Even though the river is regulated, the Suldalslågen has the largest flow of water of any river on the west coast of Norway. It also has the latest run of salmon. As salmon enter the river they encounter a five metres high waterfall; Sandsfossen. A fish ladder helps the salmon to pass and a counter records all fish coming up the river. Running salmon can be watched from a studio by the waterfall.

Due to the river’s high winter temperature, the salmon spawn in January and the fishing season starts on 15 July. Primetime is from middle of August to the middle of September. Salmon and sea-trout fishing take place along the entire watercourse. The river can only be fished with fly or spoon.

The Salmon that breed here are genetically unique and anglers are doing their best to keep it this way by returning the big ones to the river. The biggest one ever caught here was 34 kilos (75 pounds). Mr Grieg, an Englishman who caught this salmon on fly, had to play the fish for 12 hours. There are still captures that exceed 20 kilos (44 pounds) most years. Since 1957 the total catch has been between 300 and 2000 salmon a year. Walter Archer, who was Chief Inspector for the Scottish salmon fisheries, became so enamoured with the river that he started renting rights until 1884, when the whole river was under his control! Victor Campbell, who joined Robert Falcon Scott on his expedition to the North Pole, also enjoyed control over part of the river for 40 years.

The fishing

Mo Laksegard controls three beats with double bank fishing. The Foss beat starts 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) from the river mouth and is divided in two and there is a change in the middle of the day. Foss is well known as one of the most exciting fly-fishing areas on the river. The beat is easy to walk and to wade, even in the dark if you want to try some sea-trout fishing.

Litlehaga/Berge beat starts 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) from the outlet and has two good pools, and in between, fast running water. There is 950 metres of double bank fishing. The part between the two bridges regularly produces big salmon on fly.

Førland three beat starts seven kilometres (4.3 miles) above the river mouth and is 1.6 kilometres (0.9 miles) long. The beat offers good walking and casting conditions. Waders are not necessary. You start upstream by a small pool which is followed by steadily flowing fly water 50 metres wide. On this stretch there could be a salmon resting anywhere. Trees have been cut to make casting easier.

Next there is Flåtto, a 400 metres pool where the salmon often lie only a few meters from the bank. After a wide rapid there is a short stretch which ends in the bend pool. Here, the fly is the right weapon. The beat ends in the lower pool below Storøy. On this beat there is a fishing hut where you can make coffee, food or have a rest on one of the bunk beds.

The Mo Laksegard water is normally fished by four rods per week with one or two guides. The 2007 catch comprised 65 salmon and grilse, based on an average of four rods per week over a seven week period. Average salmon size was 7.9 kilos (17.4 pounds) and the largest 16 kilos (35 pounds). The number of sea trout caught in 2007 was 14 with an average weight of 1.15 kilos (2.5 pounds). 

Accomodation

The complex, on the bank of the Suldalslågen, has been developed around the old Mo farm, which has a tradition of more than 120 years of sports fishing. Mo Laksegard has three fishing lodges and three apartments, each with three bedrooms. Every unit has a nice living room, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. All meals are served at the main house.

There is a bar/pub situated in the fireside lounge where fishermen gather and share stories and experiences. Outside, surrounded by pleasant scenery you will find a heated swimming pool where you can have your early morning swim or relax in the middle of the day. Three kilometres (1.8 miles) from Mo Laksegard is the village of Sand where you will find services like supermarket, post, bank, tackle shop and more.

Key facts

Fishing season: 20 July - 1 October