Tengselven River

The Bjerkreim watercourse is considered one of Norway’s better salmon rivers, and has consistently produced very healthy runs.  Since 2007, the watercourse has been given special protection as a national salmon river, and has received liming grants from the government which appears to have assisted.   Tengselvan, which incorporates the lodge and the fishing on the Temngs, is the lowest stretch of the Bjerkreim watercourse stretching from the tidal waters to Fotlandsvannet lake.   By Norwegian standards the Tengs is a relatively small salmon river with 1.2 km and 1.5 kms of fishing on the rivers western and eastern banks respectively, but it is unquestionably very productive.  The 3, 5 and 7 year average for the Tengs fishing is respectively 1,153, 1,218 and 1,215 landed salmon.   These figures, when based on a per angler basis with 6 anglers fishing each day work out at a very respectable 2 salmon/day.

“Elverhøi” has a well-documented and fascinating history from the time the property was purchased by Leonard Pelly (one of the so-called “salmon lords”) in 1887. Leonard Pelly (1856–1913) started coming to fish Tengselven in the mid-1880s. He always arrived for the season in his steam yacht, and brought his own housemaids with him from England. In 1887, he bought Elverhøi, which became his base. Pelly was interested primarily in the fishing rights, and undertook several other property transactions in the neighbourhood with the aim of securing the best fishing rights in the watercourse. While Pelly was at Elverhøi he kept a relatively large household and hosted many house parties, with guests coming not only from England, but also from the local Egersund area.

For the fishing periods made available to WhereWiseMenFish the fishing will be exclusively fly-fishing only, shared by 6 anglers and a host rod, fishing both banks of the river.   The uppermost section includes both the mouth of the Tengs where it joins Folandsvannet Lake as well as one of the most productive pools, ‘spinerhollen’ set in a steeply sided gorge.  The middle section consists of some relatively smooth pools, fishable from both banks where the salmon can stack up in very significant numbers, at times fish showing constantly along its entire length.  There is a fishing hut as well as three casting piers.   The lower section which runs from the road bridge to the tidal section of the fjord has some fantastic streamy water in amongst large boulders, deep pools and provides the first opportunity to encounter bright and fresh salmon as they make their way into the system.   The river typically runs very clear.

There will be one local guide alongside the host who will assist anglers.   On request a dedicated guide can be provided for individuals or pairs of anglers.  The river is easy to learn and the pools are for the most part self-explanatory and any salmon angler with moderate experience should not have any difficulty learning the river and the lies following an introductory tour.  Most of the pools do not require wading and you can happily cover most of the available water from the bank should you wish to do so, ideal for those keen on a quick after supper cast.

Although all methods of fishing are allowed on the Tengs, the bulk of the salmon caught are on fly.  Over the dedicated WWMF openings, fishing will be restricted to fly only.   A medium-sized switch rod is all that are needed to cover the water.  Some pools will benefit from the lighter touch of a single-handed rod using ‘Icelandic’ tactics.   Hitching can be effective for those who want to fish on the surface however as it is impossible to predict water levels having  a range of flies for all conditions is always advised, from small singles and doubles to weighted tubes.  Floating or intermediate lines are primarily used.  

Built as a salmon lodge in 1888, the lodge and surrounding are charming and full of character.  There are six bedrooms with twin and double beds sharing two bathrooms and three WC’s.  A comfortable sitting room and adjoining dining with access to the surrounding terrace ensures that fishing parties can enjoy every aspect of their stay, on and off the river.   The lodge itself sits above the river, a walk of just a few hundred meters from the central fishing beat.  A dedicated team will provide top quality multi course meals over lunch and supper with full provisions provided for breakfast, whether cooked or continental.

Tengselven, is remarkably accessible with Stavanger Airport being situated just under 50 miles away, a drive of approx. one hour.   Stavanger has daily flights from the UK and other European countries.  Teams of anglers would typically rent a car to reach the lodge and although a vehicle can be used to get around the bulk of the pools are no more than a 5-15 min walk from the lodge.

Elverhøi lodge is extremely scenic and a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy the Norwegain summer, whether as an angler or a non-angler.   The closest town is Egersund, a very scenic coastal town with a population of approx. 12,000.  Typified by its charming traditional wooden houses, range of shops and boutiques, marina, and cultural activities and events.