Gaula River

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Gaula River

Destinations

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Destinations

Gaula River

Country: Norway

District: Sor-Trondelag

Type: River

Location size
River: 120 km

Distance from
Bergen: 263 km
Trondheim: 83 km

Gaula River Site
www.gaula.no
Norwegian Flyfishers Club
www.nfc-online.com

The Gaula river flows through the Gauldal valley in Sør-Trøndelag county, Norway. In the south it starts from the lake Gaulhåen in Holtålen municipality, where it is joined by a tributary, the Sokna river in Støren village before it runs into The Trondheimfjord.

The river Gaula has a length of approximately 145 km.

In 2005 the Gaula became the best salmon fishing river in Norway with a catch of 37.5 tons.

The Gaula River in Norway - Famous for its large Atlantic Salmon.

How To Get There

You fly into Trondheim Airport. By car, the Airport is 1 1/2 hour drive (83 km) away from the the small town of Støren. From the Airport you follow the highway E6 towards Oslo until you get to there. Since this small town is located in the middle between the river head and river mouth of you can use Støren as a central point to the fishery. As well the "Gaula Natursenter" is located here where you can get further information about fishing regulations and temporary fishing situation.

Another central point is the village of Singsås which is around 109 km away from the Airport. This region is closer to the river head which makes it a good destination for fishing in the later season.

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Location Details

Norway, "Land of the Midnight Sun", is famous for its breathtaking fjord and mountain scenery and for being the home of the Vikings.

More importantly, as far as the salmon angler is concerned, Norway is a fabled land of pure, clear, rushing rivers which flow through heroic scenery and are the haunt of giant, hard fighting, silver salmon.

THE GAULA is a rather fast flowing river which runs through unspoiled surroundings starting from the mountains near the Swedish border, enters the sea at Trondheim Fjord and has always been one of the finest and most productive salmon rivers in the world.

The river surroundings are natural and beautiful as the river has many faces. In the upper part the valley is very narrow and the water is more shallow with big boulders both on the banks and in the water. On the lower stretches the valley is wider and the big boulders turn in to gravel banks and the further you go down the river you really feel your getting closer to the sea.

Species

The Gaula is a river famous for its huge Atlantic salmon population. The average weight is not less than 5,5kg and the largest fish can exceed the 20kg mark.

Most of the larger fish are running early in the season. Therefore June is probably the best time to come if you're looking for a big fish. Later on in the season all the smaller salmons and grilse are running up the river forming a solid population in the pools. So in terms of numbers one would choose later July or even August.

The Gaula produces some decent sea trout as well but both numbers and size are significant smaller than the salmons.

Equipment

We recommend an 15 ft AFTMA 9-10 double-hand rod for fishing in June and early July to be able to handle the heavy sinking lines. The 15 ft´er as well helps you to get a good distance in your cast which is an important factor during that period. Common flies are large Green Higlanders and Templedog patterns.

Later on in the season, it is preferable to fish with smaller rods. A 12.6-14 ft rod would be a good choice. Some people even fish with single-hand rods in the upper reaches. As the rods used are getting smaller also the flies have to be smaller and more delicate. Traditional patterns like Stoats Tail, Allys Shrimp and Munro Killer have proven themselfs to be very productive.

How To Fish

During spring months with high water levels and a low water temperature most anglers are fishing with sinking lines and large tube flies. Brass tubes or a sinking leader can help to get your fly down to the bottom. A common length for a fly during that period would be 5-7cm.

As the season progresses with falling water levels and a rising water temperature the flies used are getting smaller and floating lines should be used. Famous flies during that period are micro tubes as well as double hooks with tradition patterns. Patterns like Stoats Tail and Allys Shrimp work very well during that period.

Practical Info

The Gaula is a mighty big river with a strong current in some parts. For that reason one might want to use a wading stick. In early June the water temperature can be pretty low so that good thermal underwear or even neoprene waders are important for warmth but as soon as July is coming closer breathable waders are the best choice.

There is a big fear of gyrodactilus in Norway nowadays which is why all fishing gear has to be disinfected before fishing.

The fishing season starts on June 01 and ends on August 31.

Most of the fishing in the Gaula is on private beats. Nevertheless there are some stretches where day cards can be purchased. Since there are no restriction for the number of day cards you might have to line up to fish a pool which is why we recommend the private beats of the Norwegian Flyfishers Club. Either way a state license has to be purchased.

One salmon per person per day can be taken with. After the fish has been killed the fishing has to be stopped until midnight.

Norwegian Flyfishers Club
www.nfc-online.com
Gaula Natursenter
www.gaula.no

NFC-accommodation

The NFC has, over the years, carefully selected prime fly water in the most attractive reaches on the Gaula River. The main fishery is the group of rotating beats between Kvål, Storen and Rognes. It is an exclusive fishery where pairs of fishers move through a large number of excellent and varied pools in rotation. In this way you ensure maximum chances during your stay. This is the best option for the first-time visitor.

Norwegian Flyfishers Club
Http://www.nfc-online.com