Aunan, The Orkla

The majesty of the Orkla valley has caused many fishers to lose their hearts to this beautiful place. Sitting down by the river, soaking up the rich surroundings in the company of good friends while coffee is prepared over the open fire is so much part of the tradition of fishing in Norway. That is why resting benches, and/or small fishing huts, called gapahuk, can be found by many pools.

The size of the Orkla is considered ideal by many flyfishers. It is big enough to hold the fish of your life but the width of the river will not leave you disheartened. It gives you the chance to cover most of the ‘hot spots’ with a fly, but still produces more than enough challenge, even for the experienced fly caster. Fishers have been amazed by the size, strength and stamina of the Orkla salmon. In June, it is not uncommon to catch sea-liced fish 40 to 45 miles from the sea. These fish, many in the 30 to 40 lb range, are eager to position themselves in the upper reaches early.

In July 2008, we were privileged to meet and stay with the owner, Vegard Heggem. Vegard, a softly spoken man, is already famous for his immense football skills playing both internationally and for Liverpool FC, but his new fame is among the salmon fishing fraternity for his conservation efforts on the Orkla. With his football career at a close, Vegard returned home and decided to focus on his other love, fly fishing. He had a good start with his own family water but he has since built on that and now leases 3½ miles of the middle Orkla, the majority fine fly water.

Vegard has done it right. He has converted a wonderful old potato store into an excellent dining room and bar, upgraded some accommodation cabins and built a very fine, larger cabin for up to eight rods. In short, we have found what we have been seeking for so many years. A really sound operator in Norway who understands how to deliver a well-balanced fishing experience with spacious fishing, great accommodation and excellent food. Some of the water is shared (which we can explain in detail) and do not expect huge numbers of fish... But fly water that is a pleasure to fish? A chance of a huge fish (our best a 31lb fish!)? A man we feel comfortable about hosting our guests in Norway? A great Norwegian fishing experience at reasonable prices? Absolutely!

Aunan, The Orkla

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Aunan, The Orkla

Aunan, The Orkla

Sample Itinerary for
Aunan Lodge, Orkla River, Nr Trondheim, Norway

Day 1      
Fly Oslo/Trondheim. (There are also a number of international flights to Trondheim)
Met by Aunan Lodge representative and drive 1 hr and 50 minutes to Aunan Lodge.
Rental car from airport, 1 hr and 50 minutes drive to Aunan Lodge.
Some fishing and dinner this evening. Guests should not arrive at the lodge before 4.00pm on arrival day.
 
Day 2 - 7  
6 full days fishing with guides available from 8.30am to 8.30pm each day.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served during the day either at the lodge or on the river.    
 
Day 8        
Fishing this morning then depart the lodge by 12 Noon.
Lunch before departure
Return Trondheim for flight Trondheim/Oslo.
 
Price:
Starting at NOK 29,575 per week.

Price Includes:
Single room accommodation
Two guides between 10-12 rods, 8.30am - 8.30pm
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Transport from/to Trondheim airport (based on one collective pick-up / drop off)
Tackle disinfection
 
Price does not include:
National fishing licence (pay online at http://www.inatur.no/o2/Shop-FishTax)
Extra hours from the guides at NOK 300 per hour
Private guide NOK 3400 per day
Private transfer NOK 1500 each way
Extra water, if taken, by owner - NOK 1500 per rod/week approx
Rod share (sharing room) NOK 11,732 dependant on week
Alcohol – House wine NOK 150
Tips – recommended NOK 500

All prices are a guide only and are subject to change.

Aunan, The Orkla

Time Difference
GMT +1 hr

Flight Time from the UK
London - Oslo: 2 hrs 10 mins (some direct flights Gatwick / Trondheim)

Internal Flights
Oslo - Trondheim: 1 hr 20mins

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
None

Species
Atlantic salmon

Season to Travel
June - August

Tackle and Kit
Two 14-15ft double-handed 9-11 weight rods, one rod set up with floating line or sink-tip line and the other a sinking line. Alternatively, use a multi-tip line, but ensure that you have a fast sink tip. Good disk drag reels, 18-25lb clear or brown Maxima, flies, chest waders, wading jacket, lifejacket, wading stick and polarised sunglasses.

Clothing
Norway can have all the seasons in one day and we recommend that you wear comfortable layers that can be stripped or added to as required. As you will be transported along the river by boat it is worth taking a waterproof bag for additional clothing, cameras etc.

Aunan, The Orkla