Angling Norway

BEIARN GUESTHOUSE

The Beiar River runs through some of the most scenic areas in the Arctic, surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks and some of Norway’s largest glaciers.

To the east and the south, the area borders and partly overlaps the Saltfjellet/Svartisen National Park and more than 60 per cent of the river’s catchment is within a protected zone for hydropower development.

The area is steeped in Sami history and contains many cultural sites. It is an important pasture and calving area for reindeer and a gateway to the National Park for walkers and nature watchers. The river, with its 30 kilometres salmon run, flows through the municipality of Beiarn, in the middle part of the County of Nordland, just north of the Arctic Circle. This 550 kms (350 miles) long county, is one of the biggest and longest in Norway but also among the narrowest. In Tysfjord you are only a few kilometres from the fjord’s end to the Swedish border. Due to the effects of glaciers, the river is cold and has an emerald-like colour. It is pure pleasure fishing some of the best fly-fishing stretches in Norway.

Accomodation
Although Beiarn Gjestegård is located near the river, and just above the high tide marker 4 km from the estuary, the main beats are situated a few miles further up the river where the salmon normally hold.

It is a typical family run establishment, containing 7 rooms, of which 3 are comparable to flats with own bathroom / toilet / lounge / kitchenette, easily sleeping 2 people in each. The 4 other rooms are single rooms and share bath and toilet facilities. The 3 main meals are served in the small, fully licensed restaurant and a lot of emphasis is put on using local produce.

The owners pride themselves of serving healthy and wholesome food with good variations during a week’s fishing. Beiarn Gjestegård is equally a place to combine relaxing fishing and a fantastic place to explore the wonders of the Arctic, a place to unwind and let the pressures of ones daily work become a distant memory.

Fishing
The Beiar River is well known for large salmon and it is not unusual to see a number of 12 – 15 kilos during the season. Another feature of the river is the number and size of sea trout during the latter end of July and August every season. It is among the 3 best salmon and sea trout rivers in the country. Beiar Gjestegård has 5 beats available for their guests and the beats fish a total of 6 rods with a good rotating system to allow the guests as much variation as possible. The river was closed for 13 years due to the parasite Gyrodactylus salaris, reopened in 2001 and is gradually recovering to its former glory. It is one of the few rivers in Norway that encourage catch and release, although 750 salmon with an average weight of 4.5 kgs were landed in 2005 during 10 weeks fishing. The prime time is considered to be June 21st to August 31st with the best salmon fishing normally during July and August rated best for sea trout. The beats are situated 8-12 kilometres from the river mouth.

Number of salmon and sea trout caught on rod in the Beiar River in total (Does not include released fish)
Year	Total number of salmon	Salmon less than 3kg	Salmon 3-7 kg	Salmon 7kg and over	Sea trout	Migratory char
2001	508	214	262	32	2632	147
2002	611	303	237	71	3968	423
2003	830	465	278	87	3417	297
2004	721	220	402	99	3182	98
2005	726	306	272	148	2832	57

Key Facts
Fishing season:
June 17 - August 31 (Salmon)
June 17 - September 15 (Sea trout)

Tackle box:
Rods: double-handed for line weights 10/11/12 with a length from 13 to 15 feet will be appropriate for most conditions in the river.

Flies:
Whatever you prefer for your salmon fishing, but Green Highlander and Munro Killer are very effective. Waders: Recommended.

Guides:
There will normally be 1 guide for 4 anglers

Facilities:
Good standard guesthouse with 7 single/twin rooms, private and shared bathrooms, wholesome and plentiful food; service-minded staff. Tackle and drying rooms. Laundry.

For non-anglers:
Hiking, local museum, workshops for art and handcrafts, “Saltstraumen” maelstrom, shopping in the Bodø town, National Aviation Museum.

Nearest airport:
Bodø Airport

Transfer time:
2 hours


Click an image below for a closer view...
BEIAR RIVER AND A BEAUTIFUL POOL	BEIAR RIVER AND ANOTHER BIG SALMON
BEIAR RIVER AND ANOTHER NICE POOL	BEIAR RIVER AND GEIR WITH A NICE SEA TROUT
BEIAR RIVER AND HANNE WITH A 4.0 KILOS	BEIAR RIVER AND THE ESTUARY VIEW
BEIAR RIVER AND THE ROBERT POOL	BEIAR RIVER AND THE SELFORS BEAT
BEIAR RIVER AND UPPER PART BEAT	BEIAR RIVER GOOD SIZE SALMON
BEIAR RIVER THE STRAND BEA

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