Often referred to as the Norwegian riviera, this varied, long and beautiful coastline can offer some amazing fly-fishing opportunities. Together with its healthy wild fish stocks, lack of other fishers and jaw dropping nature, it makes for the perfect destination for anyone wanting to experience saltwater fly fishing in idyllic surroundings.
Depending on the time of the year the crystal clear waters of the ‘Norwegian riviera’ gives some great sport. One can approach saltwater fly fishing here from either the coast, belly-boat, fishing kayak or regular boat. Due to the many islands, protected areas and fjords, there is always thankfully water to fish if the winds and waves are too great.
Sea run brown trout
One of, if not the most important sportfish here for the coastal fly angler here in Scandinavia, the sea run brown trout, is often hard fighting, spritely and spectacular to look at. As the waters warm after the cold winter in late March the hungry sea trout becomes more active. They feed avidly through the summer but generally only at sunrise, sunset or in the darker hours. Then into Autumn eager to build muscle mass before winter water temperatures. They hunt quite shallow in the top 2m of water and close to the shore so stealth rather than long casts are more effective. A well presented shrimp or baitfish fly along a beach or over ‘leopard’ bottom will often find a sea trout, though getting them to bite can sometimes be something else!
Hard fighting sea bass
When the summer months and higher water temperatures greet us, the hard fighting sea bass and mackerel, not forgetting the over eager garfish really switch on. The sea bass can be hard to locate but when you do find them, they rarely refuse a tasty morsel, their strike explosive and following fight jaw-dropping. The other two are quite the opposite! They normally found all along the coast in great numbers and when a shoal is close expect to get non-stop action. These three summer fish respond well to similar tactics as to those for sea trout, and fly selection rarely matters. Though with that said, the bass cherishes baitfish patterns.
Aggressive pollack
The pollack is a grossly underrated sportfish. It’s aggressive, plentiful and its initial runs after being hooked “like a speed train”. Often found in shoals, early summer finds them at deeper deeps due to colder water temperatures and then we need heavy flies and fast sinking fly lines. As the water temperature increases as does the deep to which they can be found.
Stubborn atlantic cod
Last but not least the Atlantic cod. These are a cold water species and during the coldest months swim shallow. As the water warms due to the strong Spring sun the cod gradually find cooler water in the depths. They’re far from a fussy fish and will engulf anything resembling a meal that passes within close proximity of their larger than life mouth. Don’t expect an adrenalin filled fight that sees runs pulling off fly line into your reel’s backing. A stubborn and heavy fight more accurate.
