Highlights
Norway
Hello Arni and friends!
Please find some information about the opening in Gala, below.
Conditions
We are looking forward to the opening in Gaula and we have great expectations for the fishing this season. Reports from Scotland and some rivers at the Swedish West coast and Denmark that has already opened, tells that the opening has been very good. Many big Salmon is caught in Denmark and normally Norway will follow so things are so far looking good.
There is currently normal level of snow in the mountain and the weather is still quite cold. Hopefully there will be some snow left to the opening so we will have good water conditions. Water level around 300 cubicmeters in water flow would be perfect.
Since Gaula is an unregulated river without any hydro powerplants, the water level can be very various. The opening weeks are always exiting and challenging and we have experienced water levels between 150 and 1000 (!) cubicmeters. But the water level can change rapidly from one day to another so even if the water level would be very high making it hard to fish, that can change rather quick.
The opening normally means a great chance to catch very big salmon since the big ones are first to arrive to the river.
Sandbrota beat is situated just below the big rapid Gaulfossen that constitutes an obstacle for salmon rising during the first weeks in June when the water is cold and high. That means that there will probably be many salmon in the area waiting for the water to descend.
Last season there were caught 50 big salmon during the opening week at Sandbrota! But everything depends on the water and weather conditions. And maybe some on the fishermen as well :-)
Fishing
Fishing the opening week in Gaula is equal with fast sinking lines and big two handed rods. Big flies (>10 cm wing) on brass tubes is a good choice. I myself prefer colours like Black/Green, Black/Orange or my favourite Olive/Yellow. All tied with some flash in the wing as well.
Do not use thinner tippet than 0,40 mm. I myself uses 0,42 flurcarbon as my standard choise.
Make sure that you have at least 150 meters of backing on the reel. Otherwise you might have to run down the river very fast.
Disinfectant
All equipment, waders, boots, lines, reels, etc, must unconditionally be disinfected in order to protect the Gaula from the parasite Gyrodactylus Salaris.
Disinfectant can be carried out in the fishing store in Melhus as well as in Storen. It is possible that we ourselves can provide the service on site at the lodge. We are waiting on an approval for us to provide the disinfectant service. I will let you know prior to your arrival. The cost for disinfectant was last season 150 NOK per set/person.
After disinfectant you will receive a certificate that must be carried with you in case of a visit from one of the fishing inspectors working along the river.
If you have a certificate from Gaula from past season and can guarantee that you have not used the equipment after your visit in Gaula, that is valid.
Any other disinfectant certifications from other rivers in Scotland, Iceland or Norway, is not valid.
Fishing tax/governmental fee
All fishermen in Norway must pay an annual governmental fishing license so called Fisketrygden.
It is personal and must be paid prior to arrival. It can easily be done via Internet:
http://www.inatur.no/o2/Shop-FishTax
The price is 220 NOK per person and you need to print the certificate after payment and bring it with you during the fishing. (The inspector again?)
The lodge
Our lodge is currently under renovation so it will be in good shape when you arrive. The main building has 4 bedrooms that sleeps 8 persons in total.
The lodge is situated a stones threw from the beat and in nice surroundings. There is a place outside for BBQ and dinner etc. WC and showers as well as drying room is located in a nearby house.
We hope that you will enjoy your stay and we wish you warm welcome to Gaula!
Kind regards
Anders
