OLDERØ
The river Lakselv – which directly translates to Salmon river – is one of the Norwegian rivers which has always been synonymous with the largest Atlantic salmon in the world.
Located in the most northern county of Finnmark – the land of the midnight sun, it is a great pleasure to welcome you to Olderø which offers you perhaps one of the best chances of hooking up with one of these behemoths at one of Norways most befitting lodges.
Location
Finnmark, Norway
Fish
Atlantic Salmon
Season
June to August
Information
Sitting on an island (hence the name) the lodge was built in 2011 and with a major renovation in 2018 and another update in 2024 which has increased the number of rods to 10. This place has a magical, mystical feeling to it as you walk from the accommodation through the forest knowing that easy wading using floating lines in gin clear water will meet you. This is without a doubt one of the best lodges that we have ever fished at.
If easy wading, two-handed fly fishing, and truly big North Atlantic Salmon is what you are looking for, then Lakselv is the perfect place for you. With an extremely high return rate – evidence of not only the fishing but the high standard of the lodge and guides.
ACCOMODATION
After its final major renovation in 2018; the lodge can now host up to ten rods all with ensuite bathrooms. There are seven single rooms and three rooms with double beds. All meals are served in the dining room in the main house. The main house also includes a well-appointed living room – perfect for a relaxing chat with the other guests before meals and also a well-stocked store which you will find all the flies, hooks and tippet material you would require. In addition to the main house, there is a dry room – perfect for drying your waders and boots out between sessions.
Before a day’s fishing, you will be offered breakfast served typically from 08.00 where you will be offered different options every day. The guides wil have snacks and fresh drinks with them to enjoy on the river. A buffet lunch is served back at the lodge, giving you ample time for a siesta or a quick pop in to the town of Lakselv. After the evening session, a 3-course meal is served in the dining room serving fresh local produce, including seafood and steak from the area, whilst ensuring dietary requirements are met.
The lodge strives to use as many local ingredients from the area as possible, so when you visit, you will not only experience the fishing, but also the local food. Wine is included with dinner and guests are welcome to bring their own spirits, which can also be bought from the local state-run off-licence in the town. After a hard days fishing, why not relax with a drink of your choice beside the outside fireplace or use the jacuzzi for a good soak.
Non-Angling Activities and Options
Although fly fishing for Atlantic salmon is the main activity, the Lodge can help with non-fishing activities for the non-fishing guest. There is everything from hiking, birding and biking. It is highly recommended to hire a car from the airport to give you greater access to the great outdoors that are on your doorstep
Internet / Communications
For your convenience, the Lodge also offers free high-speed wireless access. There is full mobile phone coverage both at the lodge and along the river.
FISHING
The fishing schedule at Olderø; is typically 9 hours split between a morning and an afternoon session. After breakfast, at around 09.45 your guide will take you and another angler to the beat that you will be fishing on for the morning session. The drive from the lodge to the beat you will be fishing is never more than approximately 20 minutes!
All fishing is by wading, and the wading is on a par with some of the easiest wading we have ever encountered. At around 13.30 you will return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon your guide will pick you up at 16.00 you will continue fishing until around 20.30 and return to the lodge for dinner and drinks with your fellow anglers where there is always a tale to be told. You are also more than welcome to fish home pool – only 100m away – each evening after dinner.
With at least 9 beats, fished in rotation, all with no more than a 20-minute drive from the lodge, you will have access to some of the best pools on the river for all water conditions. Coupled with some of the easiest wading we have ever encountered and average flows of 26m3, you really are in fishing heaven. The fish may not be as plentiful as in other rivers, but the average catch weight is testament to the large salmon that can be found here. Fish between 40 and 50lbs are caught each year and the record landed salmon stands at over 60lbs!
The guides are all qualified instructors and speak both English fluently, committed to the sport, and will do everything they can to provide the best chances of landing that dream fish and with their expertise and knowledge of the river systems, will help choose your flies and tactics for that pool. Even the most experienced angler will learn something.
The Lakselv is not a wide river, a double handed rod in the 12-14 foot range should suffice for most fishing, complemented with a switch rod or a single handed rod of 9’6” – 10” in case the river levels are low. Floating lines are with sink tips suffice for most days on the river.
Do not hesitate to getting in touch with us to gain a better understanding of the lodge and the beats.
TRAVEL
Guest fly in to Lakselv airport where you will be collected by the lodge which is no more than a 10 minute drive from the lodge. Alternatively, one can fly in to the larger town of Alta which has more frequent flights; where we can arrange for a transfer at an additional cost.
When is the best time to visit?
The salmon season starts on the 15th June and ends 31st August with the early runs holding the largest salmon; however fresh fish will enter the river all the way through the season. From the 1st September sea trout fishing is possible until 15th September with restrictions in place such as floating lines only, small flies (max size 10) and tippet diameter of no more than 0.25mm.
Typical Length of Stay
The typical length of stay at Olderø is seven (7) nights with six (6) full days of fishing and the possibility to fish home pool on the morning of departure.
Typical Itinerary
Saturday: Depart home
Saturday: Arrive Oslo and overnight. Alternatively flying in to Oslo on Sunday.
Sunday: International flights to Oslo – minimum 90 minutes transfer recommended. Fly from Oslo to Lakselv and transfer to the lodge
Monday – Sunday: Six days of guided fishing
Sunday: Depart the lodge. Fly from Lakselv to Oslo. Pending on international travel, an overnight stay in Oslo may be required.
Monday: Depart for home
Documents Required
At time of writing a valid passport is required. Citizens of the USA, Australia, New Zealand, , the UK do not need a visa for tourist trips of up to ninety days in a given 180 day period Citizens from South Africa are required to have a valid tourist visa.
Travel Insurance
Prior to booking, please ensure that your travel insurance covers for travelling to remote areas and for the type of activities you are planning. We highly recommend also considering a Global Rescue Membership
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible. If you are quoted a lower price we will endeavour to beat it.
