Safety on rivers and lakes

Personal safety

It is always advisable to check the weather forecast, as conditions in Norway can change quickly. A layered clothing system as used by walkers and mountaineers with a lightweight waterproof shell on the outside will keep you comfortable in all conditions.

Tell someone where you are going and roughly when you expect to return, especially if you are planning to hike to a remote mountain lake or some other wilderness.

Equipment and good practice

Lifejackets are a must on many rivers. The larger salmon rivers are extremely powerful and you will need one if you are wading or fishing from a boat. Felt soled wading boots will offer the best grip in most river fishing situations, but they must be disinfected to avoid the spread of disease. Many anglers find that a wading staff offers useful extra stability in fast water too.

If you rent a cabin near a lake you will often find that a boat is supplied as part of the holiday package. There are also boats available for hire to fishermen on many lakes and occasionally you will find a boat made available free of charge in some quite out of the way place. Obviously, the later don’t come with one-to-one boat handling instruction and safety equipment.  In these situations the angler must be responsible for his own safety.

Again, the use of a lifejacket is recommended. Choose modern designs made specifically for anglers that are small, lightweight, comfortable to wear and don’t obstruct casting movement. They require a modest investment but could avoid a disaster. The automatically inflating ones operated by a small CO2 cylinder are affected by restrictions on some airlines, so please check carriage arrangements before you travel.

Other items that you might consider are protective eyewear for fly-fishing (polarised lens will help you spot more fish too), a small first aid kit and insect repellent as mosquitoes can be a problem in certain places in high summer.

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