MO LAKSEGARD
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The Suldalslågen runs for 22 km from lake Suldalsvatnet through a fertile valley with grazing sheep and cows until it reaches the sea at Sand.
Even though the river is regulated the Suldalslågen has the largest flow of water of any river on the west coast of Norway. It also has the latest run of salmon. As salmon enter the river they encounter a 5 metre high waterfall; Sandsfossen. A fish ladder helps the salmon to pass and a counter records all fish coming up the river. Running salmon can be watched from a studio by the waterfall.
Due to the river’s high winter temperature, the salmon spawn in January and the fishing season starts on 15th of July. Primetime is from middle of August to the middle of September. Salmon and Sea-Trout fishing takes place along the entire watercourse. The river can only be fished with fly or spoon.
The Salmon that breed here are genetically unique and anglers are doing their best to keep it this way by returning the big ones to the river. The biggest one ever caught here was 75 pounds (34 kg). Mr Grieg, an Englishman who took this salmon on fly, had to play the fish for 12 hours. There are still captures that exceed 20kg every year and the biggest fly caught fish in 2005 was 21.1 kg. Since 1957 the total catch has been between 300 and 2000 salmon a year. Walter Archer, who was Chief Inspector for the Scottish salmon fisheries, become so enamoured with the river that he started renting rights: until in 1884 the whole river was under his control! Victor Campbell, who joined Robert Falcon Scott on his expedition to the North Pole, also enjoyed control over part of the river for 40 years.
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Accomodation
The complex, on the bank of the Suldalslågen, has been developed around an old farm Mo, which has a tradition of more than 120 years of sports fishing. Mo Laksegard has 3 fishing lodges and 3 apartments, each with 3 bedrooms. Every unit has a nice living room, fully equipped kitchen, and bathroom. All meals are served at the main house.
There is a bar/pub situated in the fireside lounge where fishermen gather and share stories and experiences. Outside surrounded by pleasant scenery you will find a heated swimming pool and wooden hot tub where you can have your early morning swim, or relax in the middle of the day. 3 km from Mo Laksegard is the village of Sand where you will find services like supermarket, post, bank, tackle shop etc.
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Fishing
Mo Laksegard controls three beats of double bank fishing. The Øvre Høse beat starts just 400 m from the river mouth just above the Sandsfossen waterfall, and extends to 450m of exciting fly-fishing. The beat is easy to walk and to wade - also in the dark if you want to try the sea trout.
Litlehaga/Berge beat starts 2.5 kilometres from the outlet and has two good pools, and in between, fast running water. There is 850m of double bank fishing. The part between the two bridges regularly produces big Salmon on fly.
Førland 3 beat starts 7 kilometres above the river mouth and is 1.6 km long. The beat offers good walking and casting conditions. Waders are not necessary. You start upstream by a small pool which is followed by steadily flowing fly water 50 meters wide. On this stretch there could be a salmon resting anywhere. Trees have been cut to make casting easier.
Next there is Flåtto, a 400m pool where the salmon often lie only a few meters from the bank. After a wide rapid there is a short stretch which ends in the bend pool. Here, the fly is the right weapon. The beat ends in the lower pool below Storøy. On this beat there is a fishing hut where you can make coffee or food, or have a rest on one of the bunk beds. The Mo Laksegard water is normally fished by 4 rods per week with 1 or 2 guides. The 2005 catch comprised 23 salmon and grilse, based on an average of 4 rods per week over a 6 weeks period. Average salmon size was 4.6 kilos and the largest salmon 18 kilos. The number of sea trout caught in 2005 was 24 with an average weight of 1.1 kilo.
Number of salmon and sea trout caught on rod on the Suldal River
(Does not include released fish) |
| Year |
Total number of salmon |
Number of salmon under 3 kilos |
Number of salmon 3-7 kilos |
Number of salmon over 7 kilos |
Total number of sea trout |
| 2000 |
414 |
238 |
149 |
27 |
426 |
| 2001 |
180 |
84 |
81 |
15 |
493 |
| 2002 |
280 |
161 |
90 |
29 |
459 |
| 2003 |
421 |
198 |
168 |
55 |
294 |
| 2004 |
278 |
156 |
92 |
30 |
233 |
| 2005 |
591 |
331 |
167 |
93 |
231 |
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Key Facts
Fishing season: 15 July - 1 October
Tackle box:
Suldal River is fast, powerful and cold and holds big salmon. Fly rods should be 14-16 feet with action to suit #10, 11 or 12 lines. Bring a combination of fly lines although sinking line (sink 2) or sinking tip is the usual choice. Flies and tubes should suit individual preference but towards medium and larger sizes. Flies: Silver Blue, Green Highlander, Mar Lodge, Sunrise Shadow, Silver Doctor. Normal warm clothing for fishing but bring an extra sweater for a chilly night. Chest waders with felt soles. Life jacket and wading stick recommended.
Facilities:
Restaurant, bar/pub, own brewery, freezer, laundry room, packing of fish for transport, equipment hire.
For non anglers:
Ask for The Ryfylke Guide
Nearest airport:
Stavanger. Transfer 2.5 hours with boat.
Haugesund. Transfer 1h 45 m with car
Direct flights from UK with SAS and Ryanair
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