A typical stay at Osen is described below.

RESERVATIONS

The House and the River with up to 6 guests/rods is available on a self catering basis and normally booked on a weekly basis. Reservations normally run from 6pm Monday to 6pm Sunday but shorter periods are also possible. The River is available for letting for 7 weeks from the second full week of June (Weeks 24 to 30)

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

Guests may arrive a short time before their fishing commences in order to settle into the house. On day of departure guests are asked to vacate bedrooms by 1000 hours, but may use the house and its facilities until one hour after fishing finishes.

THE RIVER

Approximately 4 kms of mostly double bank fishing. Whilst the River is entitled to more rods, a limit of no more than 6 rods is maintained. A rod may be shared by another person subject to accommodation being available.

HOST

During your stay an owner’s representative will be available to assist on arrival and departure and will be contactable to assist with any issues that may occur during your time at Osen.

HIRE OF ADDITIONAL GUIDES

Depending on the size of the group, we would normally recommend the hire of an additional guide to assist with guiding and rowing. If guests require the full or part time services of a guide or tuition, arrangements can be made subject to availability and an additional fee. Note that we do not employ additional guides so any such arrangements are between the guest and the guide.

BOATS

Rowing boats are located at each of the major pools. Fishermen who are experienced oarsmen may use boats.

FISHING EQUIPMENT AND TACKLE

Chest waders are recommended for experienced fishermen who wish to fish the upper river. Fly or spoon can be used on the River. We recommend a 15 ft double handed fly rod, a sturdy reel with a robust drag system that holds 150 yards of backing. Due to the size of fish and fast flowing water in most pools, leaders should be 30 lb breaking strain. Sinking tip or intermediate density line will cover most situations. Fishing rods and lines are available for guests who do not have their own gear. Guests should provide their own flies, however we keep a small stock for emergencies. There is a fishing tackle shop locally and a more extensive range of equipment can be found in Forde (35 minute drive). A selection of life jackets is available at Osen.

HOOKS AND BARBS

Single hooks are preferred but double hooks may be used. All barbs are to be filed down so that fish being returned to the river are unharmed. Trebles may not be used.

FISHING QUOTA

The majority of fish are caught and released, however a quota may be kept for the dinner table or taken home at the end of your stay. The quota varies from year to year. Normally it is one wild salmon per person per day. Within this limit there is no restriction on the number of fish that may be caught under 65 cms in length and a specified number of fish per week may be taken between 2.5 to 7 kg. When the day’s quota has been reached, the rod must leave the River, or fish for trout only.

GYRODACTYLUS SALARIS

Parts of Norway have suffered from Gyrodactylus Salaris, a disease which has killed the salmon stock of affected rivers. In order to ensure that Osen is not threatened, it is compulsory for all equipment to be disinfected before fishing commences.

TRANSPORT TO FISHING

The House sits 200 metres from the River and all beats are within 40 minutes walking distance, although it is recommended that guests bring a car to get to the upper beats of the river.

NORWEGIAN FISHING CARD

All guests must have a National Fishing Permit (Fiskeravgiften). It is recommended that you obtain one before arrival on line at this Link and then click on “Betal Fiskeravgift”. The individual ticket costs in the region of NOK 300 per person.

ACCOMMODATION

The house can sleep a total of 11 guests comprising 4 twin rooms and three single rooms, 2 of which are walk through bedrooms. The first 6 guests are covered in the letting arrangement. Any additional guests should be agreed when booking and may incur a supplementary charge. There is a television in the drawing room. Wi-fi internet is available.

MEALS

The house is offered on a self catering basis.

DRINKS/ALCOHOL

Osen is not a licensed premises. You are advised to bring your own alcohol for private consumption. It is possible to purchase wine and spirits in Forde, the nearest town which is 35 minutes drive by car.

FACILITIES

Bed linen and towels are supplied. A washing machine and wet clothes and boots drying facilities are available.

TAKING FISH HOME

Fish that guests wish to keep can be wrapped in plastic tubing and placed in the house freezer. For those travelling by car or internal air flights fish can be wrapped for transportation at the end of your stay.

DOGS

Osen is located on a working farm which does not belong to us. The farm is private property and the farm has cows so dogs need to be on a lead and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the bedrooms. The house is a national listed building with cloth wall paper, antique furniture and paintings of fish on the floor that could be damaged by a dog and would be expensive to to repair. Any damage caused would need to be made good by its owner. It is therefore recommended that a dog should sleep in the hall of the house preferably in a cage or in a car. Dogs are therefore not recommended, but if your other guests do not mind and you are able to comply with our rules, then your dog is welcome.

LETTING AGREEMENT

Upon payment guests enter into a tenancy agreement which can be found under “Information for you Stay” on our website.

FLIES

It is a large river with big fish, so ensure that your fly collection includes some large, heavier flies as well as smaller ones. Traditional flies or tubes work well. Ones that have proved popular include:

Thunder and Lightening.
Black Doctor.
Durham Ranger.
Stoats Tail.
Blue Charm.
Jock Scott.
Silver Grey.
Black and Yellow Waddington.

Information for your Stay