Precipitation records and heatwave in the Trøndelag region
In May, the Trøndelag region experienced eight record rainfall records, and things didn’t improve in June. Overall, the weather during this period was extremely wet for a continuous period of 10 weeks. Even the hardy little Norwegians hardly ever went outside to play during this time. The high water levels were also very problematic for fishing. At least there were short periods on the Gaula when the water level dropped briefly enough for the salmon to pass the Gaulfossen waterfall, only to rise again immediately and continue to block their ascent. In retrospect, it was clear that although the catches were better overall than last year, they were in early season never really good.
Then the weather changed drastically and Trøndelag was hit by a heatwave. In week 29, meteorologists measured temperatures of 35°C in several places in the region. But it was also very hot in the other provinces of Norway, with six consecutive tropical nights recorded, while the heatwave was set to continue. Even a large river like the Gaula has problems with excessive water temperatures under such conditions.
In view of the low water level, the river owners’ association decided to impose a limited daily fishing time with light tackle from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting on July 14, and a fishing ban from July 16 to July 27. This was the right decision, as strict fishing regulations mean that many fish are released back into the water, which poses a high risk to the fish when the water temperature is around 20°C.
In the Junction Pool of our new Sanctuary Beat, Manfred Raguse caught a strong 89 cm male on his first fishing trip and gently released it back into the water.
A short film showing the catch will be available soon.
The situation before the reopening of the fishery on July 27 due to lower water temperatures was as follows:
A total of 1,733 salmon weighing 9,121 kg/ 20,112 lbs and with an average weight of 5.3 kg/ 11.7lbs, as well as 363 sea trout weighing 535 kg/1,180 lbs and with an average weight of 1.5 kg/ 3 1/2 lbs , had been caught. A total of 591 grilse weighing 0–3 kg / 0-7 lbs, 604 medium-sized salmon weighing 3–7 kg/ 3 ½ – 15 ½ lbs , and 538 large salmon weighing 7 kg (15 ½ lbs and above had been caught. In the few days leading up to August 4, the number of salmon caught rose to 2,531 salmon weighing 11,706 kg / 25,812 lbs, with a higher water flow of up to 250 m³/sec due to rain! Many sea trout were also caught in the last few days, totaling 557 (!) fish weighing 798 kg / 1,760 lbs with an average weight of 1.4 kg / 3 lbs by August 4. So, we can say that fishing has improved considerably in the last few days.
The weather forecast for the last few weeks of the season until it ends on August 31 is looking really good, with nice temps of 18 – 19°C / 64–68°F and enough rain in the forecast.
If you would like to come to the Gaula for salmon fishing at the low August prices this season, please contact us as soon as possible by email: info@internationalflyfishersclub.com or phone: +49-1724266036.
ATTENTION NEW: The IFC has newly leased an interesting 1.1 km stretch of the upper Gaula. This stretch, located just a short distance below the waterfalls that is stopping all ascend, is a section of water where many salmon gather during the season to await the spawning season. The largest salmon ascend to the upper reaches of the river first. This season, all fish over 65 cm will be released, and therefore there should be a particularly large number of salmon gathering here. This stretch is located in wild and breathtaking natural surroundings, and you need to be physically fit to fish here. Only our side of the river is fishable; the opposite side is completely inaccessible. You feel like you are discovering a whole new fishing paradise. Our “Sanctuary Beat” will serve as a protected area in the future, where only fly fishing for IFC friends and catch & release are permitted. Anglers fishing our Bridge Pool Beat can also fish the Sanctuary Beat free of charge this season.
Please see below for some photos of the “Sanctuary Beat.”
In Kings Hall Pool, the big fish do not gather at the inlet but further downstream.
Nice stream below “Langstilla”, the several hundred meters long and deep flowing Sanctuary area above holds fish.
Lower Junction: after the salmon have passed the fast streams below, they like to rest here a bit.
Tons of years of experience in the shelter at Bridge Pool: Mikael Frödin, Manfred Raguse, and Andy Bowman from Trout & Salmon.
