Austnes Salmon Lodge places you on the banks of Norway’s Verdalselva, one of the country’s most productive and varied salmon rivers. This system carries both numbers and power. Salmon here average around 14lb, with fish to 45lb landed most seasons. With more than 50 kilometres of prime water, the river has the scale to deliver fresh runs after rain and snowmelt, ensuring opportunity throughout the summer.
Fishing is spread across five exclusive zones, each with its own character. From the crashing Østnesfossen Waterfall and legendary Blåmel Pool to broad glides and technical rocky runs, every beat holds fish. With just six to eight rods rotating across the water, pressure is kept low and every session offers rested lies. The season runs from June to August, with peak action typically late June through July.
Light guiding is included to help anglers settle into the water, but independence is encouraged here. Guests can fish on their own schedule, exploring the beats and learning the river’s moods. For those who want added support, full guiding packages are available.
Accommodation is in riverside salmon cabins just metres from Østnesfossen. Each is simple but comfortable, designed with anglers in mind. Meals are included in your stay, while guests are welcome to bring their own drinks from duty free or local shops. With shops and several beats within walking distance, convenience is part of the appeal.
This is a holiday for anglers who like trophy salmon, varied water, and low-pressure beats, framed by riverside comfort and world-class fly fishing in Norway.
The season runs from June To August.
Season: June To August
Peak: July
Weight: 8lb to 45lb
Average Weight: 14lb
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Trondheim
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Trondheim
Depart: TBA
Arrive: Trondheim Airport, Værnes
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Travel from Trondheim Airport to Vuku
Travel from Trondheim Airport to Vuku
Once you arrive in Trondheim, a representative from our partners will collect you and drive you to the lodge. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Upon arrival at the lodge, you’re free to unpack, explore the local surroundings, and get prepared for your fishing week.
Austnes Salmon Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Austnes Salmon Lodge in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
During your first two fishing days, you will get your first chance to wet a fly on the beautiful Verdalselva River for the Atlantic Salmon that reside within it.
One of the primary reasons why the Austnes is a popular choice amongst travelling rods is the vast array of exclusive water at your disposal. Fly anglers who stay at the Lodge, limited to 6 to 8 rods per week, have exclusive access to 6000m of fishing, 2000m of which is double bank.
Austnes Salmon Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Austnes Salmon Lodge in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your third and fourth fishing days, you can explore more of the Verdalselva River. Our packages to this famous waterway are perfect for those who like to explore and fish on their own, as only light guiding is included in the package. However, for a supplement, a comprehensive guiding package can be booked.
Austnes Salmon Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Austnes Salmon Lodge in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your last two fishing days, you’ll get to enjoy more first-class fishing on the Verdalselva River. It’s a river famed for both the number and the good average size of Salmon it produces. Like many of the rivers in Norway, a fish of a lifetime is only ever one cast away.
Austnes Salmon Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Austnes Salmon Lodge in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Travel from Vuku to Trondheim Airport
Travel from Vuku to Trondheim Airport
On the morning of your final day, you will be driven back to Trondheim Airport for your return flight home. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Depart Trondheim - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Trondheim - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: Trondheim Airport, Værnes
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on twin rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| From | To | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19/07/2026 | 26/07/2026 | 8 | £3,903 | Sold Out |
| 26/07/2026 | 02/08/2026 | 8 | £3,903 | Enquire |
| 02/08/2026 | 09/08/2026 | 8 | £3,703 | Enquire |
| 09/08/2026 | 16/08/2026 | 8 | £3,703 | Sold Out |
| 16/08/2026 | 23/08/2026 | 8 | £3,703 | Enquire |
| 23/08/2026 | 30/08/2026 | 8 | £3,503 | Enquire |
| 06/06/2027 | 13/06/2027 | 8 | £3,993 | Enquire |
| 13/06/2027 | 20/06/2027 | 8 | £3,993 | Enquire |
| 20/06/2027 | 27/06/2027 | 8 | £3,993 | Enquire |
| 27/06/2027 | 04/07/2027 | 8 | £3,993 | Enquire |
| 04/07/2027 | 11/07/2027 | 8 | £4,043 | Enquire |
| 11/07/2027 | 18/07/2027 | 8 | £4,043 | Enquire |
| 18/07/2027 | 25/07/2027 | 8 | £4,043 | Enquire |
| 25/07/2027 | 01/08/2027 | 8 | £4,043 | Enquire |
| 01/08/2027 | 08/08/2027 | 8 | £3,833 | Enquire |
| 08/08/2027 | 15/08/2027 | 8 | £3,833 | Enquire |
| 15/08/2027 | 22/08/2027 | 8 | £3,833 | Enquire |
| 22/08/2027 | 29/08/2027 | 8 | £3,623 | Enquire |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
We offer complete holiday packages, making booking a holiday simple.
"Austnes Salmon Lodge wasn't the most luxurious fishing accommodation I've ever stayed in, but it was cosy and acted as a perfect base from which to fish the river, the hosts Sabreein and Ola were most welcoming and really, genuinely lovely people. I went to the Verdalselva with one aim and that was to catch a Salmon, which I did! On the second morning fishing the waterfall I landed a lovely fresh chrome fish of 16lb. Mission accomplished! "
"My week on the Verdalselva River was brilliant from start to finish and I'd certainly like to return next year. The river conditions weren't fantastic but I still managed to land a couple of nice Salmon, not the true giants that some parts of the river are famous for, but fish around the 10 to 12lb mark. The hosts Sabreein and Ola were very welcoming and it was a pleasure to spend time in their company. "
"Austnes is friendly destination, with comfortable accommodation and plenty of water to fish, offering very good value for money. The conditions during our week weren't fantastic, but we still managed three Salmon between us, with a top weight of around 18lb. I will certainly be back next year, as I felt like the chance of a very large fish was only ever one cast away. Ola the owner was very helpful and friendly. "
"Austnes Salmon Lodge was a new fishery for us. Putting aside the lack of water, which of course is totally out of the control of the lodge, the rest of the holiday was very enjoyable.
We had our own self contained lodge (with cooking facilities) but all our meals were prepared and cooked for us at the nearby dining lodge. Ola and Sabienne are wonderful hosts preparing both local and international treats. There was plenty of good quality wholesome food, always delivered on time, and we were NEVER hungry. All the other rods cooked for themselves either in their own lodges or using the BBQ provided.
A car is definitely required to reach all but the house beats. The lack of water on this trip severely limited our fishing, but we had plenty of advice on where to try from the upper beats all the way down to the lower tidal pools. Ola did say that the water level at the end of the week revealed stones he had never seen before! The pools are varied with something for everyone and a few of the fish we did see jump were very big indeed.
We thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere Austnes gives and intend to return in 2024. Hopefully it will have rained by then.
Sportquest's planning and organisation was, as always, first class throughout and we will continue to use them to plan future holidays.
"
"I've been lucky enough to fish in Norway a handful of times but until this trip, I'd never fished the Verdalselva. I wasn't disappointed with my choice and despite only light guiding, I managed 3 Salmon, including 1 completely off my own back which I was incredibly proud of. On the river, there's plenty of water to fish and the cabins, only a stones' throw away, were perfect for what I needed. Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable week. "
"Everything that you could control was excellent, thank you. The Austnes beat includes some stunning salmon pools. Unfortunately fresh salmon weren’t in the river, despite perfect water conditions. There were a small number of resident salmon which weren’t interested in a fly. Only 1 salmon was caught on the beat all week. I managed 2 sea trout weighing 2lbs and 5lbs.
I am tempted to return earlier in the season to try for the large early fish."
"This was my second trip to Ausntes, after struggling last year with the river having a distinct lack of water, my efforts were rewarded this year with a true Salmon of a lifetime and a fish that has been on my bucket list ever since I can remember. Towards the end of my week I managed to land a beautiful silver specimen of 24lb (101 cm).
Once again I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere and Sportquest's planning and organisation was, as always, first class.
Maybe it's time to try for a 30lber next... "
"A rescheduled salmon fishing trip to Austnes in Norway. The site and cabins are lovely and are located in a fine setting adjacent to the fosse at Viku. The owner/manager is very friendly and informative and goes to great lengths to ensure his guests are happy and satisfied. I was fortunate to see the river in both low and spate conditions and it has pools and runs for all water heights. I was fortunate to catch in low water when I arrived and in high water when I left. In addition to the salmon run there are also sea trout to be caught. The bird life is quite special with sea eagles and osprey often over the river and wagtails catching insects outside the cabins. The local co-op supermarket is a great place to get provisions for self catering and the burger/pizza take away is excellent for emergencies."
The Cabins at Austnes Salmon Lodge are cosy, comfortable and situated just a few metres from the river and the Østnesfossen Waterfall, which offers some of the best Salmon fishing on the stretch. In fact, the cabins are situated within walking distance of all zones on the river and even the local shop and fast-food restaurant.
The Salmon Cabins, as they’re named, are the most extensive accommodation that Austnes offers, and they feature a living room, open plan kitchen, two separate bedrooms and a bathroom with a toilet and shower. They also have heating and electricity.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included, and so are tea, coffee and soft drinks. Unfortunately, the Lodge doesn’t have a licence to sell alcoholic beverages, but guests are more than welcome to bring their own. These can be purchased from the duty-free at the airport or at the local supermarket, which is within walking distance of the accommodation.
A new Lodge is also in the process of being created onsite, which will be used as a communal meeting area, where if they wish, anglers can meet for some drinks in the evenings and exchange fishing stories.
As with all Salmon Lodges in Norway, Austnes operates a strict disinfection policy. Before starting fishing on the Verdalselva river and before stepping foot in it, fishing tackle, clothing and waders must be adequately disinfected to avoid transmitting the deadly parasite Gyrodactylus salaris. The parasite dies in saltwater but can survive on wet fishing equipment (jackets, flies, canoes, lures, plastic bags, waders, etc.) for many days. With the growing number of diseases in the aquaculture industry, disinfection is more crucial than ever.
You are responsible for the equipment and infection you bring with you, so you need to keep this in mind:
– Do not move fish between watercourses and rivers
– Do not wash or gut fish anywhere other than where you caught them
– Do not discharge water into watercourses
– Disinfect all fishing equipment before use
Along the Verdalselva river, there are several disinfection stations. Here you can disinfect your fishing equipment (remember lure and fly boxes and anything that has been in contact with water in other watercourses). The disinfection occurs with a preparation called Virkon-S in a 1% solution, which does not damage clothes or fishing equipment. The fishing license is not valid without a disinfection certificate, and violation of the regulations can lead to a penalty.
All bookings for 2025 at Austnes Lodge are covered by our comprehensive financial guarantee. You can learn more here: Salmon Fishing In Norway – Our Financial Guarantee
Austnes Salmon Lodge is situated on the beautifully sheltered Verdalselva River and is considered one of the best Atlantic Salmon rivers in Norway. At 21 kilometres long, just over 90 kilometres if you include the tributaries Helgåa and Strådøla, the Verdalselva offers over 50 kilometres of prime Atlantic Salmon holding habitat. The river is famous and the fishing so good, thanks to its vast catchment area, which spans over 1500 square kilometres. It responds very quickly to snowmelt and precipitation, and it’s these increases in water levels that can often be responsible for the fish feeding and providing travelling anglers with the chance of a large, healthy fresh Atlantic Salmon.
With five different zones, the Lodge provides visiting rods with a varied week of fishing, from large rock-strewn stretches to deep pools, rapids, and gently flowing area’s. That’s without even mentioning the Østnesfossen – a basin under a small waterfall that spans for over 250m and provides the Salmon with a perfect resting place before they tackle this major obstacle. With only six to eight anglers tackling this vast array of water over a typical week, it’s no surprise why the fishing is so good and the destination so popular.
The first two zones at Austens offer some of the best fishing and have great all-year-round form. Zone 1, isn’t exclusive and small numbers of local anglers can purchase day tickets to fish on the stretch, but it is possible to book this exclusively for the duration of your stay if you wish. Zone 2 is completely exclusive to guests of Austnes and offers double bank fishing.
No fishing spot on the Verdal River receives as much fame as the Austnes or Østnesfossen Waterfall does. When fishing is allowed from the start of June, there is often a considerable amount of Salmon on their way to jump this significant obstacle, and it wasn’t many seasons ago when 26 Salmon, between 7kg and 15kg, were landed here on the first day of the season.
As well as being favourable early in the season, zone 1 is also popular throughout the whole season; in the latter part when the water levels begin to increase, after periods of low and in times of moderate water. It’s a tremendous all-year-round beat.
After negotiating the Østnesfossen Waterfall, the Ivar Bend is the perfect natural resting place for the Salmon on the river. Its pebbled shore on the eastern side of the bend is ideally suited for beginners, while the farm side, with its dense vegetation close to the river, is ideal for more experienced anglers capable of spey casting.
This zone gets its name from Ivar, the grandfather at Austnes, who has landed innumerable Salmon in this zone and also the largest Salmon he’s ever hooked. A story that he still recites to this day.
To find out more about the Atlantic Salmon fishing at Austnes Lodge in Norway, visit our YouTube channel.
Zones 3, 4 and 5 are completely exclusive to the group of anglers staying at Austnes. All the zones, with just the exception of 3, as its far bank is controlled by a local hunting club, offer some fantastic double bank fishing and throws up some incredible Atlantic Salmon every season.
As a rule, this zone gets best fished at medium and high water flows. The upper part of the beat is calm, but further, along the stretch, the water gains speed, and the terrain becomes rocky; this is a particularly productive area and one where good numbers of Salmon can often get found resting. This section of river isn’t the easiest to wade, but luckily most fish lie on the nearside bank, or farm side, meaning you don’t need to cast very far.
The mention of Blåmel Pool leaves many an angler misty-eyed, and a good number of the largest Salmon in the whole river system have been caught from here, with fish topping 20kg. If you want to see some huge Salmon, then visit the pool at sunrise or sunset, and you’ll see plenty of them rising on the surface of the water. This stretch offers good fishing during all water levels as the Salmon find natural resting spots during both high and low water conditions.
Marka Pool is broad and quiet-flowing, with vegetation on both sides. There is a deep channel near the southern shore, and the Salmon love to reside here on this stretch. At dusk, they move downstream towards the lower end of the pool. Marka Stream has two runs during medium and high water levels, and an island gets formed in the middle of the river. The most significant run stream is lively and features many big rocks and boulders, often a prime fish-holding area. While the smaller run, towards the forest on the southern shore, is calmer and a location the fish tend to prefer when the water levels are high.
One of the primary reasons why the Atlantic Salmon fishing at Austnes’s is so popular amongst travelling rods is the vast array of exclusive water at the anglers disposal. Fly anglers who stay at the Lodge, limited between 6 to 8 rods per week, have exclusive access to 6000m of fishing, 2000m of which is double bank. The upper part of the beat, above the Østnesfossen Waterfall, allows double bank fishing in zones 2, 4 and 5, with the only exception being zone 3, as a local hunting club controls the far bank.
Below the waterfall in zone 1, the fishing is not exclusive, and the beat is open to a number of day tickets each week. However, on request and with a supplement, anglers can book this exclusively if they wish, with the only exception being the 50m downstream from the waterfall, which is not open to fishing exclusively or not.
The season at Austnes runs from June to August, with the best and most productive time being from the end of June to the end of July. However, as with all fishing, sport is often dictated heavily by the weather and river conditions.
Austnes Salmon Lodge is an ideal destination for those rods who like to explore and fish off their own back as only a light guiding is included in the package. However, for a supplement, a comprehensive guiding package can be booked.
Austnes Salmon Lodge wasn't the most luxurious fishing accommodation I've ever stayed in, but it was cosy and acted as a perfect base from which to fish the river, the hosts Sabreein and Ola were most welcoming and really, genuinely lovely people. I went to the Verdalselva with one aim and that was to catch a Salmon, which I did! On the second morning fishing the waterfall I landed a lovely fresh chrome fish of 16lb. Mission accomplished!
My week on the Verdalselva River was brilliant from start to finish and I'd certainly like to return next year. The river conditions weren't fantastic but I still managed to land a couple of nice Salmon, not the true giants that some parts of the river are famous for, but fish around the 10 to 12lb mark. The hosts Sabreein and Ola were very welcoming and it was a pleasure to spend time in their company.
Austnes is friendly destination, with comfortable accommodation and plenty of water to fish, offering very good value for money. The conditions during our week weren't fantastic, but we still managed three Salmon between us, with a top weight of around 18lb. I will certainly be back next year, as I felt like the chance of a very large fish was only ever one cast away. Ola the owner was very helpful and friendly.
Thanks Martin, glad you enjoyed your time at Austnes.
Regards Peter
Austnes Salmon Lodge was a new fishery for us. Putting aside the lack of water, which of course is totally out of the control of the lodge, the rest of the holiday was very enjoyable.
We had our own self contained lodge (with cooking facilities) but all our meals were prepared and cooked for us at the nearby dining lodge. Ola and Sabienne are wonderful hosts preparing both local and international treats. There was plenty of good quality wholesome food, always delivered on time, and we were NEVER hungry. All the other rods cooked for themselves either in their own lodges or using the BBQ provided.
A car is definitely required to reach all but the house beats. The lack of water on this trip severely limited our fishing, but we had plenty of advice on where to try from the upper beats all the way down to the lower tidal pools. Ola did say that the water level at the end of the week revealed stones he had never seen before! The pools are varied with something for everyone and a few of the fish we did see jump were very big indeed.
We thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere Austnes gives and intend to return in 2024. Hopefully it will have rained by then.
Sportquest's planning and organisation was, as always, first class throughout and we will continue to use them to plan future holidays.
Niall
Thank you and heather for your honest feedback, such a shame that this year the water was extremely low on the river. As you well lnow its always going to make life difficult in those conditions.
So happy to hear that you both still realy loved the place its a great destination and stunning river.
So glad you have both rebooked for next year and fingers crossed you will see it all in perfect conditions.
Regards Peter
I've been lucky enough to fish in Norway a handful of times but until this trip, I'd never fished the Verdalselva. I wasn't disappointed with my choice and despite only light guiding, I managed 3 Salmon, including 1 completely off my own back which I was incredibly proud of. On the river, there's plenty of water to fish and the cabins, only a stones' throw away, were perfect for what I needed. Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable week.
Everything that you could control was excellent, thank you. The Austnes beat includes some stunning salmon pools. Unfortunately fresh salmon weren’t in the river, despite perfect water conditions. There were a small number of resident salmon which weren’t interested in a fly. Only 1 salmon was caught on the beat all week. I managed 2 sea trout weighing 2lbs and 5lbs.
I am tempted to return earlier in the season to try for the large early fish.
David
Thanks for your feedback, it was such a shame but the extreme low water messed up all the Salmon runs. It will be a pleasure to have you back again next year and see if we can get you that larger fresh fish.
This was my second trip to Ausntes, after struggling last year with the river having a distinct lack of water, my efforts were rewarded this year with a true Salmon of a lifetime and a fish that has been on my bucket list ever since I can remember. Towards the end of my week I managed to land a beautiful silver specimen of 24lb (101 cm).
Once again I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere and Sportquest's planning and organisation was, as always, first class.
Maybe it's time to try for a 30lber next...
Absolutely fantastic Nial and well deserved - thank you for the pictures too. (I look forward to catching up in Argentina.)
Tight Lines, Peter.
A rescheduled salmon fishing trip to Austnes in Norway. The site and cabins are lovely and are located in a fine setting adjacent to the fosse at Viku. The owner/manager is very friendly and informative and goes to great lengths to ensure his guests are happy and satisfied. I was fortunate to see the river in both low and spate conditions and it has pools and runs for all water heights. I was fortunate to catch in low water when I arrived and in high water when I left. In addition to the salmon run there are also sea trout to be caught. The bird life is quite special with sea eagles and osprey often over the river and wagtails catching insects outside the cabins. The local co-op supermarket is a great place to get provisions for self catering and the burger/pizza take away is excellent for emergencies.
Thank you for your feedback Malcolm, glad you managed to catch a Salmon and so great to read you had a fantastic trip.
Regards Peter
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