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.
Fishing in Norway
Whether you like fishing for trout in a beautiful river...
... or seeking the catch of a lifetime deep sea fishing...
... Norway has a lot to offer!
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 permit!
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 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) fishery or bundle up and go ice fishing under the northern lights. Fish tend to get bigger in cold water, which is whya winter adventure may be exactly what you are looking for.
Know the rules before you cast your line!
Note that cod fishing is prohibited in the Oslofjord year-round. In addition, cod fishing is prohibited from January 1 to April 30 in 14 defined spawning areas, from Lindesnes to the Swedish border. There may be additional restrictions in place on salmon fishing in certain rivers. Always check before casting off!
From October 1, 2025, new restrictions on recreational fishing gear apply throughout the Oslofjord. The aim is to protect vulnerable fish stocks, such as cod, and to reduce the problem of gear lost overboard that causes so-called ghost fishing.
From January 1, 2026, three large no-fishing zones have been introduced: one in the inner Oslofjord and two in the outer Oslofjord, near Færder and Ytre Hvaler National Parks. In these areas, all types of fishing – both recreational and commercial – is prohibited.
Explore saltwater fishing
Go freshwater fishing in Norway
Learn all about skrei — the Arctic cod
Key safety tips
- Think safety at all times. Planning reduces risk.
- Bring necessary equipment. Make sure it is in good condition and easily accessible.
- Respect the sea and the weather. Only go out in a boat when it is safe.
- Know the rules of the sea, and make sure to abide by them.
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Be rested and sober. Never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Be considerate, and remember that safety, the environment, and the wellbeing of everyone is a common responsibility.
Find more safety tips on the Norwegian Maritime Authority’s website.
Water safety
The tail of The Codfather
Unique fishing villages
Visit the most famous, and some more surprising, fishing villages on the Norwegian coast.
Sample delicious Norwegian seafood
Delicious seafood recipes
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.