 kilos (6.0lb) and the largest salmon was 10.2 kilos (22lb). The total number of sea trout caught on the whole river in 2005 was 1,887 with an average of 1,0 kilo.
In addition to salmon and sea trout fishing in the river, there are arctic char and brown trout fishing in the river as well a number of lakes in the area. Additionally, there are unique opportunities for sea fishing for large cod, pollock, coalfish etc., using the very special and historic 35 foot ‘Bindal-boat’, a local treasure named “Faragut’ with sails (and engine) and its own crew. Smaller boats are also available to guests. There will normally be one guide per group of 6 anglers, but extra guides will be available based on requests.
- Accommodation
-
 The Horstad Estate originates from 1622, when the first settlers arrived in the area and it has been in the Fred. Olsen family since 1958. The famous Arctic explorer, Otto Sverdrup was born on the estate in 1854. It is a working estate, mainly cattle and beef production. The estate buildings have been carefully restored, maintaining its original and historical style, making it an exclusive place for any guest or group.
The Horstad Estate is offering its guests an exclusive setting and arrangement, high standard accommodation, full board, friendly and welcoming hospitality, wholesome and good food based on local produce.
Traveling by air from any airport in the UK via Oslo/Copenhagen/Trondheim, and the final local flight takes place to Rørvik Airport – and there is an additional one-hour drive to the Horstad Estate. The changeover will normally take place on a Friday and guests will be picked up at the Rørvik Airport.
The arrangement for the Åbjora River and the Horstad Estate is full board accommodation, fishing, guiding and local transport included.
|
