Contents :
Part 1 : Gear, flies and safety |
Part 2 : Spots and technique |
Part 3 : Weather, catches and tips |
Part 3 : Weather, catches and tips
Weather & wind
There is usually nice calm weather in the Norwegian fjords during the summer. When using float tubes wind strength and direction is always a determining factor.
During a trip like this you should keep a close eye on local weather forecasts.
This can be done through various weather websites or by using convenient apps on your smartphone or tablet. Along with local tide tables, these are two very useful tools to help you decide where and when to go fishing.
The more wind there is on a spot, the deeper you will have to look for the fish.
If the weather is more quiet, then the fish will come closer to the banks.
Catches
What also makes this type of fly fishing more attractive is the variety of possible catches.
Besides pollock you can also hook into coalfish, cod, sea trout, mackerel and wrasse.
Even a gray gurnard could not resist my Clouser fly. During our trip in June 2012 we caught quite a few nice cod in between.
From a certain size on, they can provide very nice sport on the fly rod. The larger specimens are going to keep you pumping and smiling for quite a while.
Starting from June on, there are also big shoals of mackerel coming into the fjords. If such a shoal comes by near you, you’re in for a real treat!
To be able to quickly switch to this spectacular fishing it’s best to have a #6-7 rod with smaller flies laying in the float tube.
Casting the flies just over the shoal and slowly retrieving them through the group of fish yielded the most hookups.
Travel tips
You can travel to Norway in many ways. By plane is logically the fastest way to arrive at your destination.
But the average float tube equipment is in weight and size on the larger side. It’s best to check beforehand and inquire about the cost of extra luggage. Some airlines offer discount fares for sporting equipment.
On our latest trips we travelled by car, and I must say that this was quite pleasant. Along the way there is lots to see and to do. And you can bring along a massive amount of gear.
As for accommodation, I would recommend one of the many (fishing) campsites.
Here you can stay in one of those typical Norwegian huts for a fair price.
They are usually not crowded, and often the owner can provide good advice about where and when to fish..
Good luck planning your trip to the Norwegian salty waters, I’m already longing to go back…
