Interview with a fisherman

Walter Rijksen   
The Netherlands   

Interview:  summer 2008

Can you tell something about yourself ?

“ I am Walter Rijksen. I live in Monnickendam, the Netherlands. I am happily married and have two lovely children. I earn my living as a manager within a big Dutch bank. ”

How long and where have you been fly fishing ?

“ I started fishing very young, learned a lot from my granddad. At first with a fixed rod, later on with spinners and the lot. Fly-fishing started some 15 years ago. Since then, my live changed for good. I fish almost every week in Holland, year around. During holidays I used to fish in Ireland (lough style). But Ireland is getting crowded more and more and in search for unspoiled nature and wildlife I prefer Norway for my fishing holidays now. ”

Walter and Jan fishing just downstream of Kvennan Camping  - Photo HVA  

What do you like about river Glomma and the Kvennan Fly Fishing zone ?

“ The Glomma is a wonderful river with many faces: deep and slow in parts, fast running in others. Somebody called it the shining river, and that is true: travelling north from Oslo you can see the river for many miles, shining to you in whatever light conditions.
The Kvennan zone is perfect for fly fishing: within a couple of miles you have a lot of first quality water with great variety. From steady flows to fast running stretches, so you can use all kind of tactics. Kvennan camping is very nice to stay too, intimate sized, friendly people and a lot of fishermen from all over Europe. The camping is also great for the non-fishing part of the family: with Tynset nearby for shopping and beautiful nature all over to take a hike. ”

Walter Rijksen nymphing river Glomma at Kvennan Fly Fishing  - Photo HVA  

Can you tell something about the old days at river Glomma ?

“I am afraid not, I started fishing there 5 years ago. Since then I learned a lot and became quite familiar to the stretches. For me the fly fishing zone is a good investment for the future. Maybe it is too early to see results yet, but I am convinced that the quality of fishing will be safeguarded by it. ”

Did you catch any really big fish in Glomma ?

“ To be honest I did lose more ! I caught grayling up to 53cm, but during the fishing for grayling there is always the chance for a big trout. And you have little to say to a 60cm plus wild brown in rapid water on 15/100 tippet. The biggest trout I caught was 56 cm, a beautiful fish. ”

Glomma graling on a nymph  - Photo HVA  

What is your favourite dry fly ? 

“ That is without doubt the Softy. So called by a friend of mine. It's basically a pupa emerger with a very low profile. The fish trust the silhouette and take this fly with great confidence, while higher floating flies are rejected ”

What is your favourite nymph ? 

“ I like to fish my nymphs short lined and want them to behave natural, without any drag. I often fish Czech style: 2 or 3 relatively light nymphs on my leader. Size 8-12, some more heavily leaded, others only lightly, depending on the current. Basic pattern in always the same, but color makes a big difference. I always let the fish decide what they want, but don't forget to tie some in hot neon colors! ”

Walter's pupa emerger the Softy  - Photo HVA  

How long leader do you use, and how thick is your tippet ?

“ I like to use longish leaders, 10-12 feet when fishing dries. The tippet 12-15/100. For nymphs I use a cast with 3 flies, 75 cm or so apart, also 10-12 feet, 15/100 fluorcarbon.”

Do you loose a lot of fish when fishing without a barb on your hook ?

“ Not at all. I do almost all my fishing with barbless hooks and can only say it's a blessing. It gives you the change to unhook very quickly without harm for the fish.”

Walter and a good Glomma trout  

What do you think about the new rules & regulations ?

“ The rules are fine with me. If you want, you can take one home for dinner, that's OK.

What should be your best advice for a fellow Glomma fly fisherman ? 

“ Take your time to get familiar with the river, learn to read the currents. Always wade with a wading staff. Whether fishing dries or nymphs: don't let your flies drag, fish them close by but let them drift properly. ”

trout portrait   - Photo HVA  

What should be your best advice for river management ?

“ Keep on the good work and protect this beautiful river. A suggestion might be a daily informal gathering of the fly fishers to exchange experiences, make appointments etc. ”

Is there something more you want to share ?

“ In fact I said it all and hope to return to Kvennan many many times.”

river Glomma and mount Tron  - Photo HVA  

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