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Catch and release of an Atlantic salmon Photo: Harald Øyen

Salmon fishing in Norway

Travel like the old British lords did and catch salmon in Norwegian rivers.

Big salmon

The first tourists to Norway from Britain were upper class people out to catch salmon. Today about 145,000 salmon are caught in Norwegian rivers every year, and it is not just the wealthy British who compete at catching the big ones. If you are lucky, you will go back home with salmon weighing over 20 kilos.

Mighty rivers

There are many good rivers, spread out across the country.

Try the awesome might of the Namsen, the dynamic, but regulated Suldalslågen, the breathtaking Beiar, the powerful and spate-affected Gaula, the winding and leisurely Stjørdal, or any of the about 450 other productive salmon rivers in Norway.

The powerful rivers produce the largest Atlantic salmon in the world.

The best time

Generally, the best time for salmon fishing is from mid-July to mid-August, but this may vary locally. Local tourist information offices and local sports shops will be able to fill you in on the salmon fishing possibilities in your area.

Fishing requirements

In addititon to a local fishing permit, which you normally can pay at the local tourist information office, the local post office, the local sports shop, or nearest camp site/hotel/cabin, you need to pay the government fee at online at Inatur.

The health of Norwegian salmon rivers and fishing

The Norwegian rivers are largely of excellent health.

Local river associations have introduced rigid procedures to prevent the parasite entering any river, and all anglers are required to disinfect waders and fishing equipment before fishing. Read more about disinfecting your fishing gear on mattilsynet.no

Number of salmon caught on rod in Norwegian rivers in total
(released fish not included)
Year Total number of salmon Number of salmon under 3 kilos Number of salmon 3-7 kilos Number of salmon over 7 kilos Total number of sea trout
2000 189 433 135 772 40 764 12 897 115 721
2001 178 137 118 074 43 875 16 118 102 292
2002 118 812 70 584 33 696 14 532 104 674
2003 145 273 97 907 33 505 13 861 110 445
2004 96 578 60 872 26 003 9 703 94 659
2005 148 258 110 151 26 841 11 708 98 924
2006 141 838 94 301 38 459 9 078 81 435
2007 95 997 52 770 31 361 11 866 75 797
2008 111 935 60 804 33 568 17 563 49 182
Last updated:  31 March 2011
Fishing for big salmon on the Orkla river, Norway - Photo: Harald Øyen
Fishing for big salmon on the Orkla river, Norway
Catch the fish of a lifetime in Norway - Photo: Innovation Norway
Catch the fish of a lifetime in Norway

Interest:  Fishing

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Fishing gear by a wooden boat in Namsen, Norway - Photo: Harald Øyen

Salmon fishing in Norway

Travel like the old British lords did and catch salmon in Norwegian rivers.

Salmon fishing in Norway

Source: Visit Norway

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