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!
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 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 why a 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 will apply throughout the Oslofjord. The aim is to protect vulnerable fish stocks, such as cod, and to reduce the problem of lost gear that causes so-called ghost fishing.
From January 1, 2026, three large no-fishing zones will be 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 – will be 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.
Unique fishing villages
Visit the most famous, and some more surprising, fishing villages on the Norwegian coast.
Sample delicious Norwegian seafood
Delicious seafood recipes
Go fishing in Norway
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