A mountain adventure on Hardangervidda western Norway

A perfect example of norwegian mountain trout.

Victory to Børge!

Sunset on the mountains.

Every year my mates and I take a trip up into the high mountains plateau with the single objective of catching a brown trout over the magic kilo mark. Before we left our home in BERGEN we had agreed on a pact of fly-fishing only. What we didn’t know is our mate that we were to meet on the mountain had a trick up his sleeve. This would prove to be embarrassing for all of us involved in the contest of the year.

After five hours driving full of lively discussions of which fly, what rod or who would win the masters challenge. Now there we were sitting around the fire drinking light beer (?) when the time came to show off our latest purchases. It was at this point that Børge showed us his casting float. What can I say you could hear a pin drop. According to the rules he was with in his rights to use the bloody float but we were not happy. As they say a loophole is a loophole. So casting float it was. After a parliament styled discussion it was agreed he was technically correct and thus the float was permitted. In the back of our minds we were certain that he would make a fool of himself and the real fishermen would have the last laugh.

Casting floats can be used in a variety of ways in almost all conditions. Its advantage lies in the fact that those of us that are not the best fly casters can use there spinning rods as fly rods. Added that that you can use spinners, lures and bait. Economics are a big factor, as you no longer need to own a pile of rods for this and that, one-rod covers all your needs.

Sunrise showed what was to be shocking conditions for we fly fishermen. Low black clouds, rain and strong cold winds from the north. With conditions at there worst we decided that “March Browns” were the fly of the day. When the sky is dark and the wind is blowing wet flies are the only solution. An interesting fact is that as far back as 1653 Izaak Walton had described these style flies in his now famous book “The Complete Angler”.

Børge was brimming with conference with his choice. He knew that in those conditions his float would out fish us. It took no time before the wind left me frustrated and disappointed. To rub salt in the wound Børge had already landed his first of many that day. This really put the wind in my sails. So an executive decision was made. The float freak would go one way and the fly men would fish the down wind section of the lake. Now it was time to show Børge a thing or two.

Constant knots in our leaders and almost no control over our fly placement lead to a three-hour marathon. I managed one fine fish around 700 grams which I was certain was the days biggest. My confidence was short lived. Those among you that wish to learn real Australian slang should have been there when Børge opened his fishing bag. There it was a fine fish weighing in at 1.2 kilo. Again my language was nothing to be proud of. The gang began to mumble about the cheat, but we knew we had been handed out a whipping. Meekly we accepted the fact that it pays to be flexible every now and then. To be a successful fisherman you need to read the conditions around you and be prepared to alter your plan of attack. After all it can be the difference between success and failure.

Casting float are seldom used here in Norway but they deserve a place in everyone’s tackle bag. Their advantages are numerous not only do they cost peanuts but they weigh nothing. All of which can increase your chances when you are on your favorite lake. Casting floats come in a variety of weights and can be use for salt or fresh water fishing.

There are two main methods to use floats: One is to tie the fly a short distance above the float. Børge believes that the fish think the shadow they can see is a small fish chasing an insect. The other method is to tie a leader behind the float and slowly retrieve the float. The disadvantage with this method is you tend get the odd knot when the wind blows. I have tried both methods and recommend the first of these. I can tell you one thing the very next day I was the proud owner of a new casting float!







Facts file

Place Store Hengsvatn in Ål shire



Height 1220 meters over sea level



Season 20th July – 31st august



Fishing times between 8 am and 9 pm



Average weight 600 grams



Biggest fish 3.2 kilo



Fishing cards 35 kroner. Tickets purchased via a parking meter styled “Box” at the end of the lake



Accommodation the local village has a large range of accommodation or contact us for help