Fly Fishing in the Heat – 5 Tips for Summer Success
Scorching sun and warm rivers? Don’t pack away your gear just yet. Hot weather doesn’t have to mean bad fishing – if you know what to do.
Norway is currently experiencing a real heatwave, and many visiting fly fishers are finding conditions tricky. Rivers are low and clear, fish are spooky, and daytime activity is slow. But don’t lose hope – here are five tips to help you make the most of summer fishing, especially if you’re after grayling or trout:
5 Tips for Fly Fishing in Hot Weather
1. Fish Early or Late
Fish are most active during the cooler hours. Aim for early mornings or evenings – or take advantage of the long northern twilight for great topwater action.
2. Head for the Hills
Mountain waters stay colder. Seek out high-altitude streams and lakes – grayling and trout love the cool, oxygen-rich conditions found up there.
3. Go Small and Subtle
In low water, fish get cautious. Scale down your leader and fly size. Small CDC dries, ants, and fine nymphs will often outfish flashy patterns.
4. Fish the Flow
Target fast-moving water, riffles, and inlets where oxygen levels are higher and fish feel more comfortable. These are natural feeding zones even in heat.
5. Think Terrestrials
When aquatic hatches slow down, fish turn to what’s falling in. Beetles, ants, and grasshoppers can trigger big surface takes – grayling especially love them.
A Word on Water Temperatures
With soaring summer heat across Norway, some rivers are approaching water temperatures around 19°C. At these levels, catch and release can stress fish significantly, especially larger trout and grayling.
Local river managers are currently assessing whether temporary closures or restrictions (such as no fishing during peak heat hours) are necessary to protect fish populations.
Before heading out, check in with local fishing associations or landowners for updates on any temporary regulations. And if you do fish: fight fish gently, handle them quickly and wet-handed, and revive them fully before release.
In the meantime, consider heading to the cooler highlands – where both fish and anglers will be much more comfortable.
Where to Go When It’s Hot – 4 Mountain Fishing Areas
Skjåk – Solitude and Variety
The Otta River is known for big grayling, especially downstream from Dønfoss. For true wilderness, explore Breheimen and Reinheimen where 200+ lakes offer exclusive trout fishing far above the tree line.
→ Fishing on Skjåk Public Lands
Lesja – Big Country, Cool Waters
With 1,600 km² of mountain terrain and over 230 lakes, Lesja is built for high-summer fly fishing. Fish for trout, char, or grayling between 800–1400 m elevation, with cabins and boats available.
→ Explore the Lesja Mountain Area
Snåsa – A Fly Fisher’s Paradise of 1500+ Lakes
Inside the Blåfjella–Skjækerfjella National Park, Snåsa offers some of Norway’s best wilderness fishing. Fly fishers can access trout-rich lakes like Heggsjøene and Snaufjellvatnet, or rent a cabin and explore for days.
Lifjell – Easy Access, Big Views
A mini-Jotunheimen in Telemark, Lifjell is ideal for combining fishing and hiking. Trout up to 1 kg, family-friendly trails, and dozens of alpine lakes make it a great option during heatwaves.
Stay cool, fish smart – and take care of the rivers we love. Need help choosing a destination? Explore more backcountry fishing options here or reach out to local guides.
