You ever feel that tug on the line where your heart just stops for a second? That’s what Hembre did to me last June—17-pounder right in the Devil’s Elbow pool, rod bent double, boots slipping on those slate rocks. Still dream about that fight sometimes.

Anyway, if you’re eyeing Stjørdalselva for salmon, forget the glossy brochures. This river’s got that magic mix—fast chutes, slow eddies, those deep undercut bends where the big chromers sulk. And Hembre Gård? It’s where the locals whisper about. Not some manicured resort stretch; it’s 2.2km of proper water, both banks, with spots for every mood. Wading knee-deep at low flow (20 m3) or backing off when it’s roaring at 300? Fish still move here.
From my tally—and I’ve kept one since ’08—around 200 salmon get landed here yearly. Most go back (75-80%? Something like that). Funny thing: Hembre’s pools account for maybe 10% of the whole river’s catch, but early June? That spikes to 15%. Saw three taken in an hour once at Gråstein, all fresh-run.

Oh, and those pools—nine main spots, but don’t fixate on the count. Each one’s got sub-pockets. Like the Shelf: looks shallow till you watch a 25-pounder roll in the tailout. Guides? Yeah, we’ve got ’em all summer if you want. But honestly, half the joy’s stumbling through it yourself, learning where the gravel drops off by feel.

Stay at the Gård if you like—wood stove, creaky floors, the works. But really, you’re here for the Atlantic salmon. And they’re here for you, too. Just bring your patience and a decent single-hander. The river’ll teach you the rest.