If you’ve ever dreamed of casting your fly in wild, untouched waters, where Atlantic salmon and sea trout run strong and free — now’s your chance to be part of something truly rare.
This summer, I’m hosting an exclusive exploratory fishing adventure to Horstad Gård Lodge in northern Norway — and I’m inviting a small group of passionate anglers to join me.
A River Kept Secret — Until Now
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Arctic Norway, the Åelva River has been one of the country’s best-kept secrets. This stretch is privately owned and completely off-limits to the public until recently, — and we’re among the first allowed in. In 2020, this river system ranked as one of the top salmon rivers in all of Norway, with the highest catch rate per angler. That’s not just good — it’s exceptional.
This is wild salmon fishing the way it used to be — pure, remote, and unspoiled.
17 Kilometers of Private Water
Horstad Gård controls a full 17-kilometer stretch of the Åelva River system, exclusively reserved for a limited number of rods just 8 of us. No crowds, no pressure — just miles of clean, fish-rich water all to ourselves.
The system holds not only a growing stock of large, powerful Atlantic salmon, but also a healthy population of impressive sea trout, offering a dynamic and exciting fly fishing experience throughout the season.
The river is managed with conservation at its heart. Local ownership has taken great pride in creating a sustainable, thriving fishery constantly working on the river system to improve the river structure to attract and hold more fish. — this is a place that gets better with every season.
Stay in Authentic Norwegian Luxury
After a long day on the river, we’ll relax in style at Horstad Gård Lodge (Privately owned by the Fred Olsen family) . Which boasts a rich history dating back to 1611 and has been meticulously renovated to preserve its historic charm, including original wall paintings of fishermen in top hats. The lodge offers 13 traditional rooms with a total of 25 beds, providing comfortable accommodations for guests. Inside, you’ll find a cozy library with a large open fireplace, two dining rooms, a sitting room, and a spacious meeting room. All meals are served in the adjacent building where there is a traditional dining room and open fire to enjoy meals together as a group.
For anglers, there’s a fly fishing shop, a fly tying area, and a tackle hut with a drying room for waders and large rod rack situated in the middle of the grounds. Guests can enjoy full-board accommodation from Saturday to Saturday, featuring a traditional Norwegian breakfast, lunch, and a 3-course dinner prepared with local ingredients like cloudberries, reindeer, elk, halibut, and cod. Weather permitting, lunch may also be served by the river for a truly immersive experience.
The trip is fully hosted by Peter Collingsworth and all-inclusive — meaning you just need to bring your gear, your passion, and your appetite for adventure.
Why Join This Trip?
- ✅ Be one of a selected few anglers on this river
- ✅ Experience truly private, uncrowded waters
- ✅ Catch powerful wild salmon and sea trout in an untouched ecosystem
- ✅ Stay in beautiful, authentic accommodations with full hosting
Example Itinerary
Day 1: Friday
Fly to Trondheim Airport
On arrival collect hire car and head into Trondheim City (approx. 20 min drive)
Spend the evening exploring Trondheim area and all enjoy a night evening meal.
Overnight Accommodation: Radisson Blu Royal Garden City Hotel, (Single Room) B/B
Day 2: Saturday
Drive in convoy from Trondheim to Horstad Gard Lodge
Along the way we can stop to check out the Namsen River for a quick lunch.
The drive takes approx 4 hours. Settle into the lodge at approx. 4pm, arrival drinks and canapé’s tour around the lodge and pools, draw the rota and disinfect waders. Evening meal and an opportunity to fish at midnight.
Overnight Accommodation: Horstad Gard Lodge (Single Room) F/B
Day 3: Sunday
Breakfast at 8am, meet up with guides 8:45am for guided fishing rest of the day. Note you can either have a packed lunch to take to the river or return back to the lodge for a cooked lunch.
Overnight Accommodation: Horstad Gard Lodge (Single Room) F/B
Dat 4: Monday
Guided fishing based on 2 anglers to 1 guide for 8 hours (Fishing available 24 hours a day)
Overnight Accommodation: Horstad Gard Lodge (Single Room) F/B
Day 5: Tuesday
Guided fishing based on 2 anglers to 1 guide for 8 hours (Fishing available 24 hours a day)
Overnight Accommodation: Horstad Gard Lodge (Single Room) F/B
Day 6: Wednesday
Guided fishing based on 2 anglers to 1 guide for 8 hours (Fishing available 24 hours a day)
Overnight Accommodation: Horstad Gard Lodge (Single Room) F/B
Day 7: Thursday
Guided fishing based on 2 anglers to 1 guide for 8 hours (Fishing available 24 hours a day)
Overnight Accommodation: Horstad Gard Lodge (Single Room) F/B
Day 8: Friday
Guided fishing based on 2 anglers to 1 guide for 8 hours (Fishing available 24 hours a day)
Overnight Accommodation: Horstad Gard Lodge (Single Room) F/B
Day 9: Saturday
Guided fishing until 11am, check out of rooms at breakfast to allow house keeping.
Drive back to Trondheim (Approx 4 hours) and check in to your overnight hotel.
Rest of the evening to relax and enjoy. As a group we will all enjoy dinner together.
Overnight Accommodation: Radisson Blu Royal Garden City Hotel (Single Room) B/B
Day 10: Sunday
Fly out
DATES AND PRICES
01/08/2025 – 10/08/2025 – £4,500 – Enquire
- All accommodation
- All meals at the lodge
- 6.5 days fishing
- 2 anglers to 1 guide
This is not just another salmon trip — it’s a rare opportunity to make history and explore a brand-new frontier in fly fishing. I’m limiting the group to just 8 rods to keep the experience intimate and meaningful, so if this speaks to you, don’t wait.
Get in touch and secure your spot — I’d love for you to be part of this first chapter on the Åelva River.
