Isn't it good, Norwegian wood

It's been a while since I spent some time fishing the midsummer nights in Norway. That was on the Laerdal, mentioned here. And there was cod fishing here at the time of the 1998 World Cup. I watched Michael Owen's goal againsat Argentina on TV in Bodo.

Last weekend it was Trondheim, this time to fish the Orkla, the Forra and the Stjordal. We were looking for a big salmon. Did we find one? My full report will be in the Weekend FT on Saturday, published in my fishing section shortly afterwards.

I was fishing with some class acts. It's a little bit like Pro-Am golf where the journeyman gets to play with the professionals. So I learned quite a bit and plan to put some of those lessons to good use in Newfoundland next week.

Fishing for big salmon is really a study in obsession. These fish don't give themselves up. One fisherman died on the Orkla while we were there. I'm not sure it's worth the ultimate sacrifice but there are those who will fish until they drop.

You read a lot about climbing deaths but the risks for anglers are just as great if not greater. The water was fast running and icy cold. I ended up fishing in my pyjama bottoms to add an extra layer.

As always happens I came back needing more gear - a better reel and some serious sinking tips.

All this salmon fishing means the trout have been neglected somewhat apart from a great day on the River Dever and some short visits to the Wey, not far from where I live. There is never enough time to fish. But in Norway there is a full 24-hours of daylight at this time of year if that's what you want. Then there are the marvellous wood cabins and the smell of pine. Our cabin was candle-lit with a gas fridge: a blog-free environment.

I like Norway. Most of all I like the hot dogs, the milk chocolate, Lupins, red squirrels, pine cabins, painted wooden cupboards and the fishing. But I don't like the midges.