Norway - Atlantic Salmon
Tana
Fish for salmon under the midnight sun. With an annual rod-caught catch of 220 tons, the River Tana is absolutely the most productive salmon river in Europe. Regardless of how high or low the river is running, the numbers of salmon ascending the Tana are stable and good. We can almost guarantee that whatever the wind and weather, you will have the opportunity to cast for newly ascended fish.
The Angling
The Tana can be fished both from the banks or from traditional Norwegian "harling" boats. This traditional form of angling was introduced by visiting English Gentlemen in the first half of the 19th century. Today this is the preferred method of fishing for the local Norwegian anglers, while most visiting anglers tend to fish from the land or when wading.
Fly fishing is the most popular method on the Tana, but on a number of stretches of the river spinning is allowed. Worm or other forms of bait fishing is not allowed.
In many places the Tana runs shallow, and in dry summers it is a good idea to bring along your waders. If the river is running high, most fish are caught from land, this is imply because the salmon tend to swim close to the banks on their journey up the river. The Tana is therefore always fishable regardless of its height, and there are always fish ascending the river regardless of whether the summer is wet or dry.
As well as being popular, fly fishing is also very productive. In the summer months floating lines are predominantly used, but if the river is running high then sink-tip lines are an advantage.
Atlantik's group tour in July has been arranged with the fly fisherman in mind.
The area we shall fish is the first place the salmon stop on their ascent up the river, this means all fish are fresh and are often carrying sea-lice on their backs and tails. It also means that the absolute first time they will be presented with a fly will be here!
The many tons of fish caught in this river speaks for itself: there are many fish in the Tana and they all must pass through the stretch we will be fishing.
As a general rule the tackle used here should consist of a two handed fly rod, 13 - 15 ft, class #8 - 10, a floating weight forward line and a tapered leader with a 0.40mm tip. This perhaps sounds a little dramatic, but there are some very big fish in the river, and it can be necessary to press them hard.
In July there is a large summer run of grilse, which offers a good chance of some really enjoyable fishing with a one handed rod, but you should also remember that some very big salmon also ascend the river during this period....
If you ever need a break from salmon fishing, the Tana also holds an enormous number of grayling, size extra large. So remember to also bring a light fly rod and a handful of dry flies, which will allow you to relax and and enjoy this excellent sport while you are here.
Finnmark
This part of Norway offers extremely beautiful nature, and during the period we visit, it is light 24 hours a day. This is a fascinating experience in itself and it gives plenty of extra time for fishing. However, it is important to remember to take some good long breaks between fishing, so you can re-charge your batteries and enjoy relaxing with your angling companions - both old and new.
Atlantik's group tour has been arranged with just this in mind. We take the view that our anglers should fish during the best periods, spending the optimal amount of time on the river, instead of just wasting time on the water without result.
Accommodation
During our group tour we stay in the Tana Hotel, which is a 2-minute walk from the first fishable pools on the Tana.
In addition to our group tour we can also offer to arrange bespoke individual tours, on which you can also choose to stay in a camping hut.
To read more about the Hotel Tana - click here www.hoteltana.no
The hotel lies in a central location and is within walking distance of the zone we fish. In addition a supermarket and a well-stocked tackle shop can be found less than 100m from the hotel. Disinfection of fishing tackle takes place at the local petrol station, 75m from the hotel.
In fact everything you really have need for lies within an area that can easily be covered by foot - there is no need for additional transport.
The hotel is of a high standard with good rooms - both single and double, that feature en-suite bathrooms, writing desk, t.v., wireless internet access (free), and of course a comfortable bed to relax in after a good days fishing.....
The hotel can also offer a sauna (lit or request) and massage to sooth away aches and pains in your arms and shoulders....
The kitchen offers a varied a la carte menu, on our group tour you can choose yourself when you would like to eat within the meal times given below.
The Guides
On our group tour there will be 2 guides assigned to the group every day, who will be on hand to offer advise, point out good lies, suggest the best flies for the conditions, and much more. Our guides have extensive experience of fishing here, and we help to give you the optimal experience of fishing the Tana, as even in the midst of such wonderful natural surroundings and in good company, the main aim of our tour is to hook, fight and land salmon....
We can naturally book guides when we arrange individual tours.
Our group tour has been put together with the aim of creating a package for those who would like to enjoy the best possible combination of travel, accommodation, fishing and nature.
As the Tana always has salmon ascending regardless of the weather and wind conditions we know in advance that the fish are there. On top of this we can draw on the experience of our guides and add a saty in surroundings ideally suited to allow you to relax and enjoy the fishing. Absolutely everything needed is within walking distance of the hotel and all of the tours practical details have been taken care of.
There will also be an English speaking Danish tour leader accompanying the group, who has visited the area previously and fished this part of the river with the guides we use, to help make sure everything runs smoothly.
When we start fishing on the evening of our arrival day, it is immediately after the Tana's weekly 24hr no-fishing 'rest' period, so we will start fishing over totally fresh salmon.
Group Tour: July 2010 - itinerary:
Monday 12th July: arrive Kirkenes 12.00 (midday) local time.
Transfer to Hotel Tana: departs 12.30
Arrival Tana Bru: 14.30
Disinfection of fishing tackle.
Information meeting - how to best fish the Tana
Dinner: 16.30
Start fishing: 18.00
Guides: 15.00 - 22.00
Tuesday 13th July
Breakfast: 07.00 - 10.00
Dinner: 18.00 - 21.00
Guides: 10.00 - 17.00
Wednesday 14th July
Breakfast: 07.00 - 10.00
Lunch - salmon barbeque in river camp with cultural program!
Dinner: 18.00 - 21.00
Guides: 10.00 - 17.00
Thursday 15th July
Breakfast: 07.00 - 10.00
Dinner: 18.00 - 21.00
Lecture on the history of Salmon fishing on the River Tana: 21.00
Guides: 10.00 - 17.00
Friday 16th July
Breakfast: 07.00 - 10.00
Dinner: 18.00 - 21.00
Guides: 10.00 - 17.00
Saturday 17th July
Breakfast: 07.00 - 10.00
Dinner: 18.00 -21.00
Guides: 10.00 - 17.00
Sunday 18th July
Breakfast: 07.00 - 10.00
Sauna: 18.00 - 19.30
Farewell gala dinner: 20.00 - ?
Guides: 10.00 - 17.00
Monday 19th July
Breakfast then journey home!
Price per person (ex. Oslo) only: € 2,099.00-
The tour price includes:
- Return flights: Oslo - Kirkenes
- Return transfers: Kirkenes - Hotel Tana
- Accommodation in the Hotel Tana in a single room with bathroom. T.V., wireless internet etc.
- Half -board (breakfast and a la carte evening meal)
- 7 day angling permit for the River Tana
- Norwegian State angling license
- Disinfection of fishing tackle
- Services of 2 local fishing guides
- English speaking tour leader
- Farewell gala dinner
- Various arrangements during your stay
- All taxes and fees
The tour price does not include:
- Lunch
- Drinks and other items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Travel and cancellation insurance
For further information please contact us at: andrew@atlantik.dk
or fill in the form below: