Stage ­3 – Vangrøfta, the jewel of Dalsbygda

Vangrøfta is often described as the perfect size for light single-handed fly fishing. Add beautiful fish to the mix, and it’s no wonder this river is so popular. As a result, only 10 permits per day are now sold in the fly-only zone.

Permits during prime time sell out quickly, so if you want a chance to experience Vangrøfta at its best, be ready when next year’s permits are released – usually around February 20th.

Plenty of Space

If you’ve secured a permit, you’ll have access to a 15 km stretch of river – meaning there’s plenty of room for each angler. If you’re fishing from mid to late June, you can expect excellent mayfly hatches, rising trout, and few other anglers.

Before the mayflies appear, you can still enjoy great dry fly fishing during the early to mid-June midge hatches. Late summer and autumn can also offer good fishing, as long as the water level isn’t too low.

Healthy Trout Population

Vangrøfta has a strong trout population. Fish around one kilo are relatively common, and significantly larger specimens are present. The river is very sensitive to rainfall and rises quickly after heavy showers – but it also drops quickly. As with other small rivers, trout are often more wary during low water levels and easier to fool when the water is slightly higher. You’ll usually find rising fish, though there’s no guarantee of a catch – just a guarantee of fun!

It is worth giving a try down below the dam as well. Here you will also find grayling, but note that this lies under another license area.

Equipment

Light fly rods in wt 3-5. Ideally shorter than 9′. Waders are required, not necessarily for wading while fishing, but for crossing in order to get to the right casting position. In some areas you must wade, but try to keep it to a minimum. The fish here are very easily spooked. The river is easily waded.

Your fly box should consist of midges, mayflies, and caddis. Don’t use smaller tippet than absolutely necessary as there are large fish here. Fish must generally be released.

Fishing licenses and regulations can be found here

Has the summer heat settled over Femunden? In this case we’ll take a trip to Røvolltjønna and Abbortjønna on the east end of Femunden and south side of the Røa watershed.

Plan B

If the forecast calls for rain and normal summer temperatures we will instead pop by Engeråa, to check if Norways largest mayfly (Ephemera Danica) is hatching.

NEXT STOP – Stage 4:

Stage ­4 – the search for arctic char

Once we set off on this step of the journey it becomes totally dependent on weather. The most ideal would be a stable high pressure system with little wind, just after ice off. A few clouds and light rain to spark off the hatches would be nice, but we most definitely do not want northwest wind and cool weather.