Guided packraft fishing · Rena River, Norway
Drift-fish one of Norway's finest trout rivers
A small-group weekend with a local guide. Big brown trout, grayling on the dry fly and trophy pike, fished from your own packraft.
The Rena River
Big trout and grayling, two hours from Oslo
The Rena River flows through the forests of eastern Norway, about two hours north of Oslo. Known for its clear water and exceptional fishing, it is especially famous for its grayling, but also holds an impressive population of brown trout, including some truly large fish of 2–5 kg.
The trip
A slow drift down the river, casting the whole way
The river is mostly calm, with a few gentle rapids and quiet stretches along the way. That makes it easy and comfortable to fish from a packraft, so no previous packrafting or rafting experience is needed. A drift down the river takes about 4–5 hours, and every trip still feels like a small adventure. What is a packraft?
Most anglers fish Rena from the bank. From a packraft, you fish it from the inside, reaching pools, seams and backwaters that few others ever cast to. The fishing is what brings people here, but it is the river, the forest, the wildlife and the long Norwegian summer evenings that make Rena special.
Brown trout
Trout of 2–5 kg are possible in every month of the season.
Grayling
July to September, rising to dry flies in the evening.
Pike
The calm stretch holds big pike. Your guide has landed several of 5–7 kg.
Your weekend
Two days of fishing on the Rena River
From Oslo to the river and back, with one night by the water in between.
Day 1
Saturday
- Pickup in Oslo, or meet at Rena train station
- Two-hour drive to Rena, gear and safety briefing
- 4–5 hour packraft drift, fishing the whole way
- Dinner, then evening fishing as the fish start rising
- Night in a cabin at Rena Camp, or under canvas
Day 2
Sunday
- Morning session on the river
- Lunch by the water
- Drive back to Oslo, or the train from Rena
Flying in? Plan to land in Oslo on Friday and stay the night, so you are ready for Saturday morning pickup.
Included
Packraft, paddle and life jacket · Guiding all weekend · All meals · One night in a cabin or tent · Fishing licence · Transport from and to Oslo
Bring your own
Fishing gear: rod, reel and lures. Not sure what to pack? Ask me which lures work best on the Rena.
Seasons
When to come
May – June
Early season
Big trout hold tight to the banks, so precise casting is rewarded. A challenge for experienced anglers.
Nights can be cold: we stay in a cabin, or camp if the weather allows.
July – September
Prime season
Fish are active all over the river and you will see plenty of rises. Grayling join the trout. The easiest time to catch fish.
Warm nights: tent or cabin, your choice.
Catch & release for the big ones
Wild trout and grayling of 40 cm or more go back in the river. Photo first, and your guide will take a good one.
River rules in brief
Barbless hooks only, max 3 hooks. Wild trout and grayling: 1 of each per angler per day.
Prices
ONE WEEKEND, EVERYTHING INCLUDED
Bring a friend, and the price per person goes down.
1 guest
NOK 5,500
approx. €500
Private guiding
2 guests
NOK 8,000
approx. €730
NOK 4,000 (approx. €365) per person
3 guests
NOK 10,500
approx. €950
NOK 3,500 (approx. €320) per person
Prices are set in Norwegian kroner (NOK). Euro amounts are approximate and may vary with the exchange rate.
Before you book: all guests must speak English and be able to swim. Groups are kept to a maximum of three so your guide can stay close to everyone on the water.
Your guide
Hi, I'm Shayan Kordestani
I grew up in this part of Norway and have been fishing for as long as I can remember – in rivers, lakes and pretty much anywhere there was a chance of catching a fish.
For the past 15 years, Rena has been the river I keep coming back to. After so many seasons on this water, I know where the fish usually hold and what they are feeding on: the big trout lying tight to the banks in spring, the grayling rising on summer evenings and the pike waiting in the still water.
I live in Oslo now, but I spend almost every summer weekend on the river, with friends and with guests. On these trips I take a few people along and show them the water I love.
FAQ
Good to know
Do I need packrafting experience?
No. The river is calm, with only two short stretches of light rapids, and you get a full briefing before we launch.
Can I keep the fish?
Each angler may keep one wild trout and one grayling per day under 40 cm. Larger wild fish are released.
How do I get there?
We pick you up in Oslo. If you prefer, take the train to Rena and we meet at the station.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Rain is part of the adventure, so we go anyway. I check the forecast 4–5 days before your trip. If thunder or strong winds are expected, you choose: a new date, an alternative fishing trip, or a full refund. Travel costs such as flights and hotels are not covered, so we recommend travel insurance.
Ready for the river?
Tell me which weekend you would like and how many you are. I will get back to you to confirm.
Email to bookbooking@norwegianfishingguide.com · +47 414 35 657