The Fiskum Falls beat, the upper part of the Namsen River in Central Norway, is now available for interested parties or individuals to fish from the start of the 2007 season. It is one of the most prolific beats in Norway, catching 900 to 1,300 salmon per season (12 weeks), fishes six rods per week. Norway Salmon Fishing and Lax-a has been offered 6 weeks during the 2007 season and we are inviting past, present and new clients the opportunity to book a week in 2007. Although only 1 mile long, it will provide a variation of exciting and challenging fishing on both sides of the river and the anglers will be serviced by two very experienced guides.
An additional beat, two kilometres long by the Namsen/Sandøla junction is added to the Fiskum Falls beat package, making it practically unrivalled in Norway.
Jon Moe, the charismatic owner of Upper Namsen Fishing says – “We have secured the fantastic Fiskum Falls beat for a 5 years period as from the start of the 2007 season with an option of 5 more years.
1295 salmon were caught during the 2005 season based on 10 rods fishing, but we have reduced the number of rods to maximum six.
This is to allow for optimal exclusive fishing on such a wide river, and with such size and numbers of fish.
The Fiskum Falls is the natural place to stop for all salmon running the mighty Namsen River, before they start the complicated passage of the longest salmon ladder in Europe”.
Guests will stay at “Vertshuset Grong Hotel”, a true salmon fishing hotel in the best of Norwegian tradition. The hotel is up-to-date with regards to comfort; full board accommodation, single rooms incl. baths and the staff are totally committed to its fishing customers during the Norwegian 3 month’s season.
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From bedroom at Vertshuset Grong Hotel.
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The River The Namsen River runs through the county of Nord- Trøndelag in the northern part of Central Norway. This is the country’s heartland, where rich agricultural plains contrast with majestic mountains and a rocky coastline. Although the Namsen is not the longest river in Norway, it’s certainly one of the most powerful. Its springs are in the Børgefjell National Park (Nasjonalpark) and its estuary near the town of Namsos. The total salmon running stretch of the Namsen river system is around 175 kilometres, including the main tributaries (Bjøra and Sandøla). The salmon running stretch in the main stream is 74 kilometres.
The upper part of the main river and the Sanddøla River runs through narrow valleys with dramatic waterfalls and magnificent canyons. This has made it attractive for hydroelectric power development – which brings a bonus to anglers: the five hydro-electric stations ensure reasonably stable water levels throughout the season, even through spells of drought and periods of heavy rain.
Angling, as we now know it started on the Namsen during the 1830s when British noblemen discovered the virtues of the river. They quickly named Namsen the ‘Queen of the Rivers’ and rumours of record catches and salmon sizes spread among distinguished fly fishermen, bringing an increasing number of British anglers.
Although the Namsen is particularly famous for its big salmon, it also offers very good runs of medium size salmon and grilse. Throughout the season there is always the chance of catching ‘the big one’. Every year there are a number of fish in the 40 - 45 pound category. The biggest fish ever caught by rod (1924) measured 55" with a 33" 'waist' and weighed 69lb (31,5kg).
Upper Namsen Fishing offers some 17 kilometres of double bank fishing on the upper reaches of the river (45 kilometres from the sea). In particular, the 1.1 kilometres Fiskumfoss Falls beat is spectacular in terms of annual catches, scenery and river condition. The beat starts just below the 34 metres high Fiskumfoss fall, in a magnificent canyon. The Fiskumfoss beat is normally fished with 6 rods, 3 rods on each bank. Normally, the anglers are served with 2 guides, one guide on each bank. The beat is amongst the most prolific in Norway, The average catch is 1-2 salmon per rod per day.
Primetime for catching the big salmon is from June 1 – June 14. The most prolific period is usually June 20 – July 20. Fishing can be unpredictable depending on rainfall and spate, between August 10 – August 31. The Upper Namsen Fishing’s beats are situated around Grong, a typical Norwegian village with all necessary facilities, including two very good tackle shops. Although the Namsen is famous for its harling (fishing from a boat), the Upper Namsen Fishing’s beats also offer very good flyfishing stretches. Some of our accommodation is in walking distance of beats.
Accommodation
Upper Namsen Fishing offers a choice of accommodations, all to a very high standard and fully dedicated to the needs of any angler. The main facility, “Hotel Vertshuset Grong” has been a popular anglers’ retrieve for more than 25 years and has built a reputation of excellence for its accommodation and catering. Most of the anglers fishing the Upper Namsen Fishing’s beats, particularly the Fiskum Falls beat, will stay at this hotel.
The “Mediaa Motel” is situated next to the “Hotel Vertshuset Grong” in the village centre and guests at the motel will have their meals at the hotel. Guests at the “Mediaa Motel” will mainly be fishing the Sandøla and Lower Mediaa beats close to the village centre.
“Fossland Lodge” is located on the river bank, some three kilometres up river from Grong village and serves the fishing on the Fossland beat and the Upper Mediaa beat. All Upper Namsen Fishing guests are offered full or half board arrangements and the food is of high standard and for a large part based on local produce.
Key Facts
The fishing season on the Namsen and Sanddøla rivers are: 1st June - 31st August.
Tackle Box: The Namsen is a powerful river and likewise the salmon! Fly rods should be 14-16 feet with action to suit 10, 11 or 12 lines. Bring a combination of fly lines although intermediate density is preferable. Flies and tubes should suit individual preference but towards medium and larger sizes. Normal warm clothing for fishing but packan extra sweater for a chilly night Chest high waders with felt soles. Life jackets and wading stick should be considered.
Facilities: Freezing and packing of fish, equipment rental, drying room, disinfection of equipment. For non anglers: Arts & Crafts workshops, shopping in Namsos, a small town at the mouth of the river, superb nature trails, Namsskogan wild animal park, Namsen Salmon aquarium and museum near the Fiskum Falls (34.5m high)
Nearest airport: Namsos Airport; 30 minutes by car. Trondheim Airport, 2 hours 30 minutes hours by car.
