The Orkla River is one of Norway’s best salmon rivers and the stretch at Grindal provides some of the most enchanting fly-fishing water available.

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Orkla River & Environment


The Orkla is, like many rivers in Norway, is extremely tranquil in the slow dreamy way puts off the masses but seduces salmon anglers.   The fishing at Aunan is as picture perfect as you could wish for.   A wonderful variety of pools stretching 5.5kms fished by just 12 rods.  

If the river is seductive, then the same can be said in equal measure for the surroundings. Nestled into a tranquil but steeply sloped valley, surrounded by mature woodland and well-kept farms and secluded from major roads or railways, this is as much a retreat as it is a great salmon river.

River Map showing some of the lower pools at Grindal

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The Salmon Fishing


Grindal Lodge on the Orkla was previously called Aunan Lodge.   With the retirement from operations of the original lodge owner, Vegard Hegem, the lodge and operation has been renamed Grindal however beyond a name change returning anglers will recognise all the traits that made Aunan incredibly popular.

The stretch of fishing at Grindal comprises of seventeen named pools, each one with different attributes and character. Most of the beats are double bank and the ones which are not are rotated at midday thereby ensuring the level of exclusivity that you would expect on such an appealing stretch of water. For the avid fly-fisherman who wants to experience beautiful surroundings, comfortable lodging, the opportunity to come across some very large fish, (20.3 kilo/45 lb salmon caught in 2004), and convenient access from the UK and Europe you need look no further.

Grindal is fly-only with the exception of entire groups who book the lodge and fishing in its entirety.  Catch and Release is very much encouraged.

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Fishing rotation


At the start of each week anglers will be paired or matched into groups and a rotation across all the beats implimented.   This will allow anglers to roughly fish in the same vicinity as their friends, travel partners but with enough flexibility to ensure lots of access to varying pools over the course of the day.  Although there are no restrictions on fishing time, with 7 full days of fishing, a sensible approach to fishing hours is prudent.  Summer daylight hours allow close to 24 hours of fishing however it absolutely is not necessary to fish the midnight hours and it is only when the river experiences periods of sustained blue and sunny skies that late evening or early morning fishing can come into its own.

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Grindal Lodge (formerly Aunan)


The accommodation at Grindal (formerly Aunan) consists of a number of extremely comfortable cabins ranging from twin bedroom lodges to a mini chalet with 4 bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, Jacuzzi and riverside terrace making it ideal for families or larger groups. Although each of the lodges has its own kitchenette, that is about as close as you need be to any form of food preparation.  A dedicated chef ensures that your appetite will always be sated with three full meals served every day. Most of the meals are taken in the main lodge, however, the options are always open for bankside lunches and barbecues as well as the exceptionally picturesque lunch hut overlooking the river.

 

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Guiding at Grindal


There are two dedicated guides at Grindal who are available during the day to assist guests.  Where necessary they will transfer you to the beat, assist with river knowledge as well as general fishing skills and techniques.  As is typical with most Norwegian Rivers, the guiding is light-guiding.  If you would like a dedicated guide for a few hours, a day or throughout the week this can be arranged in advance.

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How to get to Grindal


Grindal is located in the district of Rennebu which is in easy reach of Trondheim airport or Berkåk railway station. There are regular flights from Gatwick Airport with direct flights to Trondheim via Fly NO. The lodge can arrange for people to be collected from either the airport or train station as required however many guests find it more convenient to rent a car which gives them total flexibility whilst fishing.   It is approximately a 2 hr drive from Trondheim airport to Grindal.

  • Hi Justin, Thank you for steering us to the Aunan Lodge. What a beautiful river and valley! We had a spectacular time! The character of the Aunan beat was more than I could imagine. Outstanding guides and staff! We also enjoyed the company of the other interesting guests. The food was first class and my wife was quite happy exploring the area. To top it off I got lucky and caught my first Atlantic, a handsome male at 102cm. What a pleasure it was to have met Vegard, a true gentleman and conservationist. In short, we had a wonderful experience. Again Justin, tusen takk

    Jeff K -USA-Aug 2018

  • A belated thank you to you and all your team for making my short trip so enjoyable. You have an amazing set up on a beautiful river surrounded by stunning scenery. I have shared my photos with my pals which I hope tempts a few of them to join me next season. Look forward next year already!

    Mark Russel-Vick

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Typical Itinerary

Sunday

Arrive Trondheim Airport
Drive to Grindal Lodge
17.00 Supper and evening Fishing

Mon-Fri

6 Days of Fishing

Sunday

Fish until 12.00hrs
Depart Lodge

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Pricing for the 2023 Salmon Fishing Season

Season:

The season runs from 1 June - 31 August

Please be aware that spaces to fish at Grindal are very restricted and as much notice as possible should be provided to obtain a week.

Rate:

June-July - From 42,000 NOK/angler

August - From 38,500 NOK/angler

Package Includes:

- Seven (x7) nights.
- Six (x6) days fly fishing
- Price includes accommodation.
- All meals and soft drinks.

Note:

Price does not include gratuities. Lodge capacity is 12 guests. 2 guides shared between rods

Shorter stay options of 3 days are available dependent on availability

Best Times to Go

The Norwegian Season is very short, just 3 months!   Water levels in the mid and lower beats at Grindal are augmented by a hydro outlet which keeps the river at a good and relatively stable level throughout the season.   The water released via the hydro is from a high mountain lake which keeps the river cooler than would be experienced on then likes of the Gaula, a useful attribute over hot summer periods.   

 

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