Robert Selfors is a true Renaissance man of the Arctic, blending artistry, innovation, and a deep connection to nature. As the founder of Arctic Silver, a revolutionary fly fishing company, Robert has redefined the way anglers experience the sport. Beyond his passion for fly fishing, he is an avid photographer, capturing the untamed beauty of the northern wilderness, and a talented artist whose work reflects his profound bond with the environment. As a salmon host on the legendary Beiarn River, he shares his expertise and love for salmon fishing with anglers from around the globe.
Born: (1963)
Home country: Norway
SoMe: https://www.instagram.com/art_by_arcticmoods/ & https://www.instagram.com/robert_selfors/
Website: https://www.arcticmoods.org
https://www.loopdesign.info/
How did you get started fly fishing?
How could I not start? Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by the nature here in the North. My closest neighbor was a forest that I explored in every possible way. Being in the forest gave me a sense of inner peace while sparking a curiosity about all the life within it. When I was six, my parents built a cabin in the mountains, just 20 meters from a beautiful lake where trout thrive. I was mesmerized as I climbed a birch tree hanging over the shore and watched trout “cruising” through the crystal-clear water. That was when my interest in fishing began, and ever since, fishing has been a great passion.
Like most of us, I started with spin fishing, but by the age of 14, I had already built my first two fly rods, marking the start of my fly-fishing journey. Fly fishing is the ultimate “kinder egg”—where the catch is a bonus. For me, it’s about the total experience. Fly fishing brings inner peace, meditation, and mental tranquility. It’s a way to connect with nature, where all your senses come alive.
It’s a state of being 100% present—where the past and future don’t exist in your mindset.
You’re particularly fond of fly fishing for seatrout and salmon. Why is that?
I think it’s connected to the environment I grew up in here in the Arctic. This region has many mountain lakes with trout and char, while the rivers are home to sea trout and Atlantic salmon. However, every winter, I dream of going on tropical fishing adventures, which are wildly fascinating. The most important thing about these trips is teaming up with good friends and sharing the experiences with people who share the same values and goals for the adventure.
Any recent magical moments in your fly fishing life you’d like to share?
I often start the season fishing for sea trout in the local fjords. The largest sea trout I’ve caught in the past two years was approximate 10 kilograms (20+ pounds), using a #5 ArcticSilver Zense rod.
You’re a salmon host on the Beiarelva during the summers. What are your biggest concerns for the wild Atlantic salmon?
It’s worrying that so few salmon return to the rivers after migrating to the sea. Sea lice, diseases, and climate change are pointed out as significant factors. My hope for the future is that all fish farming is moved to closed containment systems.
There’s little in terms of actual innovation in the fly fishing industry, but some years ago you came up with – and spearheaded a new fly handle concept. Can you tell us a bit about the idea behind the free-flex handle – and how it came about?
Two years of chronic tennis elbow and less time spent fishing gave me the idea to develop a rod concept with increased sensitivity and reduced effort. The idea came to me one evening just before I fell asleep, and I wrote it down. The next morning, I went straight to the garage and started designing a hollow handle where the blank could flex freely.
Physically, a blank is constructed so that its power potential is greatest in the butt section, where it is also the thickest. Additionally, it needs to bend to be loaded with energy for power transfer.
On conventional rods, the handle is “GLUED” tightly to the blank, which inhibits energy loading because the blank cannot bend as freely. With the Free-Flex handle, it became possible to load more energy with less effort, as the rod blank flexes freely inside a hollow handle. This also enhances sensitivity during casting and when fighting fish. The innovation is internationally patented, and the rods are produced in what might be the world’s best rod factory. Over many years, the Arctic Silver Innovation team has played a significant role in spreading the concept worldwide.
The fly fishing industry has long been conservative, but in recent years, we’ve seen greater acceptance of new solutions and material choices necessary for developing innovative advancements.
You’re a stellar photographer. In what ways has fly fishing helped you become a better photographer?
My passion for both fly fishing and photography drives me to develop as both an angler and a photographer. These two activities complement each other beautifully and bring a lot of joy and quality to life.
You’re also an incredible artist, and you’ve just launched a new website. How do you divide your time between creating art and being a fly fisherman? And are there any advantages to being a fly fisherman when creating art?
Life is short. When we realize that, we start prioritizing what gives us the most joy and quality in life. Fly fishing and creating art are two passions that make me a better person. Being a fly fisherman means being part of nature—seeing it and experiencing it. This allows me to notice details and emotions that I can carry into my art.
After 35 years in the south, a new door opened when I returned to my childhood backyard five years ago. Picking up paintbrushes and canvas felt like an instinctive choice—it just happened, and it felt right. It will always feel right.
As a child, drawing, experiencing nature, sports, friends, and the urge to explore were central to my quality of life. They still are. But growing up with dyslexia was a significant emotional challenge. Reading aloud in class made me feel “incompetent,” a feeling that hit hard. Fortunately, I had good friends, empathetic art teachers, and a sense of mastery in creative areas, which helped balance things. The support I received from teachers made it clear early on where my strengths lay.
I’ve now lived about five years in my “Arctic paradise,” a region where nature speaks to you, shapes you, and tells its stories. Exploring all the treasures ahead feels like a gift. It’s even more meaningful because Rigmor Teigen Figenshau shares this artistic journey with me. She’s a uniquely creative master of seeing and creating, making the journey richer.
You can see the results here: www.arcticmoods.org.
Exciting art projects are coming up in 2025, including:
- Venice Art Fair
- Stormen Culture Hall, Bodø
- Nasjonalparksenteret, Saltdal
What are your ambitions for the future as an artist and a fly fisherman?
With curiosity about life and a desire to learn comes knowledge and growth. Fishing and art are two passions that will stay with me for as long as I live.
We all have an inner voice. If we listen, it gives us answers, and it never lies. It helps us navigate the complex and ever-changing landscapes ahead.
