Norway provides many opportunities for fishing enthusiasts, from Atlantic Salmon to cod and coalfish. Norway’s largest lake Mjosa offers trout and pike fishing opportunities while rivers’ famed malstroms attract huge quantities of salmon.
Fjords are known for being rich with sea trout and salmon populations as well as pollock, cod and halibut. Bait such as mussel shells, clam shells or even lugworm is typically required when fishing these waters.
Fjords
Norway’s fjords provide the ideal location for fishing fresh and salt water fish species alike, from rivers such as Char, Trout & Salmon through cod, Coalfish and Monkfish off coast and Halibut deep waters. A rod at least 4 meters long should be packed along with a heavy rig capable of holding lots of line. Also download Fritidsfiske app before travelling as this provides all necessary information such as rules & Regulations as well as protected species & Minimum Size Limits that’ll help make fishing in Norway that much smoother!
When it comes to sea fishing, March through October is typically the ideal period for catching cod, coalfish and halibut. As temperatures warm and daylight hours lengthen further than ever before, fishing is possible for longer.
For freshwater fishing in Norway’s fjords, it is best to travel between May and September when fish stocks increase significantly in rivers. You should ensure you possess all necessary licenses and follow rules and regulations; booking accommodation ahead may also prove advantageous.
Staying in a fjord cabin or apartment can be the perfect way to enjoy and unwind in Norway’s stunning scenery. Here, you can get an authentic taste of local culture while experiencing the thrill of fish bites – or try fishing from shore which could be better suited for those unfamiliar with open sea fishing.
The key to successful fishing trips lies in selecting a destination that fits your individual needs and preferences. There are plenty of accommodations in mountains, on beaches and even cities; this will enable you to focus solely on your fishing trip without being distracted by anything other than its purpose: admiring stunning natural landscapes, experiencing Sami culture and witnessing Northern Lights!
Lakes
Norway boasts over 450,000 lakes created by glacial erosion. Their waters are often crystal-clear and extremely clean, often filled with trout, salmon, grayling and pike; and some host beautiful alpine plants blooming each spring and summer.
Spring and autumn offer some of the best fishing opportunities, while winter also presents good chances to find some delicious catch. To increase your odds, it may be easier to fish near rocks, natural pools, or near weed beds.
On the Lofoten Islands and Troms region of Norway, large cod (skrei) can often be caught. You could also try your luck elsewhere such as Hella at Rystraumen near Trondheim, Kvalsund Bridge near Hammerfest or Trondheimfjord; mackerel are also frequently caught. Mackerel are often caught along southern Norway coastlines such as Oslofjord.
Fishing from a kayak or RIB boat is an exciting way to discover Norway’s beautiful fjords, islands, beaches and cliffs while providing exercise in fresh air.
For your best chance at landing that special trophy fish, go on a guided fishing trip with an experienced guide. They will show you some of the most incredible spots around and provide tips on how to catch one or more.
Norwegian fishing rules are relatively straightforward, though you require a licence in order to fish rivers and lakes. A normal Norway licence should suffice; however, specific fishing rules must be observed when targeting salmon, sea trout or arctic sea char species. Migratory species require prior notification with local authorities so you have an appropriate fishing permit; children under 16 years can fish without one. Norway provides plenty of activities and entertainment suitable for everyone!
Rivers
Norway is blessed with numerous rivers – some renowned, others lesser-known – each boasting their own special qualities that attract freshwater fish such as trout and salmon in abundance, or deep sea cod and coalfish to provide fly fishermen a paradise to fish from.
Norway is home to many species of freshwater fish. Wild brown trout are one of the most plentiful freshwater fish species, inhabiting most bodies of water from lowland lakes to mountain rivers and other salmonoids such as arctic sea char, European grayling and landlocked salmon being widespread species in many locations. Furthermore, many lakes and rivers present opportunities to reel in large pike or trophy brook trout!
Finnmarkvidda mountain plateau provides the ideal setting for an exciting fishing expedition, situated just north of the Arctic Circle and offering 24-hour sunshine during summer days, providing anglers an endless stream of fishing opportunities. Plus, Finnmarkvidda offers up a wealth of game and fish species including wolffish and even Arctic halibut!
Norway is famous for its majestic rivers such as Gaula, located two and a half hours southwest of Trondheim. Following a period of decline, Gaula has seen significant revival and is now considered one of Europe’s premier salmon fishing spots – though few beats remain available so this exclusive opportunity should only be pursued by avid salmon fishermen.
Norway boasts numerous other outstanding salmon rivers, but their access can be more limited and therefore more exclusive. Many of the best spots require expert knowledge in order to take full advantage of them – but their rewards may make the effort worth your while!
As a foreign angler in Norway, to catch fish you require a fishing permit known as a “Fiskekort”, available from tourist offices, post offices or online. Rules and regulations differ between counties but it’s always wise to familiarise yourself with local conditions before fishing for migrating species like salmon, trout and Arctic sea char.
Islands
Norway is well known for its stunning mountain and fjord scenery, but it also serves as an exceptional fishing destination. Fly fishing or spinning from shore for sea bass, pollock, sea trout or hunting cod, haddock halibut are all viable fishing techniques here – plus there are thousands of islands to discover along with coastal waters!
Norway offers some excellent fishing from June through September, when Atlantic salmon, sea run brown trout, and Arctic char are at their most active.
Norwegian fjords provide excellent opportunities to find various species of flatfish, such as plaice (Placium vulgare) and flounder (Sebastes spp). Both these species are famed for their delicate flavor, making them delicious whether grilled, fried, or served raw as sushi. You may also encounter coalfish (Colossus spp), monkfish, coalfish and coalfish which can all be caught using bait.
Norway’s islands boast an active fishing scene, with many traditional fishermen’s cabins still intact and some serving as accommodations for tourists. Lofoten archipelago stands out as especially special with its picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking landscapes.
At one time, these towns were bustling fishing centers. British anglers first began traveling to Norway during the 1830s for its low rent costs and abundant supply of salmon and sea trout. Skilled fishermen soon began leasing entire river beats from farmers and small landowners forming sizeable fishing estates. They built comfortable wooden fishing lodges while hiring local people as ghillies or servants.
Today’s demand for targeted shorefishing adventures in Norway is on the rise rapidly. Some companies provide guided shorefishing excursions where customers can anticipate an impressive catch of cod, coalfish, haddock, halibut plaice or even wolffish.
Norway is famed for its abundance of fish, beautiful scenery and vibrant culture – not to mention its Allmennsretten wild camping law which allows visitors to roam Norway’s mountains and fjords freely for up to three days at a time without worrying about permits or campsites.
