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For many salmon anglers, Norway is the pinnacle of the sport. The Gaula and Orkla rivers are legendary, producing some of Europe’s largest Atlantic salmon — with fish regularly caught in the 20–30lb range and occasional monsters pushing past 40lb.

The season typically runs from June to August, with peak fishing in late June and July as runs build. These rivers are fast-flowing, with boulder-strewn pools and a mix of deep glides, powerful rapids, and smooth tails. Conditions can change quickly, so having the right flies — tied in the right sizes and styles — is essential.

Below are 10 proven salmon flies for Norway, plus the key materials you’ll need to tie them yourself.

1. Sunray Shadow

The iconic Scandinavian fly. Its slim profile and long, mobile wing make it devastating when stripped across a pool.

• When to use: Clear water, low to medium flows, and during bright conditions.
• Materials: Tubes & Accessories, Tinsels (silver), Furs & Hairs (black goat or fox), Flash

2. Green Highlander

A Victorian classic that’s just as effective in modern Norway. Its green, yellow, and gold tones shine in peat-stained water.

• When to use: Overcast days or slightly coloured water.
• Materials: Floss (green), Tinsels (oval gold), Golden Pheasant Crest, Feathers (jungle cock substitutes)

3. Gaula Gold

Developed locally, this bright, flashy pattern is a true Norwegian favourite.

• When to use: Sunny days and stronger flows.
• Materials: Tinsels (gold body braid), Chicken Feathers (Hackles) (orange), Furs & Hairs (black squirrel)

4. Cascade Shrimp

A Scottish invention that has conquered Scandinavia. Its fiery colours tempt fresh-run fish.

• When to use: Rising water and newly arrived salmon.
• Materials: Floss (yellow and orange), Chicken Feathers (Hackles) (black), Furs & Hairs (Temple Dog), Flash

5. Temple Dog Variants

Norwegian rivers are synonymous with Temple Dog flies. Their long, mobile wings pulse beautifully in heavy water.

• When to use: High water and faster currents.
• Materials: Furs & Hairs (Temple Dog in black, orange, yellow), Tubes & Accessories (coneheads), Tinsels (silver/gold)

6. Thunder & Lightning

One of the oldest and best-loved salmon flies, with a strong silhouette for darker conditions.

• When to use: Evening sessions or tannin-stained pools.
• Materials: Floss (orange), Chicken Feathers (Hackles) (black), Tinsels (gold ribbing)

7. Phatagorva

A home-grown Norwegian classic. Its blue and silver body makes it ideal for sparkling summer water.

• When to use: Bright days and clear pools.
• Materials: Floss (blue), Tinsels (silver), Furs & Hairs (black hair wing)

8. Frances (Red & Black)

Originally from Iceland, but devastating in Norway. Its feelers create a unique profile that salmon can’t resist.

• When to use: Stubborn fish holding deep.
• Materials: Floss or Tying Threads (red/black wool or yarn), Wires or mono for feelers, Tubes & Accessories (brass/copper tubes)

9. Willie Gunn

Another Scottish classic that shines abroad. Its fiery black, orange, and yellow tones are a reliable trigger.

• When to use: Early mornings and coloured water.
• Materials: Furs & Hairs (orange bucktail), Furs & Hairs (black bucktail), Furs & Hairs (yellow bucktail)

10. Collie Dog

Slim, dark, and mobile. Perfect for stripping across a pool when salmon are aggressive.

• When to use: Low water and late-season fish.
• Materials: Furs & Hairs (black wing hair), Tubes & Accessories, Tinsels (silver body)

Fishing Norway: What to Expect

• Seasonality: Peak runs in late June and July, though June often brings the biggest fish.
• River character: Wide, powerful, and rocky rivers — ideal for swinging large tube flies.
• Salmon runs: The Gaula and Orkla together produce thousands of salmon annually, with Norway among the top destinations for multi-sea-winter salmon.