The Gaula River

The Gaula River is a part of the huge Trondheimfjord-basin. It is regarded as one of the best sport fishing salmon rivers in Europe.

Fishing season

1 June - 31 August

The Gaula River is well known for its big salmon in addition to large quantities of medium size salmon and grilse – averaging around 8,000 salmon during the three months season (June to the end of August). The average weight is around 4.5 kilos per fish. Throughout the whole season there is always the chance to catch the big one.

The fishing

Gaula Salmon has the joint fishing rights on the Malum/Winsnes beat(s) and a number of additional beats in co-operation with Gaula Fly-Fishing Friends. The Gaula Salmon rods will participate in a rotating fishing system with a total of 16 rods, being offered 8 large/long pools and 6 hours fishing on each pool. The beat is based 10 - 20 kilometres up river from the village of Støren and approximately 50 - 60 kilometres from the sea. The Gaula Salmon beats are among the best on the Gaula with approximately 250 to 350 good size salmon per season.

The average weight is approximately 5 - 6 kilos per salmon. There are exceptions, as in the year 2005 when the fishing started very late due to extreme high water conditions at Gaulfoss further down the river.

Number of salmon and sea trout caught on rod in the Gaula River
(released fish not included)

Year	Total number of salmon	Number of salmon under 3 kilos	Number of salmon 3-7 kilos	Number of salmon over 7 kilos	Total number of sea trout
2000	9,908	5,792	2,394	1,722	2,531
2001	11,978	5,405	5,093	1,480	1,290
2002	6,357	2,252	2,538	1,567	984
2003	7,639	4,255	2,147	1,237	2,762
2004	4,319	818	2,018	1,483	996
2005	7,574	3,911	1,828	1,835	601
2006	11,076	5,867	3,872	1,337	593
2007	4,455	980	2,001	1,474	308
2008	7,302	2,267	2,482	2,553	410

Equipment

Fly rods should be 14 - 16 feet with action to suit 10 or 11 lines, 9/10 in low water. Lines floating through intermediate and sinking. Flies and tubes to suit individual preference but towards medium and larger sizes.

Normal warm clothing for fishing but take an extra sweater for a chilly night. Chest high waders with felt soles. Life jackets and wading sticks are recommended.

Where to stay

Winsnes Farm and Fly-Fishing Lodge has been a home to the Winsnes family for hundreds of years. Traditionally a farm, today it is a modern guesthouse and fishing lodge offering full and half board accommodation and activity packages.