My Story: Why I Founded Vefsna Flyfishing in 2023
A Passion to Be Shared
When I founded Vefsna Flyfishing in 2023, it wasn’t just about starting a business. It was about sharing something deeply personal – the passion for fly fishing and love for our incredible surroundings and waters here by the Arctic Circle.
Roots by the River
I grew up in Drevja, and int that time it was quite undramatic for my grandfather to catch a salmon for dinner during the working days at the farm. As a child, I spent countless hours by the river, even though fly fishing hadn’t yet found its way into my life. It wasn’t until the early nineties that I picked up the fly rod. But once hooked, there was no turning back.
Fly Fishing as a Lifesaver
For me, fly fishing is far more than a hobby or profession – it’s what has brought me back to myself time and again. Through serious illness and other hard times, the river has been my source of energy, my mentor, and my path back to strength. It’s on the riverbank that I’ve found the peace and strength to overcome what life has thrown at me. For me, there is nothing that can compare to go fishing.
A Love for Vefsna and our rivers
My love for Vefsna and our surrounding areas is immense. These waters aren’t just fantastic fishing spots – they’re my home, my childhood memories, and the source of my life’s joy. That I now get the opportunity to share this beauty and this experience with others is a dream come true.
Revival of Rivers – and Culture
Our rivers have also undergone a life-threatening crisis. The parasite Gyrodactylus salaris nearly destroyed everything. In the Vefsna region, the world’s largest rotenone treatment was conducted – lakes and rivers were treated to save our salmon populations. In 2018, we reopened after meticulous restoration work, and the fish finally returned.
I feel deep gratitude that we can now reclaim and restore the fishing culture as well. Generations of sport fishers haven’t been active here, and we’ve lost much of our cultural heritage in this area. My motivation is to “pass it on” – to the many who don’t have grandparents who experienced this fishing and could pass it down.
A Vision to Share Joy
That’s why I founded Vefsna Flyfishing. I wanted to share this joy, this therapeutic power, and this connection to nature with others. Fly fishing has given me so much, and I want more people to experience the same transformative power that I have.
More Than a Company
Vefsna Flyfishing isn’t just a guide service or course provider. It’s my way of giving back, sharing the healing and joy-giving experience that fly fishing has been for me. Here, by the rivers I love, I help others find their own path to inner peace and life’s joy – rod in hand, water at their feet, and nature as the setting.
Nurturing the Next Generations
I’m passionate about volunteer work and place great emphasis on engaging children, youth, and women. It’s important to me that everyone feels at home by the river and gets the opportunity to learn fly fishing – not just for the sport’s sake, but to pass on the care and love for our waterways and nature that is so crucial for the future.
Through my work, I wish to ensure that the care for our rivers and nature continues – even after my time. When children and young people learn fly fishing, they’re not just learning a sport; they’re learning to understand, respect, and protect nature’s vulnerable ecosystems. This is my hope for the future generations.