---
title: "Cycling and fishing in Valdres"
description: "Combine cycling with fishing in Valdres. Routes along fishing lakes, practical info about fishing permits and the best seasons."
type: guide
category: opplevelser
tags: [fishing, cycling, valdres, outdoor, water, trout, combination]
date: "2026-03-17"
relatedRoutes: [slidrefjorden-rundtur, strandefjorden-rundt, bygdin-kanten-gravel, vangsmjose-rundtur, leira-aurdal-elvevei, etnedal-bruflat-langsua, nord-aurdal-ulnes-fiskebekker-gravel]
relatedPlaces: [fagernes, slidre-dalen, filefjell-vang, etnedal, beitostolen]
---

# Cycling and fishing in Valdres

Valdres has over 2,000 fishing lakes and some of Norway's best trout waterways. Combine cycling and fishing and you gain access to places a car can never reach — quiet tarns along gravel roads, river stretches without another soul, and mountain lakes where the trout bite willingly in the evening after a long day in the saddle.

<AnswerBox question="Can you combine cycling and fishing in Valdres?" answer="Yes, and it's one of the best combinations in the region. Valdres has over 2,000 fishing lakes and rivers with trout, Arctic char, and grayling. You need a fishing permit (buy at inatur.no or locally), and many cycling routes pass right alongside fishing lakes. Season: June–September. Bring a folding rod and a small selection of lures." />

---

## Why Valdres is perfect for cycling + fishing

The valleys and mountain plateaus of Valdres are full of lakes and waterways that lie alongside cycling routes. You don't need to make big detours — just stop your bike, set up your rod, and try your luck. Most gravel roads through Valdres follow rivers or pass lakes, and traffic is minimal.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Fishing lakes", value: "2,000+", sub: "Trout, Arctic char, grayling, whitefish, and perch" },
  { label: "Season", value: "Jun–Sep", sub: "Best fishing in July and August" },
  { label: "Fishing permit", value: "From 100 kr/day", sub: "Buy at inatur.no or local outlets" },
  { label: "Most popular", value: "Trout", sub: "Found in almost all lakes and rivers" }
]} columns={2} />

---

## The best cycling routes for fishing

### Slidrefjorden and Slidredalen

[Slidrefjorden rundtur](/ruter/slidrefjorden-rundtur) is one of the most fishing-friendly cycling routes in Valdres. The fjord has a good population of trout and whitefish, and you can fish from several spots along the route. Stop at inlets on the eastern side where the water is shallower — that's where fish tend to gather in summer.

**Fishing opportunities:** Trout, whitefish, perch. Fly fishing from shore works well along shallow areas.

### Begna and Etna — river fishing along the cycle path

Begna flows through much of Valdres from Filefjell to Hønefoss. Along [Valdresbanen sykkelvei](/ruter/valdresbanen-sykkelvei) you follow the river closely, and there are many suitable fishing spots in calm pools and rapid sections. Etna in Etnedal is a quieter waterway with a fine trout population.

**Tip:** River fishing requires a separate permit for each waterway. Check inatur.no for the correct zone.

### Bygdin and high mountain lakes

[Bygdin](/ruter/bygdin-kanten-gravel) at 1,060 m above sea level is one of the most well-known fishing lakes in Valdres. Large trout are found here — fish over a kilogram are not uncommon. The route there is demanding, but the reward is spectacular scenery and good fishing in mountain lakes with cold, clear water.

**Fishing opportunities:** Large trout, Arctic char. Fishing from shore or with a hired boat.

### Stølsvidda — fishing by the mountain farms

The gravel roads across [Stølsvidda](/ruter/stolsvidda-setertur) pass several mountain lakes and tarns. It's quiet, few people, and trout populations are often good because fishing pressure is low. Perfect for those who want to combine a relaxed cycle with a few hours of fishing by a still tarn.

---

## Practical guide to fishing permits

In Norway you need a fishing permit for all freshwater fishing. In Valdres, fishing rights are organised through local landowner associations.

**How to buy a fishing permit:**
- **inatur.no** — most fishing permit zones in Valdres are here. Buy digitally, valid immediately.
- **Local outlets** — campsites, shops, and tourist offices often sell permits.
- **Day permits** work fine for cyclists who just want to try for a few hours.

**What you need to know:**
- A fishing permit is valid for one specific zone. Check that you're fishing in the right area.
- Children under 16 fish for free with rod and line (not otter or nets).
- Catch and release is common on some stretches — respect local rules.
- The national fishing fee has been abolished from 2025, but a local fishing permit is still required.

---

## Gear — what do you bring on the bike?

You don't need much. A folding rod (telescopic) takes minimal space and weighs under 300 grams. Pack light:

- **Telescopic rod** — 1.5–2.1 m, fits in a bike bag or along the frame
- **Small reel setup** — pre-spooled with 0.25 mm line
- **5–8 lures/spinners** — Mepps Aglia or Sølvkroken in 3–7 grams covers most situations
- **A few flies** — dry flies in size 12–16 for evening fishing
- **Knife and pliers** — for removing hooks and handling catch
- **Fishing permit** — download on your phone via inatur.no

**Packing tip:** All fishing gear fits in a small ziplock bag in the handlebar bag. Total weight: approx. 500 grams.

---

## Best season for cycling and fishing

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "June", value: "⭐⭐⭐", sub: "Season opens. Snowmelt creates high water levels, but the fish are hungry after winter." },
  { label: "July", value: "⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐", sub: "Best month. Warm water, good activity, long evenings. Insect hatches make for great fly fishing." },
  { label: "August", value: "⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐", sub: "Still excellent. Lower water levels make rivers easier to fish. Trout take lures well." },
  { label: "September", value: "⭐⭐⭐", sub: "Season winds down. Cooler weather, but large fish feed actively before winter. Arctic char fishing best now." }
]} columns={2} />

---

## Suggestion: 2 days cycling and fishing

**Day 1 — Fagernes to Slidredalen (35 km)**
Cycle south along Slidrefjorden on [road or gravel](/ruter/slidrefjorden-rundtur). Stop to fish at Slidrefjorden — try the eastern side where the water is shallower. Camp by the waterside (at least 150 m from buildings) or at a campsite.

**Day 2 — Slidredalen and return (25–35 km)**
Explore the gravel roads further into the valley. Stop at rivers and streams along the way. Fish morning and evening — that's when activity is highest. Cycle back to Fagernes via an alternative route.

**Alternative for mountain lakes:** Cycle from Beitostølen towards Bygdin or across [Stølsvidda](/ruter/stolsvidda-setertur). Demanding, but rewarded with fishing in underpressured mountain lakes.

---

## Fishing lakes along Mjølkevegen — stop by stop

[Mjølkevegen](/guider/mjolkevegen-alt-du-trenger-a-vite) is known as a gravel route, but it's also one of the best fishing routes in Valdres. You cycle 230 km through high mountain terrain between 800 and 1,100 m above sea level, and along the route lie dozens of fishing lakes and streams — many of them with very little fishing pressure.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Ruten–Dalseter", value: "Mountain lake 900 m", sub: "Trout in small tarns along the farm track. Little pressure, willing fish." },
  { label: "Espedalen", value: "River fishing", sub: "Espedalsåna has trout and grayling. Deeper pools along the gravel road." },
  { label: "Skåbu–Vinstra", value: "Streams and tarns", sub: "Many unnamed mountain streams cross the route. Try where the stream pools up." },
  { label: "Beitostølen–Raudalen", value: "Raudalsvatnet", sub: "Large mountain lake with trout. Fishing from shore on the north side." },
  { label: "Golsfjellet", value: "Farm lake 800 m", sub: "Several tarns right by the gravel road. Evening dry fly fishing is the classic here." },
  { label: "Fishing permit", value: "Different zones", sub: "Mjølkevegen crosses several permit zones. Check inatur.no for each stretch." }
]} columns={2} />

**Practical tips for Mjølkevegen fishers:**
- Buy permits for 2–3 zones in advance via inatur.no — you cross boundaries along the way
- Morning and evening are the best times, especially in July and August
- Bring a telescopic rod and a few lures — you don't need more
- The mountain lodge hosts along the route know where the fish are. Ask at check-in.

---

## Evening fishing from cycle camp — timing and technique

The best fishing in Valdres happens between 20:00 and 23:00 in summer — exactly when you've set up camp after a day in the saddle. The midnight sun gives you hours of soft light, insects hatch, and fish rise to the surface.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Best time", value: "20:00–23:00", sub: "Insect hatches at the surface, calm wind, perfect light for fly fishing" },
  { label: "Technique — lake", value: "Dry fly size 14", sub: "Cast along the bank, let the fly drift. Mountain trout often take near the grassy edge." },
  { label: "Technique — river", value: "3–5 g spinner", sub: "Cast upstream and retrieve slowly. Pools behind rocks are the first choice." },
  { label: "Water temperature", value: "12–16°C ideal", sub: "Too cold = sluggish fish. Too warm = fish go deep. Mountain lakes in July–August hit perfect." }
]} columns={2} />

**How to rig your evening fishing from a tent:**
1. Set up camp at least 50 m from the water (preserve the vegetation at the bank)
2. Eat dinner and let your stomach rest — fish become active around 20:00
3. Take your rod and walk along the bank. Look for rings on the surface — that's fish feeding on insects
4. Cast short and precise. Mountain trout are shy but curious — let the fly sit still
5. Release what you're not going to eat. Mountain lakes have slow growth rates

**Pro tips from local anglers:**
- Wind from land = fish near the bank (insects are blown out onto the water)
- Overcast evening = better than clear sky (fish feel safer)
- Light nights in June = longer fishing window, but warier fish (more light = more cautious)

---

## Respect nature

Valdres is wild and beautiful because people look after it. A few simple rules:

- Never litter — take everything home
- Release fish you're not going to eat
- Don't disturb birds and animals — keep your distance
- Follow the right to roam: tent at least 150 m from buildings, maximum two nights in the same spot
- Open fires only where permitted (check local rules, generally prohibited in forests 15 April – 15 September)

Fishing from a bicycle gives you experiences most people never have. Quiet gravel roads, mountain lakes without people, and trout biting in the evening sun. Valdres is made for this.

---

## Family-friendly cycling and fishing — with children in Valdres

Few activities capture children's attention as well as fishing. Combine a gentle cycle along the valley with a few hours of fishing by a stream, and you have a full day that works for the whole family.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "3–6 years", value: "Worm + float", sub: "Short sessions (20–30 min). Focus: see the fish! Bike with trailer to the waterside." },
  { label: "7–10 years", value: "Spinner/lure", sub: "Can cast independently. 1–2 hours by a river. Cycles independently on family routes." },
  { label: "11–14 years", value: "Everything works", sub: "Try fly fishing! Long enough attention span for evening fishing. Cycles 20–30 km." },
  { label: "Adult + child", value: "Shared adventure", sub: "Pack light: 1 rod per child, worms from the shop, done. No course needed." }
]} columns={2} />

**Best family routes with fishing opportunities:**

- **[Leira–Aurdal elvevei](/ruter/leira-aurdal-elvevei)** — 14 km flat family route along Begna. Several calm pools where children can fish safely from the bank. Worms + float = almost guaranteed perch.
- **[Fagernes–Strandefjorden](/ruter/fagernes-strandefjorden-dagstur)** — 22 km along the lake. Shallow areas on the north side where children can wade and fish. Ice cream kiosk in Fagernes afterwards.
- **[Beito rundtur](/ruter/beito-olefjorden-fiskegravel)** — gentle route along Olefjorden in Øystre Slidre with good fishing spots.

**Practical tips for fishing with children:**
- Buy worms at Coop or a petrol station — it's the easiest bait and works everywhere
- Keep a small bucket in the bike bag — children always want to look at the fish they catch
- Release the fish together — make it a routine, not a disappointment
- Pack extra snacks — hungry children lose interest in fishing immediately
- Fishing permits: children under 16 fish for free with rod and line throughout Norway

---

## 5 mountain lakes you can only reach by bike — Valdres' secret fishing spots

The best fishing lakes in Valdres are often those nobody drives to. Farm tracks closed to cars, gravel roads that end in nothing, and tarns along paths that require two wheels and a bit of effort. Here are five lakes where the bike is the key.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "1. Øvre Syndin", value: "Øystre Slidre, 740 m", sub: "Forest roads from Beito. Trout and Arctic char. Quiet mountain lake with no road access — only gravel and trail for the last 3 km." },
  { label: "2. Olevatnet west", value: "Stølsvidda, 1,020 m", sub: "Via gravel roads from Vaset. The west side is only accessible on foot/bike. Low fishing pressure — willing trout in the evening." },
  { label: "3. Lakes along Espedalen", value: "Mjølkevegen stage 1, 850 m", sub: "Unnamed tarns along the farm track north of Ruten Fjellstue. Stop where the stream pools up — that's where the fish are." },
  { label: "4. Vassfaret lakes", value: "Sør-Aurdal west, 580 m", sub: "Wilderness area. Forest roads from Bagn. Mountain lakes with trout in near-pristine nature. No mobile coverage." },
  { label: "5. Tisleia upstream", value: "Tisleidalen, 780 m", sub: "Gravel roads from Golsfjellet. River sections with grayling and trout. Shallow pools by boulder fields — perfect for spinning." }
]} columns={1} />

**Important:** All of these lakes require a fishing permit — check the correct zone at [inatur.no](https://www.inatur.no) before you go. Zone boundaries often don't follow roads, so double-check the map.

**Common denominator:** The further from a road, the better the fishing. Fish in underpressured mountain lakes are less cautious, bite more readily, and put up a better fight. They're not the biggest fish — but they're the wildest.

---

## Catch and cook — preparing your catch along the cycle route

You've caught a trout from a quiet mountain lake after a day in the saddle. Now it becomes dinner. Preparing fish outdoors requires minimal equipment — and tastes better than any restaurant meal.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Gutting", value: "Knife + 2 minutes", sub: "Cut from the vent to the gill cover, remove innards. Rinse in cold water. Remove the blood line along the spine with your thumb." },
  { label: "Frying pan", value: "Titanium, 150 g", sub: "A small titanium pan (16 cm) weighs almost nothing and fries one trout perfectly. Packs on the outside of the bike bag." },
  { label: "Stove vs. fire", value: "Gas = safest", sub: "Small gas stove (100 g + canister) gives controlled heat. Open fires are prohibited in forests 15 Apr–15 Sep. Fire above the treeline = OK where permitted." },
  { label: "Butter + salt", value: "All you need", sub: "Pack a small tube of butter and a salt sachet. Trout in butter with salt is perfection — seasoning is unnecessary." },
  { label: "Cooking time", value: "4–5 min per side", sub: "Medium heat. The flesh is done when it releases from the bone easily. Don't turn more than once." },
  { label: "Innards and waste", value: "Never in the water", sub: "Bury innards 50 m from water and trail, at least 15 cm deep. Or pack in a bag and carry to a bin." }
]} columns={2} />

**The simplest recipe:**

1. Gut the fish immediately after catching — the flesh keeps best fresh
2. Pat the fish dry with paper or a clean cloth
3. Heat the pan with a knob of butter until it stops foaming
4. Place the fish in the pan, season well with salt. A lid isn't needed — you want crispy skin
5. 4–5 minutes, turn carefully, 4–5 minutes more. Done.

**Pro tip:** Got a lemon? Squeeze it over the finished fish. No lemon? Wild garlic grows along streams in Valdres in June — pick a couple of leaves and place alongside. Wild herb + wild fish = Valdres on a plate.

**Minimalist cooking kit for the cycle angler (total weight approx. 400 g):**
- Titanium pan 16 cm (100 g)
- Gas stove (85 g) + 110 g canister
- Folding cutlery (40 g)
- Salt sachet + butter tube (50 g)
- Small cloth for drying (15 g)

---

## Fly fishing from the bike — compact setup and technique

Fly fishing is the most elegant way to fish — and surprisingly bike-friendly. A modern fly fishing setup can be packed down to under 400 grams and gives you access to fish that ignore spinners and lures.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Rod", value: "Travel rod 4-piece, 8 ft #4-5", sub: "4 pieces = packed length 60 cm. Fits along the top tube or in a bag. Orvis Clearwater Travel and Guideline Kaitum are good choices." },
  { label: "Reel", value: "Light, simple click-drag", sub: "No fancy drag system needed for Valdres trout. A simple reel at 80–100 g is enough." },
  { label: "Fly line", value: "WF (weight forward) floating", sub: "Universal choice for mountain lakes and calm streams. Match the rod weight (#4-5)." },
  { label: "Flies — basics", value: "6 dry flies + 4 nymphs", sub: "Dry fly: Elk Hair Caddis size 14, Adams size 14–16, Royal Wulff size 12. Nymph: Pheasant Tail size 14, Gold-Ribbed Hare's Ear size 12." },
  { label: "Leader", value: "9 ft, 0.16–0.18 mm", sub: "Tapered monofilament. Mountain trout are shy — a thin leader makes the difference." },
  { label: "Total weight", value: "Approx. 350 g", sub: "Rod + reel + line + flies + leader. Less than an extra water bottle." }
]} columns={2} />

**When fly fishing beats everything else:**
- **The evening rise** (20:00–23:00 in July) — insects hatch, trout rise to the surface, dry fly is irresistible
- **Still mountain lakes** where a spinner spooks fish with the splash
- **Shallow streams** along Mjølkevegen where it's too shallow for lures
- **Days with insect activity** — if you see rings on the water surface, fly fishing is answer number one

**How to pack fly fishing gear on the bike:**

The travel rod (4-piece, 60 cm) is attached along the top tube with two velcro straps — stable and out of the way. The reel with line is packed in a small pouch in the handlebar bag. The fly box (10 × 7 cm, 40 g) fits in a jacket pocket. Everything else — leader, floatant, forceps — in a ziplock bag together with the rest of the fishing kit.

**Technique for Valdres mountain lakes:**

Walk along the bank and look for activity before you cast. Trout in mountain lakes often patrol along the grassy edge where insects fall into the water. Cast parallel to the bank, 5–8 metres out — not into the middle of the lake. Let the fly land softly and drift freely. If you haven't had a take after 30 seconds, pick up and cast again. Move on after 5–6 casts — it's better to cover more water than to keep flogging the same spot.

---

## See also

- [Etnedal — quiet routes by the water](/omrade/etnedal)
- [Cycling and camping in Valdres — tent along the route](/guider/sykkel-camping-telt-valdres)
- [Season in Valdres](/guider/sesong-valdres-sykkel)
- [Accommodation for cyclists](/guider/overnatting-syklister-valdres)
- [Valdresbanen cycle path — along the river](/ruter/valdresbanen-sykkelvei)
- [Slidrefjorden loops](/omrade/slidre-dalen)
- [See all cycling routes in Valdres](/ruter)
- [Find the right route](/finn-rute)