Jones guide til Norge og laksefiskerens lommeveileder (1848)

Excerpt from the book about fishing in the Drammenselva River

Drammen in 1848

Drammen is described as a thriving and prosperous small town, with great trade, lively activity and hope for the future. For salmon fishermen, the city and the river are a natural starting point.

From Christiania you can easily travel to Drammen by horse and cart. The town's location makes it a gateway to the Drammenselva River and Lågen, and it has good hotels that help English anglers with advice, maps and arrangements.

Fishing in the Drammen River 1848

The river is described as a welcoming place for first-time visitors. It has an abundance of salmon, and during the first visits very good fishing was experienced. Catches are often shared with the locals, which is described as a way of winning people's goodwill.

The main fishing takes place in the pool below Hellefossen at Haugsund. Here the salmon stop on their way up, as the waterfall constitutes an insurmountable barrier. There is about fifteen kilometers of river above the waterfall, but the salmon cannot continue there. Therefore, the fish gather below.

Anglers are advised to start early in the morning, preferably before breakfast at Hokksund station. The average weight of salmon in the Drammenselva River is about 15 pounds (around 7 kilograms), although some larger specimens of up to 30 pounds have been caught.

Recommendations and experiences

Jones mentions the Drammenselva as a good place for trial trips for new salmon anglers. The river is close to Christiania, which makes it easily accessible. Although the river is not the largest or most famous in Norway, it offers exciting fishing experiences and a hospitable local population.