Aaroy river
1st May 2020

Aaroy river – the realm of the great salmon

I stand quietly on the riverbank, eyes fixed on the surging currents of the Aaroy river. The sound of the rushing water fills my ears, powerful yet calming. As the morning mist gently lifts, anticipation settles over me. This river commands our respect. Every salmon catch is by hard work.

Aaroy river

Stepping carefully onto the wooden "platforms of despair," I feel the cool spray from the rapids below. Each platform is part of Aaroy's legacy, built generations ago to let anglers access these otherwise unreachable spots. My pulse quickens as I watch the swirling currents beneath me. One precise cast could mean the catch of a lifetime.

Aaroy river consists of a lower and an upper section, separated by a fierce waterfall spanning 2-300 metres. Deducting this from the river's total length, approximately 900-1000 metres remain for fishing. The river is intense and, at times, violent, and this has been taken into account.

The river is private and exclusive, meaning access to the platforms or any other areas along the river is strictly prohibited without permission. Anglers visiting Aaroy have paid for privacy and the exclusive right to fish.

The first time

This river has welcomed many notable royal visitors, celebrities, and legendary anglers, but today, standing here in the river, it is only me and the salmon. I glance at my carefully prepared gear, every knot tied, every fly chosen meticulously. Months of preparation turn into a single moment.

Aaroy river is steeped in history. It has hosted the king of Norway, princes, dukes, earls, Coco Chanel, Charles Ritz, the duke of Westminster, the former Russian tsar's minister of finance, and L.R. Hardy. Yet, this does not deter the dedicated angler from fishing here. The uniqueness of the experience offers an opportunity to etch one's name into Aaroy's history, if one succeeds in landing a truly great salmon.

The salmon season

I cast the line out gently, feeling the weight and rhythm of the rod. The line drifts smoothly into the swift current, perfectly positioned. I reminded myself, "Stay patient and let the river decide."

As the salmon season approaches, excitement builds. Fishing gear is meticulously prepared and checked multiple times throughout the winter. In this river, the choice of equipment and knots is crucial. Here, the salmon dictate the rules.

Up to 32 groups of salmon anglers from across the globe arrive throughout the season, bound by their shared passion for salmon fishing. The rhythm of their days is simple: fish, eat, sleep. Yet, catching a salmon is never guaranteed. The whims of nature and the will of the fish determine the outcome.

Salmon over 30 kilos

Suddenly, there's tension. The line tightens abruptly, my heartbeat quickens, and everything else fades. "Stay calm," I tell myself, gripping the rod firmly. The strength of the fish pulses through the line, pulling me into an exhilarating battle.

The dream of landing a salmon exceeding 30 kilos can come true here. The powerful current gives the salmon an advantage, making the pursuit all the more exhilarating. When a salmon strikes, one never knows whether it is the one.

About Aaroy river's pools

In the calmer waters of Teddy Pool, I take a deep breath. When I had a moment to follow the salmon, the excitement of the fight remained intense. Every move is deliberate, and every decision is crucial. When a salmon is finally within reach, the adrenaline surges and triumph mixes with relief.

The river's pools are often short and intense. The powerful currents demand both creativity and perseverance from the angler. Fishing guides provide encouragement, tips, and strategies tailored to each pool.

Teddy pool

In Teddy pool, there is a fair chance of keeping the fish within the pool, thanks to the calmer waters and the possibility of following the fish by boat. White stone pool also offers excellent fishing opportunities, depending on the angler's experience and equipment.

Fishing techniques & strategies

Fishing techniques vary from pool to pool, often requiring frequent changes of lines and flies along the way. The unpredictability of the salmon is part of the allure.

Aaroy lodge

As the day ends, I sit quietly at Aaroy Lodge. Around me, fellow anglers exchange stories, laughter mingling with thoughtful silence. The mounted salmon trophies watch over us, reminders of past successes and dreams realized.

Aaroy lodge serves as both accommodation and museum. Here, comfort blends with history, featuring everything from mounted salmon to covered benches along the riverbank.

Regardless of the day's outcome, each moment spent fishing here on Aaroy River remains deeply memorable. It's a place that challenges and inspires, forever leaving its mark on those fortunate enough to fish its waters.