Haukelifjell. We had long decided to visit this place that connects eastern and western Norway. A mountain pass located over 1,000 meters above sea level, with the highest point of the mountain being Sandfloegga, standing at 1,721 meters. Haukelifjell is a ski destination and an old mountain pass. The mountain pass was opened in 1886 and passes through the Haukelitunnel. The European road E134 over Haukelifjell is the most important transport route between Haugesund and Oslo. The Haukelifjell ski center is located on the eastern side of the mountain. The climate during winter is quite cold, with temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees. Summer is relatively cool, with July considered one of the warmest months, with temperatures reaching between plus 11 and plus 15 degrees Celsius.
We had planned this exciting tour in advance, which we started in the late afternoon of August 29th. We set off with the car and caravan from Kristiansand, following Road Number 9 towards Hovden. After passing the ski center there, we continued towards Haukelifjell. Five kilometers from the junction of roads E9 and E143 heading west is the Flothyl Camping, where we had reserved a spot to park the caravan. Here, fishing is free.
The plan was to fish along E143 on the Keala River, which forms large lakes to the east, after settling in and sleeping on the first day. On the second day, we planned to go up west to the pass, where the same river flows into several beautiful lakes.
Luckily for us, the weather was pleasant and sunny, which gave us extra hope for a good fishing trip.
Day One:
Haukelifjell – We love trout
We headed down the river, and only about 10 kilometers away is another campsite, Velemoen Camping. It is located on the shore of a small lake where we were told that for a ticket of 90 kroner, we could catch some nice trout. We set up on the opposite shore of the lake, across from the road and the campsite. After two hours of fishing, we had caught three or four fairly large trout, weighing between 900 grams and 1 kilogram. We decided to move on to other challenges.
There are definitely some nice fish here
Just 11 kilometers further, we reached another, much larger lake called Tveitevatnet. We found a convenient spot and tried our luck again. After two hours, we had caught two more trout—not as big as the first ones, but still exciting and large enough for the pan. I’d like to mention that this is natural mountain trout, and the flesh has a perfect red color.
We continued down the road to a place where the river narrows at a location called Straumen, and immediately another lake, Grungevatn, begins. There we tried casting our lines there in several spots, but a strong westerly wind picked up, and it became quite cold. After all we returned to the campsite quite late, but satisfied and ready for the second day.
Day Two:
Тhe fish had gone into hiding this morning
We got up very early, at 6 a.m., prepared our gear, and after a cup of hot coffee, we set off by car up west along E143. The first lake appeared just 15 minutes later on the left. There we found a convenient place to descend to the water. The weather was calm, with the sun just starting to peek out, but it was still quite cold. After several attempts and moving along the edge of the lake, we caught nothing… So we continued and climbed to about 700 meters above sea level, where the lake Vågslivatnet is located. Here, there is a hotel with a large parking lot where we left the car and descended to the water. We walked along a beautifully made path along one side of the water, casting our lines at every convenient spot. After about two hours, still nothing.
There is still hope
Then we decided to continue to the next lake, Arbuvatn. Here we found another place to park, but had to walk a bit further to the water. We reached a spot marked with a sign, “fishing place,” where the water flows out of the lake, and immediately started trying to catch something. This was one of the promising lakes where we were told there was good fish. Moving along the edge of the lake on a narrow path, we tried every promising spot, but after about two hours of attempts, still nothing… Slightly disappointed, we headed back and decided to go downstream along the river, where the lake drains, and try fishing in the more accessible spots until we reached the previous lake, where the water widens. But even there, we couldn’t catch anything.
Quite disappointed, we climbed back to the car to continue. The only positive thing keeping us going at that moment was the beautiful nature. Here, we encountered grilling spots, swimming areas, and wonderful walking paths around the lake. There is also a club for parachute jumping, probably from a mountain helicopter, where thrill-seekers can try it, and they surely won’t regret it.
Not losing hope, we continued our journey, climbing above 1,000 meters in altitude, where no trees could be seen anymore. However, the mountain landscapes were impressive. We passed by, without missing, the next waters—Eivindbuvatn and Lønningvatn—but still, nothing… We reached Kjelavatn and, right after it, Storvatn, where we made a long trek along the lakes, casting and trying everywhere. The water was beautiful, crystal clear. We met other anglers, but they were disappointed as well… We even spoke to some locals who were equally surprised that we hadn’t caught anything. Tired by the end of the day, we decided to return to the campsite.
Everything has an explanation – unusually warm for the season!
Yes, we were quite irritated and disappointed as we headed back to the car. But what stretched out before our eyes was something that could recharge you completely. This beauty and the air you breathe here truly nourish the soul. We left with sadness and mixed feelings from the fact that we hadn’t managed to catch even one fish, but we had seen this magnificent place. On the way back, we discussed and analyzed the weather, which was unusually warm for the season, and, of course, this wasn’t the first time we had returned from such a tour without fish and with empty bags.
Haukelifjel – Two wonderful days
We slept well and the next day we packed up and headed back home. Two wonderful days—one with a catch, the second without—but filled with wonderful feelings from what we had seen. There is definitely fish up there, but sometimes luck just isn’t on your side. We highly recommend visiting Haukelifjell—you won’t regret it for a moment. Each season here holds its own beauty—winter for skiers, and summer for nature lovers. There are many cabins and mountain hotels where you can stay and experience the magic of the mountains!!!
Thank you for visiting Norway fishing & nature!
We hope to see you again soon!
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