Trip Report: Tingvoll Lodge, Norway

24th - 31st August 2025

Last week I had the pleasure of accompanying a group of Go Fishing clients to Tingvoll Lodge in Norway for the final week of the season. Some of the group were returning visitors, while others were experiencing Tingvoll for the first time. Those on the direct flight from Gatwick gathered at a café in the airport for breakfast and coffee, full of excitement for the week ahead. Upon arrival at Trondheim, we were met by John Olav Oldren and Valentin Stroh, who would be guiding the rods throughout the week. The river was running high—nearly 200 cubic metres—after recent heavy rain. Two of our group had arrived a day earlier, and it was fantastic to hear that one of them had already landed a 17lb hen salmon, ably guided by David Grove. Rods were assembled, and anticipation for the week ahead grew.

Tingvoll Lodge is beautifully set up, reflecting a great deal of thought and effort in making guests feel at home. The rooms are simple yet comfortable, with good-quality linen ensuring an excellent night’s sleep, while three ground-floor rooms, renovated a few years ago, have private bathrooms and are available at an additional cost. Meals are hearty and well-prepared, with breakfast typically at 08:30, lunch at 13:30, and the evening meal at 19:30, featuring locally sourced produce alongside more familiar dishes. A particular highlight was the haddock on the final evening. The lodge also provides excellent social spaces, including a hut overlooking the home pool, perfect for evenings by the fire, exchanging stories, comparing notes, and sharing tips – an excellent way to end a day’s fishing.

Fishing at Tingvoll follows the Norwegian style; you are shown the pools and key taking spots, but largely left to fish independently. Rods are split into teams, and John allocates stretches of the river for the morning and afternoon sessions the evening before. The home beat is within walking distance of the lodge, while additional stretches upstream and downstream are accessed by car. The river itself is large and powerful—some guests commented it felt close in size to the Spey—and wading is generally excellent. When the river is high, fish often hug the edges, while clearer, lower water provides opportunities to fish the deeper pools. Long casting can be a significant advantage in some beats, meaning more experienced salmon fishers often score well. Across the week, our group landed a total of 28 salmon (up to 100cm) and 16 sea trout, with the river dropping and clearing as the week progressed.

A week at Tingvoll brings together a wide range of people, and a large part of the enjoyment is in the camaraderie, sharing stories, exchanging tips, and learning from one another. John Olav and the guiding team are there to ensure everyone has a positive experience while respecting each rod’s space and fishing style. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, orderly, and well-maintained, reflecting local pride, and combined with the river’s natural charm, the setting is both tranquil and inspiring. Norway may not be a numbers fishery, but it offers the chance to connect with a true fish of a lifetime. Combined with the comfortable and well-appointed lodge, excellent meals, and welcoming atmosphere, Tingvoll is a destination that many experienced salmon fishers return to year after year.