The Namsen River runs through the county of Nord-Trøndelag in the northern part of Central Norway. This is the country's heartland, where rich agricultural plains contrast with majestic mountains and a rocky coastline.
Although the Namsen is not the longest river in Norway, it's certainly one of the most powerful. Its springs are in the Børgefjell National Park and its estuary near the town of Namsos.
The total salmon running stretch of the Namsen river system is around 175km (109 miles), including the main tributaries (Bjøra and Sanddøla). The salmon running stretch in the main stream is 74km (46 miles).
The upper part of the main river and the Sanddøla River runs through narrow valleys with dramatic waterfalls and magnificent canyons. This has made it attractive for hydro-electric power development, which is a bonus to anglers as the five hydro-electric stations ensure reasonably stable water levels throughout the season, even through spells of drought and periods of heavy rain.
British anglers discovered the virtues of the river in the 1830's. They quickly named Namsen the 'Queen of the Rivers' and reports of record catches and huge salmon spread among distinguished fly fishermen, bringing an increasing number of anglers. Although the Namsen is particularly famous for its big salmon, it also offers very good runs of medium size salmon and grilse.
Throughout the season there is always the chance of catching 'the big one'. Every year there are a number of fish in the 18-20kg (40-45lbs) category. The biggest ever rod-caught fish (1924) measured 55" with a 33" 'waist' and weighed 31.5kg (69lbs). In 2007, the biggest catch was 23kg (50.6lbs).
Fishing Opportunities on the Namsen:
Upper Namsen Fishing
Although the Namsen is not the longest river in Norway, it's certainly one of the most powerful. Its springs are in the Børgefjell National Park and its estuary near the town of Namsos.
The total salmon running stretch of the Namsen river system is around 175km (109 miles), including the main tributaries (Bjøra and Sanddøla). The salmon running stretch in the main stream is 74km (46 miles).
The upper part of the main river and the Sanddøla River runs through narrow valleys with dramatic waterfalls and magnificent canyons. This has made it attractive for hydro-electric power development, which is a bonus to anglers as the five hydro-electric stations ensure reasonably stable water levels throughout the season, even through spells of drought and periods of heavy rain.
British anglers discovered the virtues of the river in the 1830's. They quickly named Namsen the 'Queen of the Rivers' and reports of record catches and huge salmon spread among distinguished fly fishermen, bringing an increasing number of anglers. Although the Namsen is particularly famous for its big salmon, it also offers very good runs of medium size salmon and grilse.
Throughout the season there is always the chance of catching 'the big one'. Every year there are a number of fish in the 18-20kg (40-45lbs) category. The biggest ever rod-caught fish (1924) measured 55" with a 33" 'waist' and weighed 31.5kg (69lbs). In 2007, the biggest catch was 23kg (50.6lbs).
Fishing Opportunities on the Namsen:
Upper Namsen Fishing