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Photo: W.Krause / media-army.de / visitnorway.com

Sea fishing in Northern Norway

Think big on your fishing holiday

If you dream of giant fish, choose your fishing holiday location wisely. In Northern Norway, record catches are the rule rather than the exception.

On a fishing holiday in Northern Norway, you will no doubt hear numerous stories about giant fish. "Fiction and fables", you may mutter to yourself – but soon enough, you will realise that it is not just fairytales.

Thanks to the location just by the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea, there are huge amounts of fish along the northern coast. Species like cod, halibut, saithe, redfish, haddock and wolffish often grow unusually large here. In this region you can also go fishing for skrei – extra large cod that gather along the northern coast in the winter to spawn.

Apart from the chance of getting a biggie on the hook, many anglers happily travel north of the Arctic Circle for another reason.

Norway has always been closely associated with fishing, and as a result you will find a number of dream fishing destinations scattered along the coast: The North Cape, the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen, and the large islands Sørøya and Senja, to mention a few.

Northern Norway is characterized by pristine nature with huge variations in the landscape. The rocky, almost treeless wilderness of the far north is gradually taken over by the lush green fjord and coastal landscape further south.

What's the weather like?

If you think Northern Norway is way too far away and cold for sensible human beings, think again! Thanks to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, the climate is a lot milder than you might think – decidedly warmer than other destinations on the same latitude.

Just remember that the local weather can vary considerably from day to day. During the summer months, the temperature is often pleasant around 20 degrees Celsius – but then again, don't be surprised if you get to experience a snow shower too.

When is the best time to go?

The high season runs from May to September. During the summer months, you can fish around the clock thanks to the midnight sun.

Hard-core anglers will also be interested in the winter fishing opportunities, especially the famous skrei (migrating cod) fishing that takes place from January to March.

It will be dark and cold, but you have ample chances of spotting the northern lights dancing across the sky.

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Getting to Northern Norway

Most of Northern Norway is located above the Arctic Circle and consists of the counties Nordland, Troms and Finnmark. The quickest and easiest way to get there is by plane.

By train

The railway network in Norway stretches from Kristiansand in the south to Bodø above the Arctic Circle.
By boat

Hurtigruten's cruise ships go daily from Bergen in Fjord Norway to Kirkenes by the Russian border. They call at 25 ports in Northern Norway.
By plane

The quickest and easiest way to get there is by plane. SAS and Norwegian fly from Oslo to Bodø, Tromsø, Bardufoss, Evenes, Alta and Kirkenes. There are also good domestic flight connections offered by Widerøe.

Get inspired

Skrei - In cod we trust

Skrei is Norwegian cod at its best, and still the livelihood of many fishermen in Northern Norway. Fresh and dried skrei is one of Norway's most important export products.

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The fish that built Lofoten

Even though the Arctic cod only shows up once a year, it has been paramount in shaping Lofoten as we know it today.

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Today’s catch

Almost immediately after it tosses and turns in the water, it’s ready to be served on your platter. In Northern Norway, they are totally hooked on the fresh delicacies of the sea.

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Northern Norway

In Northern Norway, spectacular experiences await. From the scenic coastline and activities like fishing, hiking and mountaineering, to the northern lights and the midnight sun.

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Midnight sun

Like a prolonged sunset and sunrise all at once, this natural phenomenon colours heaven and earth in a reddish yellow light. Welcome to the land of the midnight sun.

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Northern lights

Experiencing the unbelievable colours flashing across the Arctic sky is on many travellers’ bucket list. Few places on earth offer more ways to witness the aurora borealis than Norway.

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Safety on your fishing holiday in Norway

Safety tips to leave you high and dry

Keep these rules of thumb in mind whenever you are on or by the water.
Find more information on our page about water safety.

Think safety at all times. Planning reduces risk and gives you more worry-free fun.
Bring the necessary equipment. It should be in good condition and easily accessible.
Respect the sea and the weather. Only cast off when it is safe.
Follow the rules of the sea, and make sure you know what they are.
Wear life jackets or other flotation devices.
Make sure you are rested and sober. Do not drive a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Be considerate, and remember that safety, the environment, and the well-being of everybody is a common responsibility.