Gudbrandsdalslågen, Sone 1

Fishing tips

1. 1

   In strong current, like the Lågen at Hunderfossen when you are after large trout, the challenge is getting the lure down to the fish. Wide, light lures get caught by the current and skip along the surface instead of fishing where the big fish hold. With a rod that casts up to 40 grams you have the tool for compact lures that cut through the current and get down towards the bottom.

2. 2

   Herring-style spoons are the obvious first choice: slim, compact and heavy, they cast like projectiles and sink fast. Møresilda in 18, 22 or 27 grams is the classic for large brown trout. Copper and red is a legendary colour combination in rivers; if the water is clear and cold, silver/blue or silver/black works. Jensen Sild is another steady, deep-running option.

3. 3

   Heavy river spoons also stay down. Buch Salmon around 18 grams is a fantastic lure for big Hunderørret, and the Trønderskjea has an enticing action in fierce current edges.

4. 4

   If the fish are sluggish, try compact, heavy spinners like Blue Fox Vibrax (size 4 or 5) or heavy Myran, or a sinking plug like the Rapala Countdown (7 to 9 cm) that cuts aggressively down into the water.

5. 5

   Technique: cast straight across the river, or slightly upstream at an angle. Let the lure sink for a couple of seconds, keep the line tight and let the current swing the lure in a big arc in towards your own bank. The take almost always comes just as the lure turns and starts to work up against the current.

Gear and lures

• Fly

  Nymph and dry fly for grayling

  Class 4-6 rod, thin leader. Nymphs below the surface, dry fly when the grayling are rising.

• Spinning

  Light lures for trout

  Mepps/Blue Fox 4-8 g along the edges and back eddies.

Lures and flies that work here

• Nymfe (naturlig)fly · Standard for grayling
• Mepps Aglia sølvspinner
• Liten wobblerplug

The fish here

• Grayling

  Loves nymphs and small dry flies. A discreet presentation in clear water. Common in Lågen.

• Brown trout

  Active at first light and dusk. Lures and flies. Fish along edges, inlets and rocks.

• Whitefish

  Hard to catch on lures, usually taken on net or worm. Rarely a sport target, but present in many waters.

• Perch

  A shoaling fish. Small jigs, worms and spinners. Coloured water can take louder colours.

• Pike

  Big, visible baits. A wire trace is a must. Shallow water early and late in the season.