The river
Surna, in Nordmøre, is one of the county’s three longest rivers and is today the most important for salmon fishing.
Salmon run over some 50 kilometres of the river, with the most stable fishing to be found in the 20 kilometres or so between the Harrang Power Station and the village of Skei. The Surna’s pools and fly-fishing stretches are generally regarded as offering some of the best in Norway.
The fishing
The main salmon runs are normally from 20 June - 20 July, although most of the big salmon arrive in late May or early June. On the Nygard beat, the best fishing for big salmon normally starts in mid-June. Good grilse runs are generally to be found in July.
Due to cold water entering the river from Harrang Power Station, the water temperature is low, especially in June. A sinking line is recommended in June and intermediate in July and August.
The biggest rod caught salmon ever recorded in the Surna is 26.5 kilos, with a number of 17 or 18 kilos salmon caught in different parts of the river every year.
Nygard beat offers its guests (normally numbering four to six) a total of five very good fishing stretches/pools. Each rod enjoys plenty of space, thanks to a fair and efficient rota system.
Normally, two anglers will be placed together on the same pool. Wading is easy at normal water level with combination of gravel and stones. With higher water levels though, the wading becomes more challenging. As in most Norwegian rivers, the main rule is "only knee-deep wading".
Number of salmon and sea trout caught on rod on the Surna River in total
(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 |
1,842 |
954 |
718 |
170 |
3,202 |
| 2001 |
1,872 |
1,363 |
408 |
101 |
3,077 |
| 2002 |
1,710 |
824 |
710 |
176 |
2,505 |
| 2003 |
881 |
408 |
334 |
139 |
1,645 |
| 2004 |
1,236 |
869 |
257 |
110 |
791 |
| 2005 |
1,243 |
443 |
665 |
135 |
837 |
| 2006 |
1,082 |
355 |
562 |
165 |
582 |
| 2007 |
503 |
123 |
238 |
142 |
552 |
| 2008 |
702 |
218 |
285 |
199 |
778 |
Equipment
Fly rods should be 14 - 16 feet with action to suit #10 or 11 lines.
Line: Medium density or sinking
Flies and tubes: 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
Nygard Lodge offers both single and double rooms. The lodge provides fishing instructors and guides, as well as fishing gear and equipment.
Nearest airports
- Kristiansund Airport Kværnberget. Transfer time is approximately one and a half hour by car, or one hour by boat.
- Trondheim Airport Værnes. Transfer time is approximately two hours by car.