Salmon fishing in the stunning Syltefjordelva

Syltefjordelva flows 15 km east of Båtsfjord Brygger - about 30 minutes drive. The rivers stretch is approximately 35 km, and has its origin from in the water Ordo (250 m above sea level) situated in the middle of Varangervidda. The river from Ordo is therefore called Ordojohka (Sami name) till it meets the river Skogåselva. From there and out to sea, the name of the watercourse is Vesterelva, but the river is referred to as Syltefjordelva.

The salmon fishing in the river has increased considerably in recent years, and the previous seasons have been exemplary with an annual catch statistics of 5-6 tons - which is very good for such a small river. The majority of the salmon caught are small and medium sized salmon but also with some large salmon. The salmon comes to the river in mid-June, but it is in July there are most salmon in the river. Syltefjordelva offers what may be characterized as wilderness fishing, yet the river is easily accessible by car and countless paths, which is an advantage since the most attractive salmon pools is to be found in the upper two thirds of the river where the bottom conditions are rough stone, sand and gravel that gives many exciting pitches.

Licenses can be purchased directly from the hosts at Båtsfjord Brygger, here you also will be able to disinfect your fishing equipment, which must be done before fishing starts. Please contact Din Tur by e-mail: office@dintur.no or by phone: +47 740 73 000 for prices of fishing licenses and information about fishing regulations. There is no limit on the number of licenses per day, and the license is valid for the entire river with some exceptions in the lower reaches of the river. Here are some few stretches that are not open for public fishing, but these are clearly marked / signposted, and we ask all fishermen to respect this and not fish in marked areas.

Map of the river, click here

Seafishing at Båtsfjord Brygge

It is not far out to the fishing spots from Båtsfjord Brygge. In the fjord Båtsfjorden are many shallows and edges down toward deeper water. The Skarberg shallows outermost in Båtsfjord towards east is one of the most famous. Cod and pollock are some of the species here. It is the same eastward towards Makkaur with shallows and steep edges down towards the depths, like Storgrunnsbakken and Korsnesbakken. Further out on really deep water are fishing spots with redfish within reach. A good fishing spot for halibut is Makkaur-Sandfjorden. With sandy shallows and depths between 10 and 25 meters this is the halibut favorite place. West of Båtsfjord is Kongsfjorden, also with many good fishing spots.
Bad weather may come quickly so stay tuned to weather forecast and observe the weather when you are out. Go to land as soon as possible if it blows up. The waves can get big very quickly.

Article from the magazine Cesky Rybar.