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Fishing in Norway

Whether you like fishing for trout in a beautiful river...

... or seeking the catch of your life while deep sea fishing...

... Norway has a lot to offer!

Fishing in Norway is an excellent way to embrace the local lifestyle. Countless lakes and rivers and an extensive coastline provide outstanding opportunities for a good catch.

Norway offers a myriad of fishing adventures, both freshwater and deep sea. Inland, you will find some of the finest spots for freshwater fishing, especially fly fishing. Thousands of lakes, rivers and streams offer wild trout, salmon, grayling, pike, powan and arctic char, to name a few of the most common species. Just remember to buy a fishing card!

Or you can head to the wild, rugged coastline. Thanks to their cold and clear waters and a strong focus on sustainability, Norwegian waters have an abundant stock of many fish and shellfish. The ocean is brimming with a variety of big fish, including cod, haddock, plaice, pollack, redfish, ling, tusk, halibut, mackerel and saithe.

Norway's coastline is an amazing 101,388 kilometres long — enough to circle the world two and a half times.

This explains why the sea has been the very basis of existence for the people of Norway. Even though fishing has developed into a large, modern industry, angling is still important to the Norwegian lifestyle.

So if you want an authentic outdoors experience in Norway, plan a fishing holiday in a fiskevær, fishing village. Visit during the summer season and try your luck around the clock under the midnight sun, or brave the winter cold to take part in the famous skrei (migrating cod) fishing or ice fishing under the northern lights. Fish tend to get bigger in cold water, which is why a winter adventure may be exactly what you are looking for.

Please note that it is forbidden to fish cod in the Oslofjord all year round. In addition, cod fishing is prohibited from 1 January to 30 April in 14 defined areas where the cod spawn, from Lindesnes to the Swedish border.

Key safety tips 

  1. Think safety at all times. Planning reduces risk.
  2. Bring necessary equipment, make sure it is in good condition and easily accessible.
  3. Respect the sea and the weather. Only go out in a boat when it is safe.
  4. Know the rules of the sea, and make sure to follow them.
  5. Always wear a life jacket.
  6. Be rested and sober. Never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  7. Be considerate, and remember that safety, the environment, and the wellbeing of everybody is a joint responsibility.

Find more safety tips on the Norwegian Maritime Authority’s website.

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