Mayfly, stonefly nymph, or a streamer. Or should it be a midge? If you don’t offer something that resembles the natural prey, strikes will be far between, no matter how diligent you are. The picky Arctic char in the Kvikkjokk mountains won’t bite.
Without knowing which insects are hatching during the summer season and whether they’re currently in the nymph stage, pupa, or dry fly, it’s difficult to get the fish to bite. Nothing works. When black flies are hatching, fish won’t bite on anything else, being fully occupied picking larvae among the stones in shallow water.
–The Arctic char is capricious and elusive, and definitely the most beautiful. That’s what makes it even more attractive to an angler, says fishing guide Daniel Nordvall, NordvallFishing.
The Illogical Can Work
Daniel often returns with his guests to the fishing waters in the Kvikkjokk mountains, right next to the Laponia World Heritage site. After a short helicopter ride, and after setting up the lávvu (tent hut) strategically by the shore, three, four, or five eventful days await. Rushing glacier rivers and clear mountain lakes are a fly fisher’s wet dream. This is home to Arctic char and trout. From midsummer through all of July is the best time, at least for char, though there’s little point during the bright summer nights. The best chance to catch the red-gleaming beauty is early in the morning before it gets too warm or during late afternoon.
–It’s crucial to choose the right fly and be attentive to where the fish are holding. If the char is nowhere to be seen, sometimes you must try the illogical. Test colorful flies that don’t imitate insects, and going deep with weighted flies is never wrong. Maybe choose a fish imitation, like the classic red and yellow Micky Finn streamer, Daniel suggests.
When water levels are high, fishing tends to be slower; when low, the water gets warmer which isn’t good either. Then you need to fish more towards nighttime.
Flowing Water Requires Knowledge
Nighttime increases the chance of catching a proper trout. Fly fishing for trout in flowing water is true pleasure. The trout is the toughest and most fun to catch with a fly, it really fights to outsmart its captor. Switching to a streamer increases the chances, perhaps a Woolly Bugger, a hybrid between large nymph and streamer.
Trout likes movement in the water. Stream fishing requires knowledge. You must read the water and try to guess where the fish are holding between the rocks. In flowing water, the fish is often incredibly strong. Landing it isn’t easy either – it’s a sport in itself, says Daniel.
The water is truly clear. Whether in shallow streams with fast water or in deep pools with calm current, you can often see where the large trout are holding. All the more frustrating when they consistently reject every treat floating past on the line. But also exciting. Wading equipment is almost indispensable for those who want to commit fully. It’s more rule than exception that at least one person per trip slips or steps too deep, which usually causes some amusement. For those who managed to stay dry. These things happen. After an hour by the fire, the person is dry and warm again.
Safety is important. As a guide, you must try to direct guests so nothing serious happens, says Daniel.
Even the Mosquitoes Contribute to the Nature Experience
Mighty mountain peaks rise all around. It’s truly magnificent. At the shoreline, pale yellow cloudberry fruits bob in the evening breeze. Alpine milk-vetch, bunchberry, and various sedges sway between low mountain birches. The abundant vegetation does its part to support the char and trout populations in the nutrient-poor mountain waters. Plants feed insects. Insects feed fish. The cloud of mosquitoes and gnats buzzing around your ears is also a prerequisite for the fish population that no one wants to be without. Everything is connected.
From being an English snob sport, fly fishing is now a popular sport. For some, fly fishing is a complete science while others prioritize relaxation. What’s common is the nature experience. Getting lots of fish isn’t the most important thing, even though the chances are good with flies. The days when people expected to fill a bucket are gone. Thankfully.
Responsible and Sustainable
NordvallFishing cares about sustainable fishing and therefore the custom is to only keep one food fish per day, the rest are carefully released back. Taking fish home isn’t an option. That’s hardly why people came.
It’s important to handle the fish correctly to avoid hurting it. Larger fish you often want to photograph before releasing, which is fine if you hold it under the belly with an open hand and have the other hand further back with a gentle grip on the tail stem. You should absolutely not squeeze the fish or hold it by the gills, explains Daniel.
The big ones are especially important as breeding fish. It’s important that they can swim on.
Daniel has noticed that especially the younger generation thinks a lot about sustainability and sustainable fishing. He finds that they are also more careful and avoid breaking branches and making unnecessary fires.
Good Times by the Fire
After the first days of intensive fishing with constant fish talk whenever possible, a peaceful calm tends to settle in the soul. Conversations by the coffee fire drift to life in general and can sometimes become both thought-provoking and deep.
Daniel, who has fished with his uncles since he learned to walk, truly appreciates sharing both the experience and camaraderie with others. He’s also proud to showcase the dramatically beautiful yet welcoming nature.
People comment that it’s so untouched and appreciate that there aren’t too many people around.
A Full Stomach is Essential
Sometimes the weather can get both tough and harsh, even though it’s summer.
I usually urge everyone to bring both rain gear and warm clothes, otherwise it won’t be pleasant, says Daniel.
Every experienced fishing guide also knows that keeping guests well-fed is essential. The mood always improves after a proper meal and some good boiled coffee. Often there are locally produced delicacies like Daniel’s homemade suovas, perhaps with pasta and a creamy sauce topped with Skabram cheese. Or the day’s catch is wrapped in foil with butter, dill, lemon, and a little salt, slowly cooking to perfection on the embers. Even a rainy grey day gets a motivational boost when the experience is seasoned with some storytelling, something Daniel excels at.
It can range from my own fishing experiences to talking about the surrounding nature, about Laponia, Sami culture, and the wild animals in the mountain world, says Daniel.
The Savior in Need
Even though fishing in flowing water and rapids is appreciated, the excitement doesn’t diminish in calmer waters like larger pools and lakes. But sometimes nothing goes as planned. Not even a nibble. Yet hope is rekindled when you rummage through the fly box for the fifty-first time looking for a Klinkhammer or a Streaking Caddis that was tied under the kitchen lamp on a dark December evening. Maybe this one? But no.
Time to change focus. Fortunately, there’s a savior in need. The willing grayling! An insect eater of rank who isn’t nearly as picky as its nobler companions.
Most fun is surface grayling fishing with a dry fly. It’s fantastic fun, says Daniel Nordvall.
Say what you will, regardless of technique, routine, and knowledge level, sport fishing is a fantastic hobby. And fully learned – you never will be!
Text: Iréne Lundström Photo: Nordvall fishing