Brya – The River of Visible Big Trout
Brya is a small, meandering river that flows north–south through the village of Brydalen before emptying into Finstadsjøen. The river winds peacefully through an open valley landscape, with farmland and forested hillsides on both sides. Its light-colored riverbed and gentle current give Brya a distinctive character – both scenically and in terms of fishing.
As the inlet river to Finstadsjøen, Brya serves as a migration route for the large trout that live in the lake but move up into the river when conditions are right. This migration can be triggered by changes in water flow, temperature, and food availability – often a combination of several factors. As a result, fishing in Brya can be unpredictable: the river may seem empty one day, while the next it can hold magnificent trout.
The stretch from Finstadsjøen up to Vestlibrua is managed with special consideration for the migrating big trout. Fishing permits are limited and catch regulations are in place to protect the stock. Only five fishing permits are sold per day in the Brya zone. This ensures an exclusive and careful fishery, benefiting both the trout and the angler.
In the pools along this stretch, trout weighing 1–3 kg are regularly found. The light sandy bottom often makes it possible to see the fish before casting – a quality that has earned Brya a reputation as an exceptional river for targeting visible big trout. During good hatches in particular, the river is well suited for dry fly fishing, allowing precise presentation to rising fish in the clear, slow-flowing water.
Brya is not a river that always gives immediate results. It requires presence and observation. You have to be there when conditions align. When water levels rise, temperatures are right, or the spawning migration begins, the river can transform. In the calm meanders, big trout may suddenly reveal themselves, clearly visible above the pale riverbed.
